Nicolle: Your career journey is quite diverse, transitioning from acting to journalism and then entrepreneurship. How did each of these roles shape the businesswoman you are today?

Ksenia: Looking back at my journey, I see how each step led me to create POSHTHREAD. From acting, art, writing, journalism, and entrepreneurship, these diverse experiences formed the foundation of my business. Following my mother’s path as a Russian actress, I entered the acting and modelling world at 17. Though I didn’t reach the big screen, acting taught me to read people, adapt, and communicate—skills essential for entrepreneurship. Being the face of my brand feels natural, allowing me to authentically present my products.

My unexpected transition into health and beauty journalism gave me valuable experience in PR, marketing, and brand communication, crucial for promoting my brand. These combined experiences have been a masterclass in multitasking, from product manufacturing to online marketing. While my business partner handles logistics and finance, I manage the creative side, including copywriting and customer relationships. Though the early stages were overwhelming, I believe dedicating everything to the business initially sets the foundation for quicker growth and eventually more free time.

Nicolle: You mentioned that working with Touker Suleyman at HEALTHISTA was a pivotal moment for you. What were some of the key takeaways from that experience that helped you build POSHTHREAD?

Ksenia: Working with Touker Suleyman in business development and Wellness Journalism at Healthista - a Women's Health and Wellness platform, was pivotal in my career. Having a taste of Touker's environment was incredibly inspiring. As chairman of Low Profile, Touker was involved at the top level but also very much on the ground with his teams. His work ethic and commitment—arriving at the office early each morning and staying late—were admirable, especially at his stage of life, and it made me reflect on my goals. Witnessing the empire Touker had built became a huge motivation.

It made me question why I was giving so much time and effort to help build someone else's dream when I could do the same for myself. Working in such a highly entrepreneurial environment, I was exposed to so many fascinating people—entrepreneurs coming in to pitch ideas, sharing their visions, and crafting their futures. It ignited something in me, showing me that creating something of my own was not only possible but incredibly rewarding. However, that experience also taught me the realities of business—the risks, the failures, and the immense investment it requires.

Starting a business isn't easy and even harder without proper funding. Many people underestimate the financial commitment, thinking they can do it all on a shoestring budget, but I've seen first-hand how the costs of even the most minor details add up. Based on what I've witnessed and experienced, my advice is that you need to have a substantial amount of capital—whether your own or from investors—to give your business the best chance at success. I've been fortunate to have the support and trust of my business partner, which has allowed me to grow POSHTHREAD and turn our shared vision into a reality. Building a brand takes more dedication and perseverance than you can imagine, so seeing our brand grow and our products loved by our customers is beyond gratifying. 

Nicolle: Entrepreneurship often comes with challenges like burnout and micromanagement. How have you managed to balance the pressures of running a business with your creative vision?

Ksenia: Before starting POSHTHREAD, I thought I understood managing stress, but running a business is a whole new level. I’m a perfectionist with a habit of micromanaging, double-checking everything, and pushing both myself and others to the limit. Though this can seem unhealthy, it’s helped me maintain high productivity. However, it also led to burnout, which I tend to bounce back from quickly.

Running a company feels like "purposeful burnout"—the pressure is intense, but the responsibility excites me, knowing each task moves the business forward. I've realised my need for control can be excessive, often feeling that if I don’t oversee every detail, something will go wrong. This stems from past letdowns, and I’m working on finding balance. I've begun delegating and outsourcing, though it’s frustrating when things aren’t perfect. Building a team that meets my standards takes time.

Micromanagement isn’t sustainable, and I’m learning to trust others and focus on the bigger picture. As POSHTHREAD grows, I’m evolving in how I manage pressure, working toward building a reliable team and improving my approach.

Nicolle: POSHTHREAD is known for its minimalist elegance and luxurious fabrics. Can you share the inspiration behind the brand's aesthetic and how you ensure it resonates with your target audience?

