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Svetlana Gafurova, Store Director at Bottega Veneta in the Miami Design District, joined the I Want Her Shoes podcast to discuss her path from Soviet-era Ukraine to luxury retail leadership. The conversation covers early influences, service strategy, sustainability measures and the distinctive character of Miami’s fashion scene.

Mom as fashion icon

Growing up in the USSR, Gafurova experienced limited clothing choice. Her mother sewed garments at home using Burda Moden patterns. “Everyone was wearing the same exact outfits. My mom was actually making clothes for me” she recalls. 

Early exposure to handmade apparel established her long-term interest in design and quality.

Path to Luxury Retail

After studying hospitality, Gafurova joined the opening team at Wynn Las Vegas in VIP Services. High-touch service standards there led her to store roles at Prada, Valentino, and now Bottega Veneta. “That luxury service experience really took me to luxury retail” she says. 

Digital resources have changed the retail dialogue. “The consumer now is very, very educated because of social media sites” she says. “Now you can shop anywhere at any given point of time.” 

Clients arrive well-informed and expect immediate access to products across channels. That’s why relationships are the best way to keep customer interested. 

“It’s all about the relationship. Sometimes just ‘how are you’” she says. Staff keep detailed knowledge of each client’s wardrobe, stay in contact between purchases and offer in-store hospitality that online tools cannot replicate.

Sustainability Initiatives

Bottega Veneta aligns with Kering’s corporate targets and runs the in-house Green Initiative app that scores products on five sustainability criteria. Recent steps include a fragrance line with 99% recyclable components. “Everything from the bottle to the packaging is 99 % recyclable” she says.  

Select leather goods carry a Certificate of Craft that grants lifetime repair.

Leadership & Team Culture

Running a profitable boutique requires clear goals and accountability. “Communication needs to be extremely clear, very much on point and ongoing” she shares. 

Team members must share a passion for fashion and service, viewing sales as an outcome of genuine client support.

Industry Trends

Luxury houses are extending into hospitality and home categories. Examples cited include cafés at Louis Vuitton and Dior, and reports of a forthcoming Christian Louboutin hotel. Such spaces create brand immersion beyond traditional selling floors.

Miami as a Luxury Hub

Miami’s Latin influence encourages colour and full-look dressing:

“You could do anything and be anyone you want to be in Miami in terms of your style” she says. The city contrasts with California’s athleisure-plus-handbag aesthetic and New York’s practical layering, requiring sales teams to adapt to a diverse, high-energy clientele.

Work–Life Integration & Final Anecdote

Gafurova stresses consistent self-care to balance motherhood and retail hours. She recalls an incident in San Francisco where both heels of her Prada “banana-heel” sandals broke while she carried coffee. “I need to make sure I don’t spill my coffee, and I have to fall in the most gracious way possible” she says.

The episode illustrates resilience—maintaining composure and continuing the day despite setbacks.

Summary

Svetlana Gafurova’s experience shows how modern luxury retail blends detailed product knowledge, relationship building, sustainability efforts and local cultural insight. As brands integrate hospitality elements and clients demand authenticity, calm yet attentive service remains the differentiator.

The burning problem with fast fashion, building The Plug, and creating her own style at the crossroads of business, journalism, and private life were the topics Anna Anisin discussed with her guest Sherrell Dorsey.

Sherrell Dorsey is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, data journalist, and ecosystem builder who focuses on climate tech, sustainability investments, and transforming business to make it better for the planet and its people. She is also a founder of The Plug, the first Black tech news platform to be featured on Bloomberg Terminal.

During her talk with Anna Anisin, she shared stories of her origins, the early days of The Plug, as well as her inspirations in both fashion and business.

Building The Plug

Sherrell started The Plug as a side project while working for companies like Google Fiber and Uber. The project was born out of a lack of representation of people of color in tech and business news.

“I would get up every morning at 5 o’clock, put this little $10 newsletter together, and cover the conferences I attended,” she says. Considering how amazing the things built by the people she was writing about were, it was not a surprise that the project was successful. But it was not without challenges. “One of the biggest challenges was finding the right revenue stream—knowing how to price effectively when you are very niche-based,” she says.

Stylish Sustainability

The conversation was also an opportunity to exchange opinions about fashion and sustainability. It was a great point to start the conversation about building a fitting narrative. According to her experience, citing only numbers and statistics related to climate change is not an effective way to support a better world. In her opinion, the stories also need to include information about lowering bills or saving on transportation.

Sherrell criticized fast fashion for generating a lot of waste, lacking quality, and being unfair to employees.

“When I look at brand story and quality, I know that the pieces in our closet should feel like they were made with care and love… sustainability isn’t just about hugging trees,” she says. That’s why she supports indie designers who practice fair trade.

