Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Milovanova.
Hi Alexandra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia and I always wanted to travel the world. I studied Philosophy and German Culture. Later I got a Master’s Degree in Public Relations. Right after graduation, I entered the fascinating world of international events. It’s a dream job for me. It’s a creative, fast-pacing, always changing environment, and it allows me to travel the world to the places I’ve never been before! For example, once I lived in Kazakhstan for 3, 5 months for the project within the World Expo 2017. For a few years, I lived between St. Petersburg and Berlin, learned German and made deep connections with the German culture. I worked at the creative agency and organized events with spectacular video production and interactive space. In my portfolio, brands like Audi, Visa, DHL, and more. I moved to San Diego with my husband and daughter in 2014. It was a big change for us. We had to get used to more laid-back style of California. We enjoy going to the beach, play volleyball, tennis, hiking and more. My daughter goes to the German school in South Park. I’m very thankful for the diverse community we created here.
Last year I was supposed to go to work for a project within the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The quarantine changed my plans as many of others in the event industry. I hope to go to the Olympics next year in Beijing. Since I still believe in magic of live events, I used quarantine as an opportunity to get Certified Meeting Professional recognition. I learned new skills of video editing and production. I’m about to launch my YouTube channel dedicated to events and creative services provided in this industry. Also, I help local businesses to create presence online and launch their online classes implementing my video skills.
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 believe moving across the globe to another country is never easy. We had to start over again, without any network and friends. We had to build our community, learn the culture, and try to fit to a new environment. I’m very thankful to the Albert Einstein School and international community we became part of.
Especially in the event industry, network means a lot. It was challenging for me, in the beginning, to find the first clients, adhere the new industry standards, and find my business community. It took me a few years to adjust to the different lifestyles of the Southern California. In St. Petersburg, I used to spend more time indoors, going to museums, theaters, and meeting friends at the restaurants. I had to adjust to California’s sunny weather, I became more active, started to play different sports. Now I meet with friends for a hike or other outdoor activity. When it rains in San Diego, it always gives me nostalgic feeling of my hometown.
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 help businesses organize events, create unique experiences between brands and audiences. Events are known as a very stressful environment. Even in a very stressful moments I stay calm under pressure. My strongest asset is communication. I love connecting with people. I turn problem into challenges. Also, as an Events Producer, I wear many hats and can run the show behind the scene seamlessly.
How do you think about happiness?
It makes me happy when people live in peace. Professionally I like the first day of the event when I see results of the hard work and the moment I connect with others. Particularly in San Diego, it makes me happy to play tennis in Balboa Tennis Club, sail in San Diego Bay, go rollerblading by the Lake Murray.
Contact Info:
- Email: Milovanova.alex@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.amilovanova.com
- Instagram: @milo.vanova
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/alexandramilovanova
Image Credits
Maria Regnetta Matthew Brickley Theo Solnik
