Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Tsyplakova.
Hi Irina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I don’t have dreams — I have goals. That has been my mindset throughout my entire life.
I was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in Central Asia. I grew up without a father, raised by a strong single mother. From a very young age, I understood what responsibility means. I became independent, active, and determined early on. No one handed me anything — I learned that if I wanted something different, I had to work for it.
As a child, I studied viola and piano, learned English as an extracurricular activity, and stayed curious about the world. But my biggest passion was always travel.
When I was 13, we moved to a very small village in southern Russia near the Ukrainian border. My life truly divided into “before” and “after.” We lived without basic utilities — no running water, no gas. We had to cut wood to heat the house, or we would literally freeze in winter temperatures of -25°C. During those years, I had one clear thought: I had to escape that place.
And eventually, I did.
I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and started working in a commercial bank, quickly growing into a management position. I was always smart, disciplined, and ambitious. When I began earning my own money, I started traveling the world. Travel became my lifestyle. I’ve now visited more than 30 countries, most of them solo.
Through those travels, I began sharing stories on social media. That’s when I became curious about editing photos and creating videos. I grew up watching American movies, and after visiting California, I completely fell in love with it.
Later, after moving from a small southern Russian city to Moscow, I met the man who is now my husband — at the time, he was my boss. We both shared a goal: to move to the United States. Two years later, we made it happen. We applied for and received an extraordinary ability visa, which allowed us to move to the U.S. It wasn’t easy, but we earned it.
Once in California, I had to decide what I truly wanted. I had experience as a manager and later worked as a Project Manager in an IT company in Moscow. But I felt there was more for me creatively. I explored different industries, studied graphic design and cinematography, and took classes at a local college in Irvine.
Because photography and video had always been part of my travel life, I eventually found my place in social media marketing. I worked on volunteer projects, collaborated with brands, companies, and individuals, and built my skills through real experience.
Today, I work with several local companies as a social media specialist while also running my travel blog. I’ve explored much of California and other states, discovering hidden gems and sharing them with my audience on Instagram.
Recently, I discovered freediving — and it opened an entirely new world for me. I was shocked by my hidden ability to hold my breath; during my second static pool session, I held it for 3 minutes and 43 seconds. That moment showed me again that we are capable of more than we think.
Looking back, I believe my journey — from survival to global travel to building a career in a new country — shaped my resilience. My eagerness to learn, adapt, and push forward has helped me build both a successful career and a life I’m proud of.
And through it all, I have my husband — the same man I moved from Russia with — and our two-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Pinky, who makes every chapter even brighter.
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 definitely wasn’t a smooth road. It was a very bumpy one.
I learned the meaning of the word “survive” at a very young age. Many stages of my life were challenging in different ways — whether it was adapting to harsh living conditions as a teenager or rebuilding my career in a new country.
Even after moving to the U.S., the challenges didn’t stop. I had to navigate bureaucracy, improve my English in a professional environment (even though I studied it as a child), and adapt to a completely new culture, traditions, and social circle. Before moving, I had built a successful life and career — and suddenly I was starting from scratch.
The same happened with social media. I had to restart my accounts in English and build a new audience from zero. That process takes patience, resilience, and a lot of consistency.
I still face challenges — and honestly, I believe that’s part of being alive. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. Every obstacle taught me something, strengthened me, and pushed me forward.
If life becomes too easy… that probably means you’ve stopped growing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I work as a social media manager and travel content creator based in Southern California.
I actively help my clients build their brands and attract new customers through strategic content and consistent presence. I collaborate with brands, hotels, and Airbnb hosts, creating visual storytelling that not only looks beautiful but also drives engagement and bookings.
During my travels, I often notice how many incredible local businesses lack strong marketing photos and videos. From my own experience, I know how much of a difference quality content can make — and that’s where I can truly help. I see myself as both a traveler and explorer on one side, and a strategic social media manager on the other. I love having both perspectives because they constantly push me to grow, connect with new people, and discover new places.
One of my longest-running projects is with a company that provides mobility equipment and urology supplies for people with disabilities. That work is especially meaningful to me because it combines strategy with real impact.
What I value the most is hearing from real people — followers who tell me they enjoyed my content, discovered new places, or found it helpful. Building community is something I genuinely care about. I love it with my whole heart.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The most precious gift in my life has been travel.
I truly wish more people would be brave and curious enough to step outside their comfort zone and see the world. It’s not as dangerous as the media sometimes makes it seem, and it’s often not as expensive as people imagine. What it gives you in return — perspective, growth, understanding — is priceless.
I always encourage my friends and acquaintances to travel, explore new places, meet new people, and stay curious. The world is much bigger, kinder, and more inspiring than we often think.
And sometimes, all it takes is the courage to take the first step.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shery-lady.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shery_lady
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_shery_lady
