Anxiety about the coronavirus pandemic can cause some health damage and take an emotional toll, particularly if you are triggered by stress. One can easily be affected by the current sudden change due to the lock-down circumstances. Always wondering what will happen next can be so nerve-racking. For plenty of people, the uncertainty and constant blur around Covid-19 is the most difficult thing to grasp.
However, some do try to find balance by spreading positivity and making the best out of the situation. Using her social media platform, lifestyle blogger Masha Dubrovskaya tackles aspects of healthy living and prosperity. We had a talk with her about her life, how she maintains this wholesome attitude and views on how to deal with the ongoing chaos.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Moscow but I live now between Cairo and Paris. I’m a lifestyle influencer and besides that, I model and work with PR agencies in the Middle East and Europe. On a side note, I’m a yogi, mostly plant-based and I just love being healthy and active all in all.
How did you get to start as a social media influencer?
This took me quite some time, I used to train and do gym workouts – some were even up to twice a day. I love to meal prep, eat clean as much as I can and control my food portions. I started to share my everyday lifestyle on Instagram and by that time I traveled to Bali. A very famous brand of swimwear called ‘Triangl’ contacted me to collaborate with them. I had the right summer body so they asked me to be their brand ambassador. It was my very first success displayed on social media. Then shortly after, Reebok sent me a proposal for a campaign, which I surely agreed to conduct. So honestly, I neither planned nor dreamt of becoming an influencer. It just happened and I couldn’t be happier about it.
What motivated you to influence people online?
I am a strong believer in the notion of giving – the concept of “give more away and get more in return”. When you share something, you can make anyone’s life better, whether it be your mom, best friend or a stranger. Just do it and do it wholeheartedly.
You try to spread awareness on health and self-love, how do you convey your message?
I simply share with people what I read, what I watch, show them what I eat and what I do every day. You cannot transmit the message if you don’t believe in it or if you don’t actually live it. I’m pretty sure that everything is an act of self-love. When you take care of your body, eat healthy and fresh, go on walks, you show self-love. When you take care of your mind, watch good movies, surround yourself with lovely people who share the same morals as you do, have a good read, then you show self-love. I think influencers have to be pretty conscious of what they share and not just go around saying, “I don’t care about my followers”.
During this difficult time of lockdown, how do you stay positive and maintain good health physically and mentally?
I struggled with staying positive at the beginning. I was very stressed and only then I decided, I have to take responsibility for my life and do the best I can. I began to study as I’m currently doing my masters, completed a few courses of psychology, and I got a new fitness certification with very effective Japanese techniques on how to lose weight, which I can’t wait to share with you. A few weeks ago, I received a bicycle as a gift and I started to ride it every day. This helps to clear my mind! I decided to try cooking new dishes. Usually, I didn’t eat at home due to my busy schedule, and it turned out to be an amazing thing. I even started to go on Face-time dates with my beloved ones. You can’t control all the things in life but you can choose how to react to what’s happening and get a grip on it.
You have a unique look, where does your style-savvy come from?
I have no idea… most likely from my passion to watch people when I’m traveling, what they wear, how the fashion style differs from Hong Kong to Milan, how they dress up for either a promenade or lunch at cafés. I love to go through magazines as well. Since I was a teenager, I used to spend all my pocket money on books and magazines. I believe that you can “train” your sense of style when you just simply watch runway shows, brands shoot and inspiring pages online.
What do you look for when pursuing brand partnerships?
I love simple yet chic designs and high-quality products. I don’t care if it’s a start-up or a well-known name. If I like the brand identity and performance, I tend to go for it.
What inspires you to create content?
Rooming new places, museums, travels, photography albums and playing around with different outfits are all activities that inspire me instantly. I truly miss Paris right now because I feel very alive and energetic up there all the time. I also scroll Pinterest and follow a lot of creative minds who can spill some coffee and make a marvellous photo out of it. Always learning, what can I say?
Do you have any keys to success?
I guess you just need to start somewhere at some point. Make mistakes and never be afraid to fail. Just take some steps – baby steps, one at a time. I watched a documentary about Silicon Valley yesterday where the top manager of Google said that when they hire new people to the company, they choose people who have failures because those who already failed in life are stronger and more stress-resistant.
How do you de-stress when life gets hectic?
Four letters – YOGA. It slows down everything, helps you refresh and enhances your spiritual well-being, not to mention, it’s a great athletic performance. That is a win-win.
Any words of wisdom you live by?
I believe in affirmations so mine for this month would be, “I deserve the best and I accept the best now”. I repeat it every day and it keeps me going strong.
By: Nadine Mustafa
