Daily Inspiration: Meet Kseniya Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kseniya Wilson.

Hi Kseniya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It won’t be that easy to put my story into a few words, but I’ll do my best. I moved to NYC almost 10 years ago from Russia with big dreams and lots of ambitions, like many others who come here for the same (I guess). We’re all just trying to make it here, right?!
It wasn’t an easy journey, with lots of ups and downs. To say the least, I almost got fired from my job two weeks after I arrived. I knew zero people in this huge city, not to mention having no family around. But I had this feeling inside: “I’m in my place.”
I’ve always loved to travel and explorer by nature. Actually, I thought moving to New York would make me travel less. You can ask 22-year-old Kseniya why she thought this. At first, I was trying to convince myself that the city, new people, art galleries, etc. would be enough, and it lasted for some time.
The truth is, I was the one stopping myself. Finally, around 2023, I realized that enough was enough and that I better start moving. Even my mom told me, “When you don’t travel, you start to act like you’re lost.” This is where it all began — or maybe not all of it, but the travel part for sure. That was the moment I decided for myself: “You have one life to live, with so many dreams. So if you see an opportunity, why not take it?”.
Many things have changed since then. I got the job I could only dream of when I first moved here, started sharing more about travel on social media (as my friends would comment, “Finally!”), and met so many people around the world who will stay in my heart forever.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think there’s a person who left it all behind or blindly followed their heart, dream, or vision and had a smooth road. I definitely didn’t. I had a few things on my way that seemed so big back then, but looking back now, I’m actually happy I went through those life lessons.
One of the moments I still remember was when I had to live on $100 for a week. That was basically all I had for essentials — transportation, food, and everything else I needed. It wasn’t a challenge I planned for myself; it was real life. I didn’t want to tell my family, so I just decided to make it a challenge: “Okay, you have $100 for a week. Figure it out.” And somehow, I did.
Of course, there were plenty of good moments and happy times along the way too. I think we just tend to forget about them when there are so many things happening around you and you’re constantly moving on to the next thing.
Looking back, moments like that taught me much more than I realized at the time. They taught me how to stay calm when things don’t go according to plan, how to figure things out on my own, and that sometimes what feels like a huge problem in the moment eventually becomes just another story you tell.
Until today, whenever I meet someone who has just moved to NYC, I always ask, “How has NY been treating you?” And I think the only reason I ask this is because my first few years were pretty eventful, to say the least.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently working for a fashion brand, which was honestly a dream ever since I watched “The Devil Wears Prada” movie as a teenager. The industry has changed quite a bit since then, and I feel very lucky to be where I am today.
At the same time, I’m a beginner interior designer with lots of passion and even more to learn. I love meeting different people and helping them find affordable and simple ways to make their homes feel more like them. I’m still at the beginning of this journey, so let’s see where this dream takes me!
And, of course, we can’t forget travel. Travel is like fresh air for me and the way I keep my balance while living in NYC (because it can drive you crazy pretty often). So I keep doing it, sharing it on social media, and trying to be the best example for myself.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m genuinely curious about different worlds and don’t really want to put myself into just one box. I’m proud that I’ve allowed myself to keep exploring — whether it’s fashion, interiors, travel, or simply meeting people and hearing their stories. I’m still figuring out where all of these things will take me, but I think that’s also the fun part.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m a pretty social person, which usually makes people think that I’m always out and about — and honestly, I am! However, I also really enjoy spending time alone and need it to recharge.
NYC actually taught me how to be comfortable with my own company. I can very easily go for a walk by myself, explore a new neighborhood or place, grab a coffee, and just wander around — pretty often without even having music in my earphones. I think there’s something really nice about being able to enjoy your own company, especially in a city that is constantly so loud and busy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksusi_sushi?stkn=eHRhamptY3psM2Ex
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kseniya-wilson-462471176?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios