Michela Iosipov

I think a lot of what I attribute my success to comes from my family and the example my parents set for me. I come from a family of immigrants who built a successful business without even speaking the native language when they first arrived. Watching their perseverance growing up set a huge example for me. They really created something from nothing, and that always made me feel like I had big shoes to fill.

My dad has always pushed me to be a better version of myself. He reminds me all the time that hard work pays dividends, and he’s someone I can call anytime to talk through ideas or challenges. He always gives me honest feedback and the confidence I need in a world where we’re constantly comparing ourselves to one another, which I really value.

My mom has been just as inspiring. She attended an Ivy League school while working a full-time job and raising me, which showed me what real discipline and determination look like. She has always been unapologetically herself, and she’s been a shield for me while juggling so many responsibilities in her own life. Even while protecting me from a lot of the chaos of the real world, she always made sure I kept a smile on my face.

My grandparents are also incredible role models in my life. They’ve always been there for me in any way they could, and they’ve shown me what leadership and strength look like through the way they live their lives and lead our family.

Seeing both of them work so hard taught me that success often comes from putting in that extra effort, even when you’re tired or when it would be easier to stop. I really believe that if you take that extra hour after work and invest it into something that helps you grow, it adds up over time. I also grew up playing tennis, which is a very individual sport. You’re out there by yourself fighting for every point, and no one can step in to help you. I think that mentality translated directly into my work ethic. When things get difficult, I’m used to pushing through and figuring things out until I find a solution.

One piece of advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to be intentional about the way you spend your time online. We live in a world where people are constantly on their phones consuming content, so if you’re going to spend that much time there, make sure you’re actually paying attention to what you’re taking in. My screen time numbers are honestly pretty embarrassing, but I try to make it worthwhile by looking for ideas and inspiration from other creators. It’s easy to fall into the brain rot sometimes, but I try to treat scrolling as a learning opportunity instead.

Pay attention to what inspires you, what catches your attention, and what makes you stop and watch something all the way through. Those little observations can actually teach you a lot. Once you start creating your own content and setting small goals, you begin to look at things differently. You start noticing patterns, checking analytics, and asking yourself why one piece worked better than another. For me, those small milestones and moments of progress are what keep me motivated.

In my work life, I really value collaboration and supporting the people around you. I think if your own plate is full but you still take a moment to help someone else who needs it, that’s what creates a strong team and a healthy working environment. Those small moments of helping one another build trust and a really solid foundation. I also value organization. There’s usually a lot happening at once in this industry, and if I don’t keep things structured and organized, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. Having systems in place helps me stay focused and manage everything that’s going on.

In my personal life, loyalty is really important to me. I believe relationships should be reciprocal, and I try to surround myself with people who show the same level of loyalty and support that I give to them. And as simple as it sounds, I also value being yourself. In a scene where people sometimes feel pressure to impress others or present themselves a certain way, I’ve always been authentic. I think if you can’t be yourself around the people in your life, then those relationships aren’t the right ones for you. Life is too short to spend it pretending to be someone you’re not.