Via Voyage LA
Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Antonova. Lana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and bred in Saratov, Russia. At 15, my family and I moved to Melbourne, Australia. Driven and ambitious with a hint of stubbornness, I was infected with an “acting bug” in Australia. I came to LA to find fame and fortune. I was blessed for the career I have had in acting and the amazing people I have had the pleasure of working with, such Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Berenger, Cybill Shepard, Hank Asaria, Jesse Bradford, Zooey Deschanel, Famke Janssen, Ray Romano, Rip Torn, Debra Winger, and the list goes on and on. However, living from job to a job started to take a toll on me, so I started thinking of alternatives to supplement my acting career.
I hold a BDes, BS: Programming & Bachelor’s in Accounting. I founded Webvixxen Design in 2003 and quickly found myself drawn to the tech world.
I wasn’t always into technology…I was into acting, sports, design, music and numbers. Not sure if that particular combination had anything to do with my found love for coding/programming. I started off as a computer engineer but quickly realized that hardware wasn’t what I wanted to concentrate on.
I then transition to Flash coding, which was lucrative for a short while.
I certainly stood out, however, clients had a tough time hiring a woman at that time. To supplement my income or the lack thereof, a job in government sector presented itself and I found myself in web application security testing, while still trying to get my company off the ground.
I didn’t feel fulfilled on the job, so every week I chased tiny restaurant accounts to sign up with me for their web needs.
No one at that time wanted to have a website or thought they needed one. So it was a tough sell. The only reason one restaurant finally decided to give me a chance was because I offered them a full package. I wasn’t just a coder, I was also a designer. The combination of understanding what it takes to build a website and have an eye for the front-end design, was a winning one. All of a sudden, the doors started opening more and more.
My team quickly grew from one-woman show to 5, all women. Something I recognized very quickly. The sensibility with which women code and their attention to detail, really helped surpass our then competitors.
Today my team is almost at 50+ with 90% women. And we have been lucky to have worked with some heavy hitters like Nike, Sony, Samsung, EA; fashion brands such as Lanvin, Gucci, Cartier and the list goes on and on.
I’m excited to see more and more women entering the technology world. In my opinion, women make gifted coders because they are creative and brilliant communicators.
Watching new female coding stars arrive on the scene is heartening for me. It’s a total fabrication that men are more suited to coding. Ada Lovelace was the first ever programmer. She was the daughter of Lord Byron and had a mathematician mother. It was those roots in numbers and poetry that helped her create the first programming language.
‘A single line of code can affect millions of people.’
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride and took years of hard work to get to where I’m now. Coming here from another country, and entering the tech world as a woman in 2003 was not an easy task.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the WebVixxen Design story. Tell us more about the business.
Since Webvixxen Design was created in 2003, it has grown to a team of over 50 people, almost 90% of whom are women, and the team has been fortunate enough to work with heavy-hitting brands as well as some very promising start-ups.
With offices in Venice, CA & Chile; and presence in NY & London, we specialize in high-end design & branding, but our capabilities are limitless. I have created a model that has been quite successful for us, by being a “one-stop” shop for our clients. Our network of vendors is vast, and it includes top photographers, pr & marketing, social media specialists, SEO specialists, printers, videographers, talent scouts, studios, copywriters, etc, etc. We build solutions, not just websites. Once a client signs up with us, they may look no further. They become a part of our family.
Our top clients that we have worked with are based on fashion and beauty, brands such as Lanvin, Cartier, Jaeger Lecoultre, Gucci, Revlon, Sephora to name several…we also have a number of up-and-coming brands such as Stretchlab (the hot new business taking stretching to another level), Aloxxi (founder George Schaeffer, who was OPI founder), La Vie Parisienne (vintage jewelry), LabNo25 (new e-commerce fashion platform, giving emerging designers a voice), and many more. Our client list also expands to different industries, such as medical, 500 fortune companies, construction companies, TV personalities, entertainment, and the list goes on.
Oftentimes, people wonder why I got into coding. And every time I think about it, I find myself elated; however much — it’s abundant and gratifying. I love creating and that is our tagline. WE CREATE.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck.
Luck assumes that the universe is working for or against you, and I don’t think the universe gives a s*&% one way or the other. You’re either prepared or you aren’t, and the rest is by chance.
Luck is the idea that circumstances happen to you; chance is just what happens. It’s not egotistical, and it doesn’t allow the roles of victor or victim. Sometimes you benefit and sometimes you don’t, but it’s rarely ever about you. It just is what it is.
“Luck” is made. Not by the universe. By you.
It takes discipline & tremendous work ethic.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am incredibly grateful to so many, but these two individuals who have played pivotal roles in my journey, truly stood out. One person who comes to mind is the owner of A Votre Sante restaurant in Brentwood, CA. They were my first client and took a chance on me when I was just starting out. After persistently reaching out to them for months, they finally decided to give my services a try. That opportunity really kick-started my company and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. To this day, I am grateful for their trust and support.
