I started as a fashion blogger back in 2012, which was a risky move. Nobody knew that this career choice is even going to pay off, let alone become mainstream years later. I put so much focus and energy into making it happen (creating daily content, learning how to edit in photoshop (there were no apps back then), writing 500+ words articles daily, promoting it to others), that after 3 months I started monetizing my blog and made it into a full-time career shortly after.

A few years later, I added socials to my portfolio of platforms and officially became a social media influencer, in addition to being a blogger. I partnered with thousands of companies helping them reach more audiences via my social media channels with a total audience of over 1.5 Million followers. I also created content for them and consulted on how to grow their own audiences. In 2018, I won a social media entrepreneur award, and in 2019 I launched my agency Lux Digital Media while continuing my influencer endeavors.

Has starting your business been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles you experienced along the way?
Starting a business is never a smooth road, but it’s a fulfilling one. I think everyone experiences struggles, because they just don’t know how much work there will be and how many problems will arise. When starting a business you might think you know all aspects of it, but you are only scratching the surface. And when the real problems mostly from lack of knowledge and experience in business arise, only the strong ones survive. And that’s the fulfilling part. To be able to learn, stay focused and strong, and build from there is the greatest feeling and training of one’s character.

Tell us more about your business
Lux Digital Media is a full-service Instagram branding, management, and growth agency that focuses on helping businesses and personalities brand themselves on Instagram and grow their fan and client base via the platform. Due to our continuous efforts of providing the best service to our clients, and our ever-expanding network of professionals, we also offer additional services, such as paid ads, web design, and social media management beyond Instagram. And since 2020 we are also offering very niche digital products as well.

What sets you apart from the other businesses in your space?
There are so many things that set us aside from others, such as:
– The fact that we are experts in branding, in addition to being an Instagram management agency.
– The fact that it is run by me – an Influencer who built a brand out of her persona.
– The fact that we are always on top of Instagram trends and we know what works in the market right now and tomorrow. Competitors might know what works in the moment or in the past, but we plan for the future. What worked for our clients this month will no longer be relevant next month, and we make sure our clients are always following the latest newest, and most effective methods.
– The fact that we are bilingual and not only have 2 separate teams, but also 2 completely different strategies for Russian and English-speaking markets.
– The fact that we always expand our network with the best professionals in every single niche and aspect of online branding.

If you are not from the U.S. what country are you from and what brought you to America?
I am originally from Belarus, and I moved to England back in 2008. In 2010, I came to America, because I always wanted to pursue a career in creative fields such as the entertainment industry. Social media wasn’t a thing back then. I was applying for internships while in England and somehow landed a year-long internship at a media company, where I was interviewing celebrities on red carpet events and later editing and packaging these materials for the press. I was new in the country and in this whole world of entertainment. And I started a blog about my life in LA called “LA by Diana”, which was the first step of building my following.

How many hours a day do you work on average?
It’s hard to answer this question, because I am always on. Especially given the fact that creating content and document life is also a part of my job. I think in my line of work it’s really hard to separate work and life. It’s truly a lifestyle choice.

How have you managed the stress that comes with being an entrepreneur?
I am definitely human, just like everybody else. Over the years I got used to it and learned how to tackle ups and downs. From occasional therapy to self-development books and healing practices, such as mediation, I found the methods that work for me.

What do you do to develop your self as an entrepreneur, do you recommend any books, people, podcasts etc?
Like I mentioned, everything from therapy (including different forms! I am always trying new things) to mind work (such as theta healing and meditation) to books (not only on entrepreneurship but also on mindset and spirituality), all these methods have a place in my routine.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
I love that every day is unpredictable. I love that even though I work 24/7, I am still free because I love what I do and truly enjoy the process. My schedule evolves around me, and not the other way around, meaning if I want to go on a hike at 2PM in the afternoon, I can make time for it and move my work responsibilites to later.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
There a lot of satisfying moments for me, such as

– when we secure the next partnership or a client;
– when I have conversations with inspiring businesses and people;
– when I learn something new or find something that can benefit our clients.