We recently had the chance to connect with Oraestia Shestov and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Oraestia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first hour and a half of my day is invariably the most exciting. I typically rool out of bed at about 11:30 AM, splash a little cold water across my face and walk down the block to Enculer, my local Belgian boulangerie. I always order the same thing: a double espresso and a pain au chocolat. I take my time, scrolling my Instagram while having my breakfast. I do my best thinking there. I get back home at about 12:45 and take a really hot shower while listening to one of my regular podcasts.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My given name is Christina Berko-Slivovitz. The day I turned 18 I changed my name to Orestia Berko-Slivovitz, knowing that one’s name always turns into one’s destiny. When I married Dr. Eugene Shestov and took his last name, my fate was sealed. An Orestia Shestov had no choice but to become an art historian.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was about six or seven and my name was still Christina, I realized that if I learned to skateboard I could hang out with older, tougher children. It was really eye-opening to see how something so stupid could yield such force and social capital. Ever since that moment I have privileged the cultivation of superficial virtues over everything else. That’s why I’m such an effective networker.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’ve been up and I’ve been down and let me tell you something, I don’t like to suffer. Being at a disadvantage has taught me to always seek advantage no matter the cost. As my husband always says, “it’s better the be a leopard than to be lunch.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I know, in my heart of hearts, that my sins will be exculpated.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
That’s easy. I would stop using gummies to help me fall asleep
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orestiashestov.blogspot.com/2014/
- Twitter: @OrestiaShestov
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/4SzzkxlHS4Q?si=lP2KsfW321mrY87h
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dahliadanton
Image Credits
Currado Malaspina
