We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Svetlana Pustova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Svetlana below.
Hi Svetlana, thanks for joining us today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. ther times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.
When I first launched my YouTube channel, it was an exhilarating experience. The growth was incredible, and every piece of content seemed to resonate with my audience. However, as with everything that rises, there came a point where the growth plateaued and then started to decline. I found myself obsessively checking my numbers, and each time they didn’t meet my expectations, it felt like a personal blow. It was emotionally draining, and I often felt disheartened.
I realized I needed to establish boundaries to protect my mental well-being, so I decided to check my analytics only on weekdays and not on weekends. This boundary helped me detach from constant self-comparison. However, when I decided to pivot the topic of my content, hoping to reignite growth, it backfired. My numbers plummeted, and I felt lost, spending six months creating content that didn’t resonate with me or my audience.
The effort, numbers, and comparison began to consume me. I experienced burnout and was plagued by imposter syndrome, feeling disconnected from my true self. At this point, I knew I had to take a step back and reassess my approach.
Two years later, I decided to try something new: short-form videos across all platforms, posting daily. It was a bold move, and I committed to giving it three months. If it worked, great—if not, I’d move on. To my delight, it worked! My channels experienced explosive growth, like a comet streaking across the sky. However, with increased attention came heightened expectations, and soon my numbers began to wane again.
Navigating the algorithm is a constant challenge, but I learned an important lesson: my worth and talent aren’t defined by numbers. Now, I focus on content that I genuinely enjoy creating, while actively listening to my community. I receive numerous messages with video requests, and some of my best videos are inspired by my audience. I welcome those who want to support, inspire, and grow with me.
Para mi comunidad hispanohablante, quiero decirles que los fracasos son parte del viaje hacia el éxito. Cada caída nos enseña y nos fortalece. No se trata de cuántas veces caemos, sino de cuántas veces nos levantamos con más fuerza. Sigamos adelante con pasión y perseverancia, escuchando a nuestra comunidad y siendo fieles a nosotros mismos. Juntos, podemos crear un espacio donde todos se sientan inspirados y vistos.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me and My Journey
I’m Svetlana, a Russian actress and content creator living in Mexico City for the past 20 years. I have always been passionate about storytelling, which led me to pursue degrees in Acting from CEA (Televisa) and Corporate Communications from Universidad Anáhuac. My journey into the world of digital content creation began two years ago when I decided to share my unique bicultural experience as a Russian living in Mexico. This decision marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life.
My Craft and Creative Works
My content is a reflection of my life’s journey, filled with humor, cultural insights, and a touch of technology. I create short-form videos that explore the fascinating blend of Russian and Mexican cultures, occasionally teaching Russian, and sharing funny moments with my Mexican husband. Additionally, I delve into the world of technology, discussing brands like Samsung, MG, BYD, and Volvo from a lifestyle perspective rather than a technical one. My aim is to connect with my audience through relatable and entertaining content that resonates with their daily lives.
The Problems I Solve and What Sets Me Apart
In a world filled with stereotypes and cultural misunderstandings, I strive to bridge gaps by highlighting the beauty and complexity of cultural diversity. My content addresses the curiosity people have about Russian culture and the experience of living in a foreign country. What sets me apart is my genuine approach to storytelling, which is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. I offer a unique perspective that combines humor, education, and authenticity, allowing my audience to feel seen and inspired.
Proud Moments and What I Want My Audience to Know
One of my proudest moments was when I realized the impact my content had on people from different walks of life. Hearing from viewers who felt inspired or connected through my videos motivates me to keep pushing boundaries. I want my community to know that my content is not just about entertainment; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
My Brand and Future Goals
My brand is all about inspiring creativity and building a community where everyone feels welcome. I am committed to listening to my audience and evolving alongside them. Moving forward, I aim to expand my content reach across various platforms, continue exploring new themes, and maintain a strong connection with my audience. My ultimate goal is to create a space where people can learn, laugh, and feel inspired together.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and my passion for storytelling. I am excited to continue this adventure with my incredible community by my side.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Several books have significantly influenced my approach to content creation and community building: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, “A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life” by Brian Grazer, and Austin Kleon’s trilogy.
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
This classic taught me the power of empathy and effective communication, essential for building genuine connections with my audience. It inspired me to create an environment where my community feels valued and understood.
“A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life” by Brian Grazer
Grazer’s focus on curiosity as a catalyst for creativity encourages me to explore new ideas and embrace diverse perspectives. This mindset keeps my content fresh and pushes me to approach challenges as opportunities for growth.
Austin Kleon’s Trilogy
Kleon’s books—”Steal Like an Artist,” “Show Your Work!” and “Keep Going”—have shaped my creative philosophy by emphasizing the importance of sharing my journey openly and persistently pursuing my creative vision.
Together, these resources remind me to prioritize relationships, stay curious, and share my creative process. They enhance my content and strengthen my connection with my audience, fostering a community built on curiosity, creativity, and genuine engagement.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to prove to myself that I can achieve my dreams and make my family proud. Growing up with divorced parents, I felt a strong desire to show my father, who lived in Russia while I was in Mexico, what I could accomplish.
Every acting project I took on and every appearance on TV was a step toward proving not only to myself but also to him that I was following my passion and making something of myself. I wanted him to look at my achievements and feel proud of the daughter he raised. Sadly, he passed away before he could see all that I’ve accomplished. However, I believe he can see my achievements from heaven, and that thought gives me comfort and motivation.
Beyond personal fulfillment, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the impact I can have on others. Sharing my experiences and connecting with my audience through my art allows me to inspire and uplift people from diverse backgrounds. It’s a powerful reminder that creativity has the ability to transcend borders and bring people together. This connection with my audience, coupled with the drive to honor my father’s memory, is what fuels my passion and commitment to my craft.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svetlanapustova/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svetlanapustovaof/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlana-pustova-88391067/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/svetlanapustova
- Other: Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@svetlanapustova?lang=es
