Meet Samira: World Champion Rhythmic Gymnast

Today we have a STAR ATHLETE sharing her personal journey on Livlyhood, and I am so thrilled to be featuring her!!! How bada*** is this girl?! Samira has a great outlook on life and as an entrepreneur! So excited to be sharing her today.

Tell us a little about yourself and your career

I’m Samira Mustafaeva, world champion and Master of Sports in rhythmic gymnastics, influencer and owner of the stretching studio chain SM Stretching. I have chosen this sphere of career because I love the competitive spirit and want to make women think that sports are not a difficult activity. It helps me stay healthy, natural and attractive.

How does your community of women you surround yourself with support you?

I have a team of experts working in my stretching studios. We like creative and individual approach to every client. Each woman (either worker or client) becomes the essential part of our bigger team. Also, I have a few loyal friends which help me believe in myself and cope with difficulties.

What barriers have you had to overcome as entrepreneurs in Russia?

Every modern woman should understand and comply with business etiquette because it is necessary to collaborate with international partners. It also helps create a wider audience in different countries. If you understand etiquette you become a part of multinational and multicultural community. And appreciation of cultures makes international clients and partners admire your sports and career achievements.

What do you wish you could go back and tell your younger self re: your career aspirations? 

If I met myself at a younger age, I would say not to be afraid. I started in a small studio which almost didn’t have a dressing room. And I had a fear that I could not make my business grow and people come. But when I believed in myself, my work began to inspire people and find support. And now I have four studios at the centre of Moscow.

What is your career-related mantra? 

When I work I try to not get tired too much because normal life and health are very important. So, I can do my best only if I have a balance between my job and personal life. Also, the great leader should inspire his staff and to be excited about its success. And having no fear means doing good work that helps a lot of people develop.