Meet Lana Antonova of VENICE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Antonova.

Hi Lana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been passionate about creating, connecting, and building something from the ground up, but my path into this world really began with my late husband, Christopher Kennedy Lawford. At the time, he had no idea he could write or speak publicly about his experiences. I saw something in him that he didn’t yet see in himself, the ability to inspire people through his story. I developed his brand from the ground up, positioning him as a thought leader and voice in the recovery community. From shaping his first book concept to building his public image and managing his speaking career, I created the strategy and vision that would ultimately define his path.

That experience was my real turning point. Watching his books become bestsellers and seeing audiences connect with his message showed me how powerful it can be when you combine purpose, creativity, and strategy. It became my case study, proof that if you can recognize potential and build a strong foundation around it, you can turn an idea into something extraordinary.

That’s what led me to start Webvixxen Design. I realized that the same process I used to transform one person’s story could be applied to any brand, product, or entrepreneur with a message worth sharing. Today, I use that same intuition and structure to help others bring their visions to life in authentic, lasting ways.

Looking back, it has been a journey filled with hard work, persistence, and faith in what I do. Every experience, even the difficult ones, shaped the way I approach my work. And I still wake up every day driven by the same purpose: to see potential where others might not and to help bring it to life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There have been challenges, some within the business, others completely beyond my control. Projects have fallen through, people have disappointed me, and markets have shifted overnight. One of the greatest challenges has been leading as a woman in a space that’s still catching up in terms of gender balance. I’ve often had to prove myself repeatedly, working twice as hard to be taken seriously or to have my ideas recognized. But those experiences have shaped me. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of knowing my worth, even when others don’t see it right away.

There have been days I wanted to give up. Days when I questioned whether all the effort and late nights were worth it. But what kept me going was remembering why I started. You have to have a purpose. You have to love what you do enough to push through the moments that test you. At the end of the day, or when you wake up in the morning, you should feel inspired by what you are building. If you do not love what you do, you should not be doing it.

What has carried me through is staying the course. Even when things felt uncertain, I kept moving forward and trusted that consistency would pay off. Every obstacle has shaped me into someone stronger, more resilient, and more determined to keep creating something meaningful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I run Webvixxen Design, a full-service creative and digital agency. My journey began with just me, but over the years it has evolved into a collaborative effort with an incredible team of creatives and partners. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Lanvin, Gucci, Nike, Cartier, Prada, and L’Oréal, as well as visionary clients who inspire me just as much. From collaborating with renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Champagne, whose artistry and precision redefine modern aesthetics, to author Brandon Hultman, whose upcoming book shares a powerful story of recovery and purpose, to my recent partnership with SEON, a Korean skincare destination brand rooted in authenticity and innovation, I’m proud to work with people and brands who are shaping culture in their own unique ways.

What sets us apart is how we see a brand as a whole. We don’t separate design, marketing, and strategy into parts because they all serve one story. My background in entertainment taught me that presentation only holds value when it reflects something genuine, and that philosophy continues to guide our work today.

What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built. Many of our clients stay with us for years and treat us as part of their own team. That loyalty is the greatest measure of success and the reason we keep raising the bar with every project.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up surrounded by creativity. My father was a music conductor who played every woodwind instrument, and my mother was a violinist who also directed operetta. Our home was always filled with music, literature, and creative people, and I think that shaped me more than anything else. From an early age, I was drawing, writing little stories, and playing classical piano, which I still play today. My parents encouraged me to explore everything that inspired me, from the arts to athletics, and that freedom gave me such a full childhood.

Even though I was raised in Russia and we did not have much in a material sense, we were rich in culture, and that is what I am most grateful for. It taught me that creativity is a way of life, not a luxury.

I was always curious and independent, constantly observing, imagining, and creating. I loved finding beauty in small details and could get completely lost in projects that captured my imagination. I have always been drawn to things that combine creativity and structure. I liked ideas, but I also loved seeing them come to life. That balance between imagination and execution became part of who I am and continues to guide how I work today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://webvixxen.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/webvixxen
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/webvixxen

Image Credits
Webvixxen Design, Arun Nevader
Main headshot is by Brian Doherty