Another person who had a significant impact on my career is Chantal Cloutier, the owner of Cloutier Agency. She was recommended to me by another client, and our initial meeting was quite memorable. She reached out to me in a rush, on her way to the airport, and asked if she could stop by my home office. Without hesitation, I welcomed her in and we had a conversation over tea. Chantal entrusted me with the task of completely rebranding her agency, which was facing challenges at the time. The success of that rebranding project not only transformed the agency but also opened doors for my company. Chantal’s belief in my abilities and the impact we made together still inspires me to this day.
Both of these experiences taught me the power of relationships and the importance of seizing opportunities. It’s through the support and trust of individuals like them that I have been able to reach where I am today. I am forever grateful for their belief in me and the positive influence they’ve had on my journey.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Using my success to bring goodness to the world has always been a priority for me. One of the ways I have done this is by actively supporting and promoting local businesses, especially those owned by women. I understand the challenges that entrepreneurs face, particularly in times of hardship like the recent pandemic. As a result, I have made it a point to work closely with female-owned businesses in my community, offering them discounted services to help them get back on their feet or establish themselves.
Furthermore, I believe in the power of giving back. Throughout my career, I have participated in various philanthropic initiatives and community outreach programs. Whether it’s volunteering my time, providing pro bono services, or contributing to charitable causes, I strive to make a positive impact beyond my professional endeavors. It’s important to me that success is not solely measured by financial achievements, but also by the positive influence we can have on others.
Moreover, I am passionate about mentoring and empowering young women who aspire to pursue careers in STEM or tech. I actively engage in mentorship programs, speaking engagements, and workshops to share my experiences, insights, and advice with the next generation. By encouraging and supporting women in these fields, I aim to help bridge the gender gap and create more opportunities for success.
Overall, I believe that success is not just about personal gain but also about using our platform and influence to make a difference in the world. Through my work with local businesses, philanthropy, and mentorship, I strive to bring goodness and positive change to the communities I serve and beyond.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I had the opportunity to inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, it would be centered around fostering education and equal opportunities for all. I believe that education is the foundation for personal growth, empowerment, and positive change.
The movement would focus on ensuring access to quality education for every individual, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or geographical location. It would strive to eliminate barriers such as financial constraints, gender discrimination, and limited resources that hinder educational opportunities for many.
The movement would promote innovative approaches to education, leveraging technology and digital platforms to reach underserved communities and provide them with learning opportunities. It would emphasize the importance of early childhood education, as well as lifelong learning, to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Additionally, the movement would advocate for inclusive education that celebrates diversity, respects different learning styles, and supports individuals with disabilities. It would encourage collaboration among governments, educational institutions, businesses, and communities to create a comprehensive and inclusive educational ecosystem.
By empowering individuals through education, this movement would have a ripple effect on society. It would enable people to break the cycle of poverty, pursue their dreams, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. It would foster innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing individuals to address global challenges and create a better future for all.
Ultimately, the goal of this movement would be to create a world where education is not a privilege but a fundamental right. It would empower individuals, uplift communities, and unlock the full potential of humanity.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Embrace the unknown, for within it lies the magic of endless possibilities.” — Me
This quote has been relevant to me in my life because it reminds me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new experiences. It’s easy to stick to what is familiar and predictable, but true growth and discovery happen when we venture into the unknown.
Throughout my journey, I have encountered situations where I had to make choices without knowing the outcome. Whether it was starting a new venture, taking on a challenging project, or pursuing a different path, embracing the unknown allowed me to tap into my potential and discover hidden talents and strengths.
By embracing the unknown, I have been able to overcome fears and limitations, and open doors to opportunities I never thought possible. It has taught me to trust in my abilities, be resilient in the face of uncertainty, and have faith that the universe has a way of guiding us towards our true purpose.
This quote serves as a constant reminder that life is an adventure, and the magic happens when we are willing to let go of control and embrace the mysteries that lie ahead. It encourages me to have an open mind, seize opportunities, and approach challenges with curiosity and optimism.
Overall, this life lesson quote has shaped my mindset and approach to life, reminding me to embrace the unknown with a sense of wonder and excitement, knowing that within it lies the potential for personal growth, transformation, and the fulfillment of my dreams.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
If given the opportunity, I would love to have a private lunch with Michelle Obama. She is an inspiring figure who has made a significant impact through her initiatives and advocacy for important causes such as education, health, and women’s empowerment.
Michelle Obama’s dedication to empowering young people, particularly girls, and promoting access to education resonates deeply with me. Her commitment to healthy living and wellness is also admirable, as she has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Beyond her accomplishments, Michelle Obama exudes grace, intelligence, and authenticity. I would be honored to have a meaningful conversation with her about leadership, social impact, and the importance of uplifting others. Her insights and experiences would undoubtedly provide valuable lessons and inspiration that I could apply to my own life and work.
Having a private lunch with Michelle Obama would be an incredible opportunity to learn from her wisdom, exchange ideas, and discuss ways to create positive change in the world. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life and inspire them to take action is truly remarkable, and I would be thrilled to engage in a conversation that explores her journey, values, and vision for a better future.
Although the chances of this message reaching Michelle Obama directly are uncertain, I hope that her team or others who admire her may pass along the invitation. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to sit down with Michelle Obama and engage in a conversation that could potentially make a positive impact on individuals and communities worldwide.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
