We were lucky to catch up with Anastasia Machekhina recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As a child, I discovered my passion for creativity through sewing and stitching. With meticulous attention to detail, I would create unique and impeccable designs, always striving for perfection. This love for quality and craftsmanship extended to my Barbie dolls, where I would meticulously dress them in stunning outfits. The Barbie world became an exciting realm of beauty and elegance, where beautiful dolls adorned in exquisite attire captured my imagination.

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

After 10+ years of being an international fashion model, I transitioned into fashion design following my childhood dream. My journey in the world of modeling began when I was just 18 years old, when I got invited to come to a local agency which led me to embark on my modeling career in Perm. From there, I made my way to Moscow, spending a year or two before venturing into international contracts with esteemed agencies in Beijing and Milan. Eventually, I found myself signing a contract in Miami, only to follow my dreams to the vibrant fashion hub of New York City.

New York had always held a special place in my heart, with its boundless opportunities and unique energy. Sadly, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic changed the dynamics of the city, leading me to make the move to Palm Beach. During this time, I started creating face masks using my sewing skills, utilizing the available resources of a sewing machine, cotton, and a desire to contribute to the community. What began as a humble initiative to assist hospitals and people in need soon blossomed into a small business, selling them at prestigious locations such as Aventura Mall in Miami, Columbus Circle in New York, and Flying Solo in NYC.

While I had initially envisioned mass production, my passion lied in designing handbags. So, I decided to embark on a new chapter, launching my handbag collection, which will be proudly made in Milan, Italy. Each handbag will bear the artistry of cross-stitching by hand on the front, showcasing the same level of attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship that has defined my journey so far.

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

Resilience has been my guiding force throughout my journey in the challenging world of modeling. With each setback, I have learned to persevere and emerge stronger, cherishing the moments when a resounding “yes” comes my way.

Transitioning into the business world brought new hurdles, but I approach them with excitement and determination. The pursuit of a high-quality manufacturer for our luxury handbag collection took years of networking and unwavering commitment. Through perseverance, we connected with artisans who share our vision, exemplifying the power of resilience in achieving excellence.

I refuse to compromise on quality in a world dominated by fast fashion. Meticulous attention to detail drives all my creative endeavors, delivering exceptional products that embody the true essence of luxury.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

With a background in civil engineering and accounting, my passion for both the fashion industry and real estate led me to explore both avenues. Obtaining a real estate license in New York City, I began my career with Bond NYC and later moved to Re/Max. However, I soon realized that being a real estate agent wasn’t fulfilling for me. The constant running around the city, showing different apartments with no fruitful outcomes, left me seeking something more. It became clear that my true calling resided in the world of fashion. Without hesitation, I made the decision to pursue my passion for fashion. Nevertheless, I still maintain a presence in real estate as an investor, which brings me immense joy as it offers a different and exciting perspective, free from the confines of constant mobility.

Contact Info:

• Website: Anastasiamache.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/amachekhina_?s=11&t=T_m_z2ce5yD6mVbC8gYQLQ
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amachekhina?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/anastasiamache/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-machekhina-041108190
• Twitter: AnastasiaMach11

Image Credits
Dina Zhulii Instagram: https://instagram.com/dinazhulii?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=