Meet Simply Vika

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Simply Vika. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Simply Vika, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I don’t waste my energy on haters because I know where it comes from. People who are genuinely successful and fulfilled don’t spend their time bringing others down—they’re too busy building their own lives. The ones who troll and hate are usually the ones who have nothing going on for themselves, so they project that negativity onto others. At the end of the day, their words say more about them than they do about me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a multilingual artist, author, and entrepreneur based in NYC. My work blends conscious rap, melodic storytelling, and poetry, with a strong focus on raw emotions and real-life experiences. I create in English, Russian, and Hebrew, pulling from my multicultural background to connect with people on different levels.

One of the most exciting parts of what I do is breaking genre rules—I don’t box myself in. My latest single, Enigma, released in January 2025, is a testament to this. The track features a captivating blend of English and Russian lyrics, delivered with my characteristic confidence over an invigorating, cinematic soundscape that blends pop and dance elements. Enigma is about being undefined and not fitting into any boxes; during the song, I compare different stereotypes and make a point to say I don’t fit into them and I’m here to change the so-called ‘norm.’ It’s a message of empowerment and individuality, a call to embrace uniqueness and challenge expectations.

Beyond music, I recently published Pretty (&) Alone, a poetry book that’s resonating with people who never thought they liked poetry. It’s a mix of unconventional poetry and travel photography, featuring snapshots of my journey through places like Israel, South America, Europe, Georgia, and The United States.

Currently, I’m working on my upcoming project, Diaries, which is in the works and will continue to push creative boundaries by mixing rap, R&B, and personal storytelling. I also host a radio show called Let’s Talk New York, where I bring in diverse voices to discuss creativity, culture, and personal growth. Looking ahead, I’m planning an exhibit for Body Image Through Color, a visual art project that blends photography with my artistic identity.

At the core of everything I do is self-expression, empowerment, and breaking barriers—whether it’s through music, words, or visuals. If my work makes someone feel seen or inspired to embrace their own creative voice, then I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key things have been crucial in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness.

Resilience – The ability to keep going despite setbacks, doubts, and external noise is everything. The music industry, like any creative field, is full of rejection, criticism, and challenges. I’ve had moments where I questioned everything, but resilience kept me moving forward. My advice? Build your mental toughness. Learn to separate constructive criticism from negativity, and remind yourself why you started in the first place.

Adaptability – The industry and audience tastes are constantly changing, and being able to evolve while staying true to yourself is key. I started out thinking I had to fit into one genre, but once I embraced my unique blend of sounds and influences, things started clicking. For those starting out—be open to experimenting. Learn new skills, explore different creative approaches, and never stop growing.

Self-awareness – Knowing who you are as an artist and as a person is powerful. When you’re clear on your message, your values, and what makes you unique, it reflects in everything you do. I used to try to mold myself to fit expectations, but the moment I fully embraced my own style, language, and vision, my art became more authentic and impactful. My advice? Take time to reflect. Journal, create vision boards, and ask yourself—what do you want to say to the world? What makes you different? Lean into that.

At the end of the day, success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out by being fully yourself. Keep learning, keep pushing, and most importantly, keep creating.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is self-love and acceptance. As an artist, I put so much of myself into my work—my thoughts, emotions, and experiences are all out there for people to see, hear, and judge. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking external validation or being too hard on myself when things don’t go as planned. I’m learning that self-love isn’t about being perfect; it’s about embracing who I am, flaws and all, and showing myself the same kindness I’d give to others. Some days are easier than others, but I remind myself that growth isn’t linear.

A big part of this journey for me is meditation and manifestation. Meditation helps me quiet the noise, reconnect with myself, and find balance, while manifestation allows me to focus on the version of myself I’m working towards. It’s about rewiring my mindset, shifting my energy, and believing in my own worth before waiting for the world to validate it. It’s a process, but every step forward—no matter how small—is a step toward a stronger, more grounded version of myself.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@simplyvvika

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