We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Larisa Vainberg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Larisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Growing up in the USSR, many children, including myself, were raised with a set of shared values that shaped us into who we are today. Respect for the elderly, politeness, hard work, putting others first, and the importance of education were all core principles instilled in us. My parents were no exception—they gave me these values, and I am deeply grateful for how they shaped my character.

I remember my childhood with so much warmth and happiness. We lived in a city with over a million people, where, at times, basic groceries were hard to come by. Yet, despite these challenges, my parents never let me or my brother feel like we were struggling. They worked tirelessly, and through their actions, they made sure that we always had what we needed, whether it was food, clothes, or love.

What stands out the most to me now, when I look back, is that I only have great memories. We had a close-knit family that made sure we felt safe, loved, and supported. We were always surrounded by amazing friends, many of whom my parents are still in touch with, even though we now live on different continents.

My parents made sure that we understood the importance of thinking about others first and always being kind, even in tough times. They showed us that the value of hard work isn’t just in what you achieve for yourself, but in how you can help others along the way. Education was also a priority for them—they encouraged both me and my brother to work hard in school, knowing that knowledge would open doors for us in life.

Even though we faced struggles like shortages in stores or the hardships that many families in the USSR dealt with, I never felt deprived. My parents created a happy and secure environment, full of love and laughter, which allowed us to thrive even in a difficult time.

As I reflect on my upbringing, I realize that my parents gave me something invaluable—a sense of gratitude, resilience, and the belief that happiness doesn’t come from material wealth, but from the love of family, friendships, and the values you carry with you. These are the things that I will continue to carry with me for the rest of my life, and I am deeply thankful for the role my parents played in shaping me into who I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Larisa, a designer based in the Bay Area, originally raised in Russia, where my journey began. I spent 11 years teaching French in Israel and 2 years in the USA, sharing my love for language and culture. For the past 17 years, I have been working full-time in a nonprofit organization, dedicating my efforts to meaningful work. However, creativity has always been a part of me, even when I wasn’t sure how to express it. Through my brand, Micado.bag, I have found my artistic voice, crafting handmade beaded purses, jewelry, and accessories that embody elegance and individuality. My biggest inspiration comes from the love and support of my amazing husband, two beautiful daughters, a dog, a cat, my loyal friends, my supportive parents, and my brother. Their encouragement fuels my passion and motivates me .
The name ‘Micado’ was inspired by the French word ‘cadeau,’ which means ‘gift.’ I chose this name to represent ‘my gift to someone special,’ with a slightly different spelling and pronunciation, reflecting the uniqueness and thoughtfulness behind each handmade piece I create.
You can find my handmade jewelry and purses at Jarilyn Jewelry & Fine Arts, located in the beautiful city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and at Ankor Store at the OFJCC (Palo Alto JCC).

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the process itself—the journey of bringing an idea to life, not always knowing exactly how the final piece will turn out, but trusting my intuition and craftsmanship along the way. Every purse I create is a unique expression of creativity, and the excitement comes from watching it take shape, bead by bead. But the greatest reward is the reaction of my customers—their “Wow, it’s beautiful!”, the curiosity in their voices when they ask, “How long did it take you?”, and then another “Oh wow!” when they truly take in the intricate details. Their appreciation makes all the effort worth it.

What’s most fascinating is that even though I never fully know what the finished purse will look like, in my mind, I always have a sense of who it is meant for—the person whose style, elegance, or energy aligns with that piece. Art has a way of finding its rightful owner, and witnessing that connection is incredibly fulfilling. Creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s about evoking emotion, creating something meaningful, and leaving a lasting impression. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

For me, resilience isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s a daily practice, a commitment to both what needs to be done and what I want to do. First and foremost, I am a wife, mother, and daughter, and my responsibilities to my family always come first. My full-time job takes priority over my business and creative passions, so managing time effectively is essential. I believe that time management and setting clear priorities are key to staying resilient, but learning how to wisely distribute time is an ongoing process—one that takes patience and self-discipline.

Beyond my creative work, I also have another passion—dancing. It requires dedication, extra time, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, but it’s something that brings me joy and balance. Resilience, to me, is not just about pushing through difficulties but about showing up every day, managing responsibilities, and making time for what truly matters. It’s about finding the right balance between work, family, creativity, and personal well-being.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micado.bag/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Micado.bag/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MicadoBag

Image Credits

Olga Denisova