Meet Anna Paltseva

We were lucky to catch up with Anna Paltseva recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anna, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Growing up in Russia, I had an early start in building my confidence—reciting poems in front of family and friends as a child, later stepping into school concerts, theatrical performances, and eventually science conferences and competitions. In high school, I took on the role of hosting school events and even hosted on our school TV, which was both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking! Competing in state and national science competitions also gave me incredible training in public speaking and taught me to overcome the fear of addressing a crowd.

When I started teaching as a Ph.D. student at Brooklyn College, I was a foreigner with a noticeable accent, often the same age as my students. I found that dressing professionally—especially wearing high heels—helped me feel more confident and authoritative, creating a strong presence that both I and my students could feel. Over time, simply being a foreigner in a new place, facing day-to-day challenges, has built my resilience and self-esteem. Even on days I don’t feel confident, I know how to carry myself to appear confident, which is sometimes just as powerful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Professionally, I wear several hats as an urban soil scientist, professor, and founder of House of Soil. My work and brand aim to bridge the worlds of science, sustainability, and fashion, creating a space where eco-conscious living meets elegance. As a scientist, I’ve spent years researching urban soils—exploring how soil contamination impacts public health and urban agriculture, helping communities understand the soils they live and grow on. Through House of Soil, I bring these insights into a more relatable realm, inviting people to see soil not just as a resource but as a foundation for sustainability, style, and even personal values.

What’s unique about House of Soil is its approach to sustainability. I want people to see sustainability as something refined and intentional—a reflection of our manners toward the earth. We emphasize how soil health underpins every facet of eco-fashion, from responsibly sourced fibers to conscious consumer habits. My goal is to educate both consumers and brands, making sustainability a lived experience, not just a concept. In my brand, elegance and environmental responsibility aren’t opposites—they’re intertwined.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand House of Soil through consulting projects with fashion brands, educational resources, and speaking engagements that demystify soil science and connect it to everyday choices. My mission is to make science approachable and stylish, to show people that caring for the planet is a mark of sophistication and respect, and ultimately, to help foster a legacy of sustainability that’s as inspiring as it is impactful.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three key areas have shaped my journey: a defined personal brand, effective communication, and deep expertise.

1. Personal Brand
My personal brand—rooted in my accent, bright attire, and signature heels—creates a memorable presence that resonates. These choices aren’t just style; they reflect confidence and help me stand out. For anyone starting out, identify what makes you unique and let it shine consistently. A strong, authentic brand becomes your calling card.

2. Effective Communication
Effective communication has been invaluable, not just in talks but in staying connected. I regularly share annual updates with my network to keep my community engaged in my work and growth. For those building their careers, communication that’s clear, engaging, and consistent builds trust and opens doors. Practice sharing your work thoughtfully to cultivate valuable connections.

3. Deep Expertise and Diverse Network
In-depth expertise in urban soil science has given my work credibility, but expanding my network has enriched it. By collaborating across industries and countries, I gain fresh perspectives that deepen my approach to sustainability and soil science. For newcomers, I’d recommend seeking collaborations beyond your field. These broaden your view and strengthen your contributions.

In short, a unique personal brand, intentional communication, and ongoing learning are key to a meaningful, impactful career.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I’m actively looking to partner with individuals and organizations who share a passion for sustainability, innovative education, and bridging science with real-world impact. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

Fashion brands seeking to incorporate soil science into their sustainability strategies—working together to create science-backed, eco-conscious practices.
Environmental organizations dedicated to urban soil health, community engagement, and environmental education, where we can amplify our collective impact.
Academics and researchers across soil science, fashion, and psychology, to build interdisciplinary insights that deepen public understanding of soil’s role in urban health and sustainable choices.
I’m also eager to work with content creators, media professionals, and event organizers who aim to make sustainability accessible and inspiring to broader audiences. If you’re interested, you can connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via my website www.houseofsoil.com, where you’ll also find details on my latest projects. Let’s create something impactful together, rooted in science and shaped by creativity

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