We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Svetlana. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Svetlana below.
Hi Svetlana, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
From a very young age, I knew I was meant to create. Growing up in Russia, I immersed myself in everything artistic—painting, drawing, cooking, and designing. Creativity wasn’t just something I did; it was how I experienced the world. Even then, I sensed that my love for beauty, expression, and transformation would one day shape the course of my life.
The Roots of Purpose
My journey into fashion began not with a plan, but with an instinct—a spiritual and creative pull that never let go. By age 13, I was experimenting with patterns, embroidery, draping, and knitting. At 17, I was designing and sewing all my clothing, discovering how fabric and style could become a personal statement. I fell in love with the process, especially the thrill of shopping for fabrics—something that still fills me with childlike excitement after three decades in the industry.
Earning a graduate degree in Fine Arts and Fashion Design opened even more horizons. I soon realized that fashion was more than just fabric and form—it was about storytelling, emotion, and transformation. Every sketch became a vision brought to life, every design an opportunity to express joy and individuality.
After moving to the United States, I threw myself into the fashion industry with passion and determination. My career became a rich learning experience, where I had the opportunity to explore every aspect of the fashion business—design, sourcing, product development, merchandising, and manufacturing. Working with both large companies and small businesses gave me the foundation to pursue a dream that had long lived in my heart: opening my bridal atelier – Aleana’s Bridal.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The Birth of Aleana’s Bridal
Aleana’s Bridal, located in Paramus, New Jersey, was born out of a desire to offer women something deeply personal: a place where they could express their individuality and celebrate their femininity through a beautifully crafted gown, whether custom-made or thoughtfully customized from our ready-to-wear collections.
In a world dominated by fast fashion and mass production, I chose to keep alive the delicate and meaningful art of couture— curating pieces that celebrate masterful tailoring, artistic embroidery, and thoughtful, intricate embellishments.
What makes Aleana’s Bridal truly unique is not just the craftsmanship, but the connection. My team and I guide every bride through her entire journey—from finding the dress to achieving the perfect fit. Each gown becomes a piece of her story, and each client becomes a part of ours.
Beyond the Boutique
My purpose also lived in the classroom. For over a decade, I had the privilege of teaching as an adjunct instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and LIM College in New York City. Teaching wasn’t just about sharing knowledge—it was always an energizing exchange of inspiration and growth. I found immense joy in guiding future designers and entrepreneurs, helping them uncover their creative voices while continuing to evolve and grow in mine.
The Essence of My Work
For me, design is a spiritual process. I think of myself as a “sketcher of creations”—someone who visualizes ideas, nurtures them, and brings them to life with meaning and intention. I find it very rewarding to empower women through color, silhouette, and detail. I help them step into their confidence, their elegance, and their truest selves.
Every gown is more than a garment—it’s a piece of wearable art, a celebration of the woman who wears it. And in making her feel seen, honored, and beautiful, I find my greatest sense of purpose.
In Closing
My purpose didn’t arrive in a single moment. It unfolded slowly, woven through years of creativity, resilience, and connection. Fashion has always been my medium, but the heart of my journey is about something much deeper: honoring individuality and spreading beauty wherever I can.
Words of Wisdom
To anyone dreaming of a career in fashion—or any creative path—I would say this: don’t be afraid to dream big. Anything is possible. I tell my customers and students all the time: there are no real limitations in this world—only fears that hold us back.
Moving to America 30 years ago with a two-year-old child, no support system, and not a word of English was one of the most challenging yet defining moments of my life. I had to completely start over—navigating a new culture while raising a child and rebuilding my future from the ground up. I went back to college, embraced every opportunity that came my way, and worked tirelessly to carve a path forward. Along the way, I was fortunate to meet incredible people who believed in me and helped shape both my journey and my spirit. I could never have imagined that one day I’d be living my dream— helping women on one of the most meaningful days of their lives and inspiring the next generation of designers to follow their passion with courage and resilience.
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?
What kept me going was my passion – a hunger to learn, grow, and keep creating. I continue to find inspiration in my clients and students, and I know that as long as I hold onto that passion, I will never stop creating. What could be more fulfilling than spreading beauty and helping others get one step closer to their own dreams?
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values the artistry, emotion, and individuality behind what they wear, especially on one of the most important days of their life. She’s not necessarily looking for a trend; she’s looking for something that feels like her. She appreciates quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and the unique story behind a garment.
Whether she’s drawn to a custom creation or wants to personalize a ready-to-wear gown, the ideal client comes with an open heart and a collaborative spirit. She trusts the creative process, embraces her uniqueness, and wants her dress to be a reflection of who she truly is.
Above all, she’s someone who sees her gown as more than just a dress—it’s a piece of art and a symbol of a beautiful new chapter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aleanasbridal.com
- Instagram: aleanas_bridal
- Other: Pinterest: aleanasbridal
The Knot and Weddingwire: Aleana’s Bridal
Image Credits
Zorz studios
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