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

Hi svetlana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe that risk is an inherent aspect of both life and career. Personally, I view risk as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Throughout my life and career, taking calculated risks has played a significant role in shaping my experiences and achievements.

In my professional endeavors, taking risks has often led to breakthroughs and advancements. Whether it was pursuing a new opportunity, launching a project, or making a significant decision, embracing risk has allowed me to push boundaries, learn from failures, and ultimately achieve success. I’ve come to understand that without taking risks, there can be limited progress and innovation.

However, it’s crucial to note that the key to successful risk-taking lies in careful consideration and assessment of potential outcomes. I always strive to weigh the pros and cons, gather as much information as possible, and make informed decisions before taking a leap. It’s essential to strike a balance between prudence and boldness, ensuring that the risks I take are strategic and aligned with my goals.

Moreover, learning to manage and mitigate risks has been an ongoing process in both my personal and professional life. While some risks have resulted in favorable outcomes, others have presented challenges and setbacks. Nonetheless, each experience has provided valuable lessons and contributed to my growth and resilience.

Ultimately, I believe that embracing risks with a thoughtful and strategic approach has been instrumental in shaping my career and personal development. It has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, innovate, and pursue opportunities that have led to meaningful achievements and personal fulfillment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that every individual possesses a unique and impactful story. While everyone has a story to tell, what sets me apart is my unwavering conviction that my story has not only shaped me into the person I am today but has also fueled my relentless pursuit of taking risks and embracing challenges head-on.

My path to where I stand today is one that few could have anticipated. From a successful career in professional modeling and a solid background in business, I transitioned into a new chapter that was marked by the harrowing experience of surviving domestic abuse. I was once held captive by an abuser, facing a grave threat to my life and the life of my child. The aftermath left me battling the demons of post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and severe clinical depression.

In the face of these profound challenges, I always harbored a deep desire to effect change and become an integral part of my community’s transformation. The turning point came when I ventured into entrepreneurship, only to encounter what some might call “failed” business endeavors. But I prefer not to label them as such. They were pivotal moments that led me to my true calling.

My life took a transformative turn when I decided to support a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding battered women. Through relentless fundraising efforts, I caught the attention of a local TV station, and my story reached a national audience. The pivotal moment came when I was asked why I was championing the cause against domestic violence, and I shared my own harrowing journey.

From that moment onward, I became a voice for those who had been silenced by abuse. I was invited to be a TV contributor, speaking out against domestic violence and advocating for mental health awareness. It was the gateway to where I find myself today.

The path to my current position has been fraught with challenges and obstacles, particularly with my latest venture, “For Us TV.” This ambitious project presented monumental hurdles, but each challenge I’ve encountered has only served to open doors to new opportunities. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to infuse the passion of my advocacy into every aspect of my business, shaping it into a force for positive change within our community.

Some have likened my venture to a version of Netflix infused with advocacy, heart, and unwavering passion. Along this arduous journey, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson – that greatness is never easily attained, and worthwhile endeavours are always accompanied by challenges. When faced with adversity, one must not falter or retreat. Instead, we must find a way, whether over it, around it, or through it, to achieve our goals and create meaningful impact.

To be clear, my journey has been far from easy. It has been marked by the courageous decision to be open about living with mental illness, a consequence of domestic violence, through social media. This authenticity forms the pillar of my platform. In a professional world where many often hide their true selves, especially in the realm of entrepreneurship, I chose a different path.

I believe in the power of honest conversation and the importance of addressing the issues that remain hidden beneath the surface. My life has always been an open book, with my stories of adversity and resilience serving as a source of inspiration and strength. Every challenge, every setback, and every triumph in my life has contributed to my growth as a business professional and entrepreneur.

In essence, my story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the unwavering pursuit of positive change, and the boundless potential within each of us to make a lasting impact on the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank some very important people in my life that without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. They have shaped an encouraged me throughout every adversity that I have faced .

I want to shoutout and thank my mother for always having my back being there through out every difficult part of my life and being my biggest cheerleader. To my husband for always believing in me even in times I doubted myself. My 4 amazing children who have taught me so much about myself which was a huge part of my growth.

To my close friends that have been there and supported me no matter what.
I’d also like to thank one young woman in particular who really gave me the courage to share my story of adversity and resilience that truly changed my life . Her name was Nalie Augustin who died on March 22 2022 , she lost her battle at 33 years old of metastatic breast cancer. Nalie always reminded me to push through life , to live , to share my story and help others . It was because of her I became a mental health and human rights advocate and I had the courage to share my story of surviving domestic violence. It was because of her I because a tv news contributor and helped others through my story. She always encouraged me to live life to its fullest and to be grateful. She is always in my heart and was when I was so scared to start For Us Tv . I knew she would have asked me ; what is the scariest thing ? Never trying or regretting to do it and never knowing how successful I would have been . All of these people have shaped me in who I am today .

Website: www.therealsvetlana.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealsvetlana

Image Credits
All photos and credits belong to me. I am the sole owner of the copyrights of this image.

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