Sherrell expressed her disappointment with the idea of burning unsold inventory—a problem that not only wastes resources but also increases emissions. “Sustainable brands are making investments in technology so that they produce only what is needed and protect their craftsmanship,” she highlights.

The Style Itself

The conversation would be incomplete without discussing fashion and style. As a woman who considers fashion a powerful tool for self-expression, she found fitting into corporate style challenging.

“I’ve always gone through an existential crisis with fashion—wanting to be taken seriously while still expressing who I am. Transitioning to a CEO role meant embracing tailored, powerful suiting,” she says. Yet the challenges helped her forge her own personal style, refined by creating mood boards on Pinterest and following a curated list of influencers and designers.

Summary

“Style isn’t just about what you wear; it’s about how you carry your passions and dreams into the work you do every day,” she says, encouraging everyone to see style as a connection between personal and professional spheres.

The fourth podcast episode centers on Anna’s story, with guest Amber Gordon taking the lead in asking questions and guiding the conversation. Together, they delve into Anna’s journey as the creative force behind “I Want Her Shoes,” highlighting the reality of juggling motherhood, leadership, and a thriving entrepreneurial career.

How Fashion brings Opportunities

Anna opens with an anecdote about how choosing the right shoes and paying attention to fashion details can be a game-changer for a career.

“Somebody noticed my shoes… that person actually ended up being the one who introduced me to the people who bought my first startup,” she says, illustrating how fashion truly altered her career path.

This experience is just one of many that propelled her to start a podcast about the role of fashion in modern business and in women’s lives. Anna strongly believes that clothing, shoes, and accessories are forms of self-expression. In a tech world often dominated by hoodies and jeans, she advocates standing out—especially for women wanting to showcase their personality.

“I want to encourage more women to express themselves because for a lot of people, that’s how they show their personality,” she states.

Navigating Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Besides being a businesswoman, Anna is also a mother of two, a role that shapes much of her outlook. She acknowledges that balancing a podcast, a tech career, and motherhood simultaneously is challenging.

“Becoming a mom has definitely pushed me to a lot of different levels… I feel like a better communicator and better podcast host,” she shares.

Leadership Insights and Overcoming Challenges

Anna’s journey in the tech industry hasn’t been free of obstacles. She openly recounts that her early days in Silicon Valley were filled with discrimination and struggles to secure funding. Rather than letting negativity define her, she transformed it into motivation.

“I want to turn my negative experiences into positive. That’s why I want to create an ecosystem that supports women, provides them with mentorship, and allows multiple voices,” she says.

By surrounding herself with a diverse team, she stays tuned into emerging digital media trends and cultivates an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. Her vision doesn’t stop at podcasting; she hopes to expand “I Want Her Shoes” into a full ecosystem—potentially a book or even an AI-driven style app.

Summary

Anna’s story resonates with anyone who’s felt intimidated by wardrobe choices, career challenges, or the daily juggle of parenting and professional life. By fusing fashion, technology, and supportive communities, she aims to show that personal style isn’t just a trivial detail—it’s a pathway to greater opportunities and elevated self-confidence.

Through “I Want Her Shoes,” she invites women everywhere to rediscover the joy in dressing up and harness that confidence as they shatter barriers, pitch bold ideas, and forge meaningful connections. If her journey is any indicator, stepping into the right pair of shoes—or the right mindset—can indeed change your life.

Fashion is about styles, patterns, and fun. But is that the full picture? Can fashion be seen as an investment in one’s personal brand? Or is there an intersection between building personal style and building a business? These questions can be answered by Melissa Pegus.

Melissa Pegus is a Partner at the Future Economy Fund, an investor and strategic advisor who supports companies working in areas like commerce technology, healthcare, workforce development, and emerging industries.

Apart from her business activities, Melissa is also a stylist and fashion enthusiast. She shares her views and insights on style, business, personal life, and everything in between.

The Power of Personal Style in Professional Life

The discussion began with a lighthearted conversation about the role of favorite shoes and their impact on the wearer. “I keep the uniform casual, but the shoes are where I have fun,” says Melissa Pegus. She also elaborated on how her outfit influences her professional life and career.

“I remember when I first started working, I used to get these gorgeous three-piece skirt suits from the ladies’ suit section at Macy’s or Ann Taylor.” Early career fashion was inspired by ’90s working women in movies, evolving into a more personalized and effortless approach.

She also shared how clothing can be used as a way to express oneself while staying professional, especially in a high-stakes environment like an investment fund.

Melissa emphasized how important first impressions are in business. On the other hand, becoming overly stressed about clothing can be counterproductive. “I’m not at a place where I want to stress out about what I’m going to wear. I have a uniform—something that is comfortable but makes me feel confident,” she says, noting that having a work wardrobe that eliminates decision fatigue can save energy and reduce easily avoidable stress.

Yet despite having a classy, professional uniform style, it’s possible to have fun with fashion by manipulating details and accessories, she adds.

