Inspiring Conversations with Oksana Tsvigun of OT Growth Labs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oksana Tsvigun.

Hi Oksana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t my plan — it became my way to grow.
I spent nearly two decades in global e-commerce, holding leadership roles at companies like L’Oréal, Lamoda (where I was CEO of Ukraine’s largest online fashion retailer), and Pandora Jewelry, scaling digital businesses across Europe and Latin America.
When the war in Ukraine began in 2022 (I am Ukrainian), I found myself stranded in Panama with no network, no Spanish, and no clear plan. Within two months, I became Director of E-commerce for Pandora Latin America. That period taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: you can rebuild anywhere if you’re willing to adapt, learn, and act.
Later, I moved to Los Angeles — with no safety net and no guarantees — determined to build something of my own. I co-created Pawgress, a premium U.S.-made pet supplement brand, learning firsthand what it takes to launch a product from zero in the most competitive market in the world. That experience inspired me to start OT Growth Labs, my consultancy that helps founders adapt, launch, and scale brands for the U.S. market.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every stage came with challenges. In Panama, I had to build a career from scratch without speaking the language and without a professional network. In the U.S., my past titles and achievements didn’t matter — the only thing that counted was what I could deliver here and now. The first 8 months in the US were the toughest in my life.
There were months of doubt, rejection, and even personal crises. But I learned that risk and reinvention are part of growth. I discovered that resilience is not about “toughing it out,” but about being agile, listening, and finding the courage to start over when needed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about OT Growth Labs ?
OT Growth Labs is my boutique consultancy where I help founders and international entrepreneurs successfully bring their products to the U.S. market.

What sets us apart is simple: I combine global perspective with hands-on experience. I’ve lived and worked across Europe, Latin America, the Pacific, and now the U.S., and I know how consumers and business owners think differently in each region. I don’t just give advice — I’ve been in the trenches myself. With Pawgress, for example, I co-created the brand from scratch: formulas, U.S. manufacturing, compliance, branding, packaging, and finally launching on Amazon. That gives me a 360° understanding of what it takes to succeed here.
I’m most proud of the kind of brands I choose to work with — authentic, transparent, and impactful. I don’t want to build “just another product.” I want to help create brands that truly serve people, improve lives, and stand for something real.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways:
1) Founders: If you’re an entrepreneur looking to bring your product to the U.S., I help with market entry, brand positioning, compliance, and growth strategy.
2) Investors & accelerators: I partner with those who want to ensure the brands they back succeed in America.
3) Collaborators: I love connecting with scientists, nutritionists, and creatives who share my passion for building meaningful, honest brands.
And of course, simply sharing my story or introducing me to founders who need support is a way to help. My mission is to make sure more good ideas don’t fail in translation when they reach the U.S. market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://otgrowthlabs.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-tsvigun/

Image Credits
Lyuba Lukashenko