In a world full of would-be disruptors, startups vie for recognition. Competition heats up because new companies have a very short window to get it right. For Mariya Bouraima, founder of Aveya Creative, a company’s long-term relevance is inevitably tied to a strong brand image. So either tell a compelling story or risk being forgotten. Luckily, Bouraima’s here to help secure the former scenario.
Aveya Creative was founded on the idea that entrepreneurs and startups are the future of all industries. Though the firm focuses on the tech sector, it has worked with companies ranging from fair trade shea butter lotions, to personal chef services, to local jewelry artisans.
In the modern economy, Bouraima says, a book is only as good as its cover. Her personal mission is to transform ideas into extraordinary brands. We chatted with this WeWork Dupont Circle member on taking the plunge, starting her own business, and the virtues of being a “mompreneur.”
WeWork: Did you have an “aha!” moment when you knew that you wanted to start your own business?
Bouraima: It was more like a “this dream is finally happening, no matter what” moment. I’ve wanted to start a branding agency for years. After several big-box marketing jobs at The Ritz-Carlton, George Washington University, U.S. Department of State, Ogilvy, and others, I just couldn’t take it anymore. Large organizations are so inefficient! Startups, on the other hand, are unstoppable and work quickly to get things done. I finally get to combine two of my greatest passions: branding and startups.
WeWork: Would you consider yourself an entrepreneur or creator? And what does being one mean to you?
Bouraima: Of course! “Mompreneur” to be exact. I am a mom and love my family; I can’t imagine succeeding at anything without their positive energy and inspiration. Launching and running a company are a lot like parenting: you are responsible for its well-being, you love and nurture its growth, you lose sleep over the tiniest hiccup, and most of all, you are infinitely propelled to always perform well. Being an entrepreneur at heart is not about making money; it’s about living your passion.
WeWork: What is the most challenging part of your job, and how do you keep yourself from burning out?
Bouraima: Simply finding time to do everything. To keep myself from burning out, I move around as much as possible. Exercising before or after work, during lunch, or on weekends keep me sane. Anything helps—a nice run or bike ride outside to clear my head, regular stretching to keep my back and neck happy, kickboxing at the gym, rooftop swimming.
WeWork: Has there been a point when you’ve decided to take a big risk to move forward?
Bouraima: Every startup founder has to push past the status quo; it’s what entrepreneurship is all about. For me, one of these points was to invest in space at WeWork and hire several team members—all in the same year. It seemed like a daunting total of expenses all of a sudden, but the combined effort truly paid off. Having a real office and my team’s talent have brought immeasurable bounds of success and opportunities for Aveya Creative. Our next destination for expansion is New York.
WeWork: We read somewhere that you’re an avid traveler. Where are you dying to visit next and why?
Bouraima: I’ve been to over 20 countries on five continents, and I love discovering cultures, flavors, and sights. Eastern Europe is on my list to visit since I’m originally from Russia, and I want to learn more about my ancestors.
WeWork: Your favorite drink to start or end the day?
Bouraima: Nespresso Arpeggio to jump-start the morning (conveniently the capsule color matches the Aveya logo!), then Kusmi Troika tea to wind down in the evening.
Photo credit: Foster White