Investing in the Future: The Vision Behind the Future Economy Fund

The talk was also an opportunity to exchange thoughts on the modern economy and its potential directions. According to Melissa Pegus, key areas include commerce technology, healthcare, workforce development, and other emerging technologies.

However, fashion e-commerce still struggles with the fact that clothes and accessories are items customers may want to touch and feel before purchase. “Even the best digital-first brands are trying to recreate that experience of walking into a boutique, where the store owner knows you,” she says.

The Role of Personal Branding in the Investment World

The podcast also provided a space to discuss how the investment community has strongly held views, including those about fashion. Despite this, many women in investing use personal style as a tool for confidence and visibility.

It was also an opportunity to talk about the power of community in business initiatives. Beyond being a tool of the trade, fashion inevitably becomes part of one’s story.

“I remember every class I’ve taught… I distinctly remember the final moment of standing on stage with all the founders,” Melissa recalls. “A blazer, a pair of slacks—it brings back those memories, and I feel all that joy all over again.”

The Trends We Love (and Those We’d Rather Forget)

The conversation also touched on fashion trends, as “Good fashion is forever,” stated in the podcast. Power suits, statement footwear, and sustainable fashion remain classic choices. On the other side of the spectrum are trends like skinny low-rise jeans or slouchy bags, which can be enemies of organization.

Conclusion

“Outfits can speak a thousand words” could serve as a fitting summary. The full version of this episode is available on YouTube.

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Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwanthershoespodcast/

Fatima Rosa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissapegus

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwanthershoes/

No rising eyebrows – A Conversation With Fatima Rosa

Beauty is a powerful force that can transform the world into a better place—when approached in a conscious and responsible manner. Drawing from her multicultural background, enterprise experience, and family business, Fatima Rosa always inspires with her philanthropic and community-focused approach!

Fatima Rosa is a Miami-based entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of a face, brow, and beauty bar in Miami, Florida, who also engages in multiple social responsibility projects.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

During her meeting with Anna Anisin, Fatima Rosa shared the story of her family and childhood, which later shaped her approach to doing business. Both of her parents were born in Uganda but were expelled by Idi Amin’s regime. “I’m born in Canada, born and raised, but my parents are born in East Africa… They were forced to leave… drop out of school, leave your family homes… and figure out life somewhere else,” she shares.

Before settling in Canada, her parents tried their luck in New Zealand and the UK. This challenging journey laid a strong foundation for the family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Fatima basically grew up learning the value of persistence and resourcefulness. “As a 5- or 6-year-old, I’d be spending time sitting in the back of one of their businesses… My dad would say, ‘We’re gonna learn how to work today.’” she says. “My dad asked me to do something on the computer, but I couldn’t even reach it. So he gave me a crate and—problem solved! It was a small task, but I felt so accomplished!” she adds.

Gathering the Experience

Fatima graduated from the University of Toronto, earning a degree in Political Science and Environmental Science. After graduation, she thought she would help run the family business, yet her father insisted she first gather experience in a corporate environment.

The lessons proved valuable, with Fatima learning about different styles of running a business and building relationships with a team. For example, she realized the importance of being prepared before a meeting and the value of teamwork. “It showed me how to function in a team environment. You learn about skill sets, who to rely on when it comes to clients or administration,” she says.

Fatima pursues fulfillment in many areas. Her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to build thriving businesses helped her engage in social responsibility initiatives, never forgetting that her own parents once received help as refugees. She not only volunteers with Best Buddies but also encourages her staff to do so.

Building Beauty in Florida

Fatima started her beauty business in Florida as a franchise from Canada, and it was the first blow-dry concept around at that time. “Regulators didn’t fully understand the concept—that you just wash, dry, and style!” she says. Yet clients soon requested additional services like brows, makeup, and lashes. Eventually, she sold the franchise, and after the non-compete agreement ended, she opened her own beauty business. The core of the concept was providing a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. “Come right after yoga, sweaty, or roll out of bed because you had a hard night, no problem. We’re here to make you feel good,” she says.

In the podcast, Anna and Fatima also exchanged thoughts on current fashion trends, discussing the “no eyelashes” trend, sustainability, and an organic approach to beauty.

She shared her passion for shoes and bold details in clothing, including edge studs and rockstar accents. Yet as a mom, she needs to stay practical. “I have a Lazy Susan, so it’s like floor to ceiling, and the sections turn, so I can just spin and see the shoes!” she says.

Summary

Fatima’s complicated story shows how challenging beginnings can foster a responsible and sustainable approach to doing business and contributing to the community. The full episode can be found on YouTube, where Anna and Fatima talk about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the many aspects of being a successful entrepreneur, mother, and fashionable modern woman.

Follow us for more updates:

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwanthershoespodcast/

Fatima Rosa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatima.rosa.eh/

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwanthershoes/