Meet Victoria Barybin | Co-Founder & VP of Strategy and Development at 1987 Masters

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Barybin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Work-life balance is a dynamic concept that has evolved throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and co-founder of 1987 Masters Entertainment production company. Initially, when my husband Yuri and I moved from Ukraine and started building our event production company from scratch in LA, the concept of balance seemed elusive. We were pouring every ounce of energy into establishing our business, often blurring the lines between work and personal life.

As an architect (yes, yes, I have a masters degree in architecture) I understood the importance of structure and balance in life, work, and design…But, ironically, it took us time to apply this principle to our own lives. The early days were characterized by long hours, driven by our new passion and the need to prove ourselves in a new country.

Over time, we’ve come to realize that true balance isn’t about equal division of time between work and personal life, but rather about finding harmony and fulfillment in both. Our relationship has been the cornerstone of this balance. Yuri and I have learned to be partners not just in business, but in maintaining our well-being.

Interestingly, the arrival of our child, which one might expect to create an imbalance, actually brought a new equilibrium to our lives. It forced us to reassess our priorities and implement more efficient work practices. We found that the creativity and adaptability required in parenting enhanced our problem-solving skills in business. Our child became a reminder of why we work so hard and the importance of being present in all aspects of life.

I’ve come to view life as a series of opposites that play into balance, much like the concept of yin and yang. Work and personal life, stress and relaxation, challenges and achievements – these seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and complementary. Together, they create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

In our business, we deal with major brands like Netflix, Disney, Apple and Louis Vuitton, each project bringing its own set of demands. Yet, it’s the quiet moments at home, the family dinners and the weekends spent together that recharge us and fuel our creativity for work.

Balance, to me, isn’t about perfection or strict time allocation. It’s about being mindful, flexible, and true to your values. It’s about recognizing that both work and personal life contribute to our growth and fulfillment. As we’ve grown our business, we’ve also grown in our understanding of what truly matters to us.

In essence, work-life balance is an ongoing practice, not a destination. It requires constant attention and adjustment, much like the intricate designs we create for our events. And just as each event is unique, each person’s balance will look different. For us, it’s about creating a life where our passion for our work enhances our personal lives, and our personal experiences enrich our professional endeavors.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a Co-founder and Vice President at 1987 Masters, I focus on growing our live event business in the US and globally. What sets us apart is our ability to deliver event solutions that align directly with our clients’ goals. We pride ourselves on executing every event smoothly, ensuring it reflects the client’s vision and exceeds expectations.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve expanded from a local business in Los Angeles to managing events on a global scale while maintaining the same passion and dedication to quality. Our team has grown, and we now deliver top-notch services worldwide, yet the heart of what we do remains the same—partnering with our clients to create impactful, memorable experiences.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

The journey to where I am today with 1987 Masters has been challenging and rewarding. We started with a passion for event production, and I took on the role of guiding our team, managing strategy and growing the business. It wasn’t easy, especially in the early stages, as we faced the challenge of building trust with clients and establishing our brand in a competitive Hollywood market.

To overcome that, we focused on building long-term relationships, ensuring our services provided real value to clients and staying adaptable to the industry’s fast-paced nature. Persistence, a strong team and a commitment to innovation have been the key to our growth, locally and globally.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance to know our clients’ goals. By focusing on how we can contribute to their success, we’ve formed strong partnerships that continue to drive our business forward. Another critical lesson is the power of a cohesive team. Success is not possible without the right people who share the same vision and dedication.

Additionally, flexibility is extremely important. The event industry is fast-moving and unpredictable, and being able to pivot quickly while maintaining high standards has been essential in staying competitive.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know that 1987 Masters Entertainment Production Company is more than just an event production company. We’re strategic partners, dedicated to deliver solutions customized to align with our clients’ needs and goals. We turned an airport hangar into a movie theater with Dolby Surround sound, we created a digital “Avatar”-inspired forest with 3D projection mapping technology in the heart of Hollywood and we have more ideas to bring to life. Our story is built on passion, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.

We take pride in the global experience we bring to each project, and our mission is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the event industry. At 1987 Masters, we’re not just producing events—we’re creating experiences that matter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Malibu, Getty Villas and other amazing museums in LA.
Angelini Italian restaurant
Urth cafe, Bluestone lane coffee shop.
beTrue Podcast Studio, Row DTLA

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! Success is never achieved alone, and I’m grateful for the incredible people and experiences that have helped me along the way.

First and foremost, I want to give credit to my family. Their unwavering support, encouragement and belief in my vision have been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished in my carrier.

My husband Yuri Barybin, who is also my business partner, has been a constant source of strength, both personally and professionally, and I’m so grateful for our partnership in life and in business.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible mentors I’ve had over the years. They’ve provided invaluable guidance, helping me navigate the complexities of the event industry and business in general. Whether it’s advice on strategy or leadership, these mentors have played a huge role in shaping who I am as an entrepreneur.

Lastly, I owe a lot to the team at 1987 Masters. Their dedication, talent, and passion for what we do have been critical to our success. Our growth is a reflection of their hard work and commitment, and I’m grateful to have such an amazing group of people by my side.

Website: https://1987masters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1987masters/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1987masters/

Image Credits
Kate Mykytiuk