Today we’d like to introduce you to Ekaterina Mironova.
Hi Ekaterina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in a small town in Russia, and my early life was far from easy. At 17, I started living on my own and working to support myself, which taught me independence, resilience, and the value of work. I originally pursued a degree in linguistics in the field of Romance-Germanic languages, but deep down, I knew my path lay elsewhere.
After university, I ventured into international relations and procurement, working for a company where I honed my organizational and leadership skills. I gained valuable experience collaborating with partners in China, Europe, and global markets, which gave me a deep understanding of international business practices and cultural nuances. My journey took an unexpected turn when I was invited to join a startup in Silicon Valley to build all processes from the ground up and venture into a completely new, unfamiliar market. This experience was my first introduction to the United States, and it shaped my understanding of the country—not as the place of the “big American dream,” but as a land where hard work always pays off.
Despite being awarded a grant to attend a top MBA business school, I decided to completely shift my focus and pursue a second degree in the U.S., choosing to start fresh and build my career from the ground up. Moving to the United States was a bold step, especially given that I only knew enough English to handle basic tasks. However, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and began a new chapter of growth and self-discovery.
My professional path took another fascinating turn when I co-founded a network of beauty salon specializing in the Russian manicure technique and European beauty services. These salons, which we continue to expand across Los Angeles, have become a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey. We are also considering opportunities to grow into other states, taking our unique approach to beauty services to a wider audience. While running this business, I discovered my passion for customer experience and operations. This experience helped me realize that I didn’t have to choose between pursuing a corporate career or being an entrepreneur—I decided to develop both paths in parallel.
This mindset led me into the corporate world, where I worked my way up to become the Head of CX at a fintech company. Along the way, I achieved the Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) certification and became a contributor to several professional publications, which solidified my knowledge and commitment to the field. Today, I manage cross-functional teams and contribute to building products that simplify people’s lives. At the same time, I’ve supported small businesses in entering the global market, sharing my insights and helping them navigate the challenges of international expansion. This parallel growth—both in the corporate world and as a consultant—has allowed me to bring a unique perspective to every project I take on.
My journey is a testament to the power of believing in possibilities. When someone says, “That’s not possible,” it’s often only a limitation in their own mind. In mine, everything is achievable. Whether it’s launching a business in the competitive U.S. market, earning a leadership promotion just three months into a new role, learning a new language from scratch in record time through consistent effort, or being a multifaceted individual who balances professional growth with personal development—I’ve proven that with hard work, determination, and an open mind, no goal is out of reach.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has shaped me into the person I am today. Starting at 17, when I began living on my own and working to support myself, I had to grow up quickly and learn how to stand on my own two feet. It wasn’t easy balancing work and studies, but it taught me resilience and the value of perseverance.
One of the most significant struggles came when I made the decision to leave everything I knew behind and move to the U.S. It was terrifying to step into a new country with minimal language skills and start from scratch. I remember the feeling of uncertainty, not knowing if I would succeed or how I would adapt. But I took it day by day, pushing myself to improve my language skills, build connections, and take on challenges that seemed impossible at the time.
Another major hurdle was co-founding a business in a competitive market like Los Angeles. Building a business—it was about introducing a niche concept to a new audience. There were moments of doubt, financial challenges, and the pressure to stand out in an oversaturated market. But I believed in the vision, and with consistent effort and a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, we not only survived but thrived.
At the same time, balancing entrepreneurship with a corporate career came with its own set of challenges. I had to learn how to divide my energy between running a business, consulting, and climbing the corporate ladder. It required intense time management and mental discipline, but I discovered that I didn’t have to choose one path—I could pursue both and grow in parallel.
Through it all, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that challenges are temporary, and with hard work, focus, and determination, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Balancing entrepreneurship with my corporate career has been both challenging and rewarding. While Via Venice represents my personal vision for elevating the beauty industry, my work at Vega Technology Corporation gives me the opportunity to impact a much broader audience and create large-scale change. Both paths complement each other, as they allow me to apply my expertise in different ways while continuing to grow professionally.
The name of my business is Via Venice, a growing network of beauty salons in Los Angeles that embodies European quality and exceptional service. We focus on creating an elevated customer experience that redefines beauty services in the local market. Our mission is to address the gap we’ve observed—where many salons prioritize speed over quality—by offering a level of precision, care, and attention to detail that exceeds expectations.
At the same time, I serve as the Head of Customer Experience in a fast-growing technology company focused on creating innovative solutions for industries such as travel, food, shopping, and social platforms. At Vega, I oversee CX strategy, manage cross-functional teams, and contribute to building customer-first products that simplify and enhance people’s lives. This role allows me to explore my passion for customer experience on a corporate scale, bringing structure and vision to a rapidly evolving organization.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For me, risk and growth are deeply intertwined. Taking risks is never easy, but it’s often the only way to move forward and achieve something truly meaningful. I believe that every major step in life involves a degree of uncertainty, and learning to embrace that uncertainty is what allows us to evolve.
Starting my own business and investing my hard-earned savings into it was a significant risk. There are no guarantees when you step into entrepreneurship—success depends on your ability to navigate challenges, make tough decisions, and constantly adapt. But I’ve always believed that calculated risks, fueled by hard work and passion, have the potential to lead to incredible outcomes.
Changing countries was another profound risk. Leaving behind the familiarity of home, stepping into a new culture, and essentially starting over was a decision that came with no promises. But I knew that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones, and taking that leap, no matter how intimidating, was essential for my personal and professional development.
I see risk as a natural part of progress. True development often requires standing at the edge of the unknown, weighing the possibilities, and trusting yourself to take that step forward. It’s about betting on your vision, your values, and your ability to adapt and overcome. While the fear of failure is always present, I’ve learned to focus on the opportunities that risks bring rather than the potential setbacks.
In my experience, risk isn’t about recklessness—it’s about bravery and belief in what you’re capable of achieving. Without taking those leaps, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today. Growth always comes with challenges, but it’s that balance on the edge of risk that makes the rewards so much more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirosha_kate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100021610863200
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterina-mironova-7522b2176
Image Credits
Mironova Ekaterina
