From Russia to Seattle
Vian Studios' continuing series of blogs featuring inspiring individuals has led me to interview Yulia Suleymanova, a native of Russia who came to the U.S. as a young adult, and now has over 18 years of experience in business, leadership, arts, teaching, and more. All photos used in this post are from Yulia’s Instagram and her website can be found here: https://suleygroup.com/index.php/suley-university
You have quite an impressive resume! When did you move to the United States from Russia and why?
I have always known that I have big dreams. I have always been different. I was born in a remote seaport city in the Far East of Russia. Conformity was at the center of what life is about in a such place. As a naturally free spirit, I had my own vision for what my life is going to be like. My family supported my decision to find my own way in life no matter what it is going to be, and it gave me the courage to decide to immigrate to a foreign country and pursue my innate desire to create my own version of life. And I did so when I immigrated to the United States about 17 years ago.
What was your first job in the United States?
I was teaching courses on Communication and Career Development at a community college. Teaching is my natural trait and my first Master’s Degree is in Education.
You have taught at Seattle Central and the Art Institute of Seattle. What has been your favorite part about being a Professor?
I have never stopped teaching. In addition to my Master Degree in Education, I completed a Master Degree in Science and Management. It gave me an opportunity to teach bachelor level courses in business, marketing, and branding at the Art Institute of Seattle and Seattle Central College. The best part of being a professor is to know that I am changing students’ lives and sharing knowledge with them so that they can transform and improve their own.
How did you get involved with being a Pageant Coach and Judge at Miss Africa Washington State Pageant?
I have been working in the fashion industry for the last 10 years, which allowed me to connect and network with so many amazing professionals from the fashion, beauty, and pageant worlds. Besides I have been producing my own Suley en Vogue Nights events, where I collaborated with so many incredible and talented individuals. I have been asked to share my expertise and knowledge on fashion and beauty, and mentor contestants to achieve their goals and dreams through motivational and inspirational platforms like Africa Washington State Pageant and others.
Since March, have lockdowns/work from home affected or changed your work in any way?
Since all my work is conducted in an online mode, lockdowns haven’t affected my workflow. There is a very positive aspect of staying at home and not driving in traffic to work every day. I have an opportunity to stay focused and see what matters for me the most. Besides teaching and community activities, I have been working on my own startup Suley Group (https://suleygroup.com/) for the last 5 years. I am super excited to launch one of our first milestones. With our team, we are developing an innovative online platform that will cover all aspects of human lives. It will change the way we connect and provide tools to learn, grow, and achieve your goals and dreams in ways that have not been done before.
What advice would you give to recent college graduates who have been unable to find work in their field of choice due to Covid?
I would recommend to network through available social media channels and find like-minded people to talk to. You may want to conduct informational interviews to learn more about the industry that you think you would want to work for. Reach out to groups and communities that share similar inspirations and goals to yours, so that you can explore new opportunities since the world is changing rapidly and you may want to seek those jobs that are in the making and take advantage of it.
Follow Yulia Here:
Yulia’s Website: https://suleygroup.com/index.php/suley-university
Yulia’s SULÉY TV: https://youtu.be/MUrWwAzXlYw
Yulia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuliyasuley/?hl=en
