Meet Oksana Tsvigun | Founder of OT Growth Labs, co-creator of Pawgress, helping founders grow brands in the U.S.

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

Hi Oksana, how do you think about risk?
Risk has defined my journey. Leaving behind stable corporate roles was a risk. Getting stranded in Panama during the war in Ukraine (I am Ukrainian) — and choosing to stay there instead of returning to Europe — was a risk. Moving to Los Angeles with no safety net was a risk. On paper, every one of those decisions looked “too risky.” But in reality, each became a turning point.

For me, risk isn’t about danger — it’s about growth. Every time I took a leap, I discovered new parts of myself. Risk forced me to adapt faster, to develop new skills, and to see opportunities where others only saw uncertainty.

The truth is, you can’t build anything meaningful without risk. It’s the only way to test your limits and reinvent yourself. For me, risk has been less about stepping into the unknown — and more about stepping closer to who I really am.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting my business wasn’t part of a grand plan — it grew out of necessity and resilience. When I moved to the U.S., I quickly realized how hard it was for international founders to succeed here. The rules are different: customer behavior, compliance, marketing, even product formulation.

To test myself, I co-created Pawgress, a premium pet supplement brand. Building it from scratch — from formulas and U.S.-based manufacturing to branding, packaging, compliance, and Amazon launch — gave me a 360° view of what it really takes to succeed in the most competitive market in the world. That experience showed me the gap: so many founders had great products but didn’t know how to “translate” them for the U.S.

That’s why I launched OT Growth Labs — a consultancy where I partner with founders to adapt their products, refine strategy, and scale authentically in America. What sets us apart is that I combine global experience (Europe, Latin America, Pacific, U.S.) with hands-on brand building. I don’t just advise from theory — I’ve lived it, from launching Pawgress to guiding other CPG brands.

Was it easy? Definitely not. The U.S. market is unforgiving — your titles or achievements abroad don’t matter here. But those challenges taught me resilience, agility, and empathy, which I now bring into every project.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just launches or sales, but the kind of brands I support: authentic, transparent, and impactful. I never want to build “just another product.” I want to help create brands that truly improve people’s lives.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s that we’re all capable of being the CEOs of our own lives. Your titles, your past, even your setbacks — none of them define you. What defines you is how you choose to move forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since most of my friends visit from Europe, almost everything here feels new and exciting for them — from the food to the lifestyle.

We’d start with a classic LA breakfast — maybe at Gjusta or Superba — before heading out to explore the beaches. I love the cliffs of Palos Verdes, the relaxed vibe of Manhattan and Redondo, the energy of Venice.

One of my favorite things is the studios. When I first moved here and felt a little down, I used to take studio tours just to remind myself of the magic of LA. From Paramount to Universal, and of course Disney — there’s always something that sparks that childlike excitement. And for a perfect evening, a sunset at Griffith Observatory never disappoints.

Erewhon is another very “LA” experience — I could spend hours just strolling through the aisles, tasting new snacks and supplements, and people-watching.

For lunch, I’d probably take them to Jackson Market in Culver City or Gjelina in Venice.

To balance it out, I’d bring them to a fun wellness class like Pure Barre or pilates to get a feel for the LA fitness culture, and of course, a walk through the Venice Canals — it always feels like a hidden gem in the middle of the city.

For something more mindful, I’d introduce them to a sound healing or breathwork session at Open in Venice — an unforgettable experience.

And for something truly special, I’d take them to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. It’s one of my favorite places — full of history, beauty, and just a touch of mystery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shout-out I want to dedicate to my ex-colleague and now a very good friend, Veronica Serna, and her family. Veronica has lived in LA most of her life, and we first met while working together in Panama.

She has been by my side through this whole journey. Veronica is one of the kindest and most intelligent people I know. She welcomed me to LA, she showed me how beautiful this city is, and she supported me when it was so difficult that I wanted to give up and leave. She fed me, talked to me, and simply stood by me — and that kind of support is priceless.

Website: https://otgrowthlabs.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-tsvigun/

Image Credits
Lyuba Lukashenko