Ksenia: The aesthetic of POSHTHREAD reflects my personal ethos of wellness, comfort, and quality. From minimalist elegance to luxurious fabrics, every detail embodies my commitment to a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. I've always been conscious of what I put on my skin and the materials around me, which directly translates into the brand. POSHTHREAD focuses on non-toxic, skin-friendly fabrics that are seamless and health-conscious. Our luxurious bamboo fabric, the cornerstone of our product line, is incredibly soft, hypoallergenic, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Recognising a gap in the market for products that are both functional and stylish, I wanted to change the narrative. Our gloves, for example, offer protection while maintaining a sleek, close fit. Available in multiple colours, they’re designed for comfort and confidence, whether you're running, driving, or dining out. Bamboo’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it ideal for active customers. At the core of POSHTHREAD is the belief that looking and feeling good should go hand-in-hand. Our products combine high-performance, wellness-oriented fabrics with elegant design, offering comfort for sensitive skin or a stylish everyday accessory. 

Nicolle: As a female founder in a competitive industry, what advice would you give to other women who are looking to start their own businesses?

Ksenia: My first advice would be not to take anyone's advice, including mine, as the absolute truth—every journey is unique. Many things fell into place in ways I couldn't have planned for. I've had a diverse career path, and while it only now seems to be working out after many attempts, it wasn't what I envisioned five years ago.

That said, the journey has been challenging, and I've learned a few key lessons along the way. Firstly, FINANCIAL BACKING is critical. Many businesses fail because they run out of money, so having solid financial support from your savings or an investor is essential. You need to be realistic about the costs, from product development to marketing and advertising. Competing in today's market requires resources, and it's easier to gain traction with sufficient funds, especially in a crowded industry. I'd recommend creating a business plan that outlines at least a year's financial needs and then doubling that to be safe and figuring out whether you have the support to meet those demands.

Secondly, it's crucial to RESEARCH YOUR PRODUCT thoroughly and identify if it offers a genuine edge over what's already on the market. In a competitive space, you need to know what sets you apart. Test your concept before scaling—start small, gain feedback, and ensure there's a demand for what you're offering. This can help you avoid investing too much in an idea before confirming its viability.

While passion is important, I've learned that it's equally important to FOCUS ON A NICHE. Find an area where your skills or product can truly excel, and consider improving on existing products or services. Look for flaws in what's currently available and see where you can improve. And, critically, make sure there's a demand for your offering. The best products or services solve a real problem or serve a genuine need, especially in today's market, where people are more mindful of purposeful, valuable purchases over essential luxuries.  Lastly, BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT. Running a business is tough, and the journey often looks differently than you initially envisioned. But you can build something meaningful with the proper support, a solid plan, and a product or service that genuinely resonates with your audience.

Nicolle: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future of POSHTHREAD, and how do you plan to evolve the brand in the coming years?

Ksenia: Looking ahead, my primary goal for POSHTHREAD is to continue building a brand focused on health and wellness while creating products that serve a real purpose. We aim to offer multifunctional items that cater to underserved markets, blending style with a meaningful role in improving health and well-being. Our products are lifestyle wellness basics that combine form and function. 

As the brand evolves, I plan to keep it intentionally small and focused, with a core range of flagship products that epitomise the intersection of style and function. We’re working on new items to complement our organic bamboo gloves, serving dual purposes and addressing specific customer needs. Though our gloves are not a medical device, customer feedback shows they help alleviate symptoms of hyperhidrosis, psoriasis, eczema, and other conditions. Customers, including those with Raynaud's and undergoing chemotherapy, report comfort and confidence in using our products. 

While our products don’t cure these conditions, they offer discretion and relief, enhancing well-being. Our ultimate goal is to create stylish, purposeful solutions that improve people's lives.

In conclusion, Ksenia Lavrentieva’s journey from acting to entrepreneurship demonstrates her ability to blend creativity with business acumen. Through POSHTHREAD, she has built a brand that reflects her personal ethos of wellness, quality, and elegance, while addressing real needs in the market. Her dedication to balancing style and function continues to resonate with her customers, positioning POSHTHREAD as a brand that truly cares about both aesthetics and well-being.

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Nicolle Knapova is a little bit of everything. She is a freelance translator, content creator and social media executive for The C Word Mag. She loves indie music and is always browsing through Spotify to find the next amazing artist to obsess over. Her love for storytelling means she’s always writing something and she’s not afraid of any genre. Her biggest dream is to be a published author. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.