Conversations with Kristina Kovalevich

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Kovalevich.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I am Kristina Kovalevich, the founder of Femininity In Business. My story trickles back to the age of 5 when I first arrived in the beautiful United States of America. I have a great appreciation for my cultural background. My Latvian-Belarusian roots make me a diverse and bilingual woman. As an extrovert, I’ve always loved culture, life, travel, and people. I love to sit in different circles and learn of others’ stories. I come from humble beginnings, but I always believed you could be anything you set your mind to be. My faith in God kept me grounded and going, thinking He had a unique plan before me. I finished my Bachelor’s by the age of 20, double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology. From the moment I started college at age 16 and into my mid-20s, I carried one desire – to become everything I wish I had for the generation following me. Locally, I founded a mentorship program called KORE GIRLS. We hosted monthly and quarterly events, bringing together up to 50 young ladies. It was my passion to pour into these young gals and empower them to become young women of value.

At age 25, I did something absolutely crazy. I bought a one-way ticket to Hawaii and left for a few months to ghostwrite a book for someone else. This chapter of my life brought me great solitude and reconnected me to who I am at my core. I have given much of my time, energy, and resources away. It was refreshing to refuel and reconnect with my inner being. As I returned to Seattle, I finalized the book manuscript and sought what life had next in store for me. I stumbled upon the announcement of the winner of Miss. USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, and immediately got inspired to compete for Miss. WA USA, believing if she can do it, so can I. The next few years were unexpected, as I heavily prepared for the moment. I placed 1st runner-up, my second and final time competing for Miss. WA USA. It was a difficult “no” to chew on, as I had nothing planned post-pageantry. I honed in deeper into my faith in a supernatural God, and He sure surprised me. Following pageantry, I began to explore my options, discovering my gift for speaking and bringing people together. Since then, I have coached other women in finding their innate abilities and talent. As a TV host, I have graced several red-carpet events, highlighting individuals and their accomplishments. In 2022, I was featured as a young industry leader in 425’s 30 under 30 Magazine. I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Miss Washington USA pageant. Recently I emcee’d a live event at the 6^th Annual Global Beauty Awards weekend.

In November 2022, I founded and hosted my first Femininity in Business event, bringing 50 women together. It was pure success and people’s feedback inspired me to host another event. On April 29, 2023, I hosted a fireside chat event known as Femininity In Business 2.0. It was an honor to hear from C-Suite executives including Amy Emmerich, the CEO of Miss Universe, April Simpkins, mental health advocate and Dr. Connie Mariano, the White House Doctor. Women and men are eager to learn more about FIB 3.0 which is in the works.

When one door closes, many other doors open, if you believe. Pageantry was the stepping stone that launched me into a world of opportunities. I couldn’t choose one, so I decided to do it all. In September 2022, I walked Paris Fashion Week for RC Caylan and was featured in Elle, Harper Bazaar, Marie Claire, and other media publications. Since 2021, I have been able to travel the world with Jennifer Lloyd, Mrs. Korea World, as her Social Media Manager and Publicist.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish the road were smooth and linear, but I’ve experienced highs and lows. The greatest struggle I have learned to overcome is facing negativity, people’s opinion and cultural setbacks. When I chose to compete in pageantry, many misunderstood me and received questions about why I was putting myself on such a stage. I felt like a bird out of a cage the first time I competed. Therefore I returned to compete again before I aged out and could no longer compete. I have lost some friends because I decided to pursue something outside of the cultural norm, and I wasn’t ready for that. I truly believed everyone in my circle would genuinely be excited for my new venture. Little did I know how close-minded and doubtful some can be. I appreciate those who ran alongside and showed upmost support. I have grown stronger and continue to break glass ceilings for other women within the Slavic culture. The number of messages I have received about how much my life inspires others to dream, believe and pursue the passions of their heart keeps me going. I have learned I cannot control how others view me, but I can control my reaction. The most powerful tool I have in my toolbox is love.

Love truly conquers all. I continuously remind myself that pursuing the burning passions of my heart is worth it if it encourages at least one other person. I pursue to be a woman of value in my generation and find it a joy to face these obstacles. It builds me up as I write my story. I don’t live for the applause of people. I walk and live for the audience of one, and that is my Lord, my Savior, and my King Jesus. My faith has carried me through all chapters of life. Becoming the woman I am today was worth every step of the journey. I no longer see only a local community. I see a global family. I am in the business of women empowerment, and I still need to reach millions of women worldwide.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I live to help women unlock the potential enclosed within them. I discovered, in August 2022, while sitting at a business conference predominantly 85% of men, women are missing a vital key factor. I call it femininity. I returned home dwelling on how much we compete and compare in the marketplace as women, and it does not do us too well. I have coached women in femininity and seen tremendous results. The missing key unlocks destiny and potential when we fully tap into our divine inner feminine energy. As a model, I get to work the camera, showcasing the beauty of femininity. As a host, I bring maximum “KK energy” and lighten the room. As a writer, I use creativity to captivate my audience through words and inspire to become the best version of themself.

Femininity is a part of everything I do. I believe it is a solution to a modern-day problem. As we women, we need to return to our original design. As the founder of Femininity In Business, I want to unite women. Regardless of our race, heritage, background or ethnicity, when women unite solemnly to empower one another, they become a force to be reckoned with. I see a movement breaking out, as we come together as business owners, entrepreneurs, employers, and those who desire to bring their idea to fruition. In a society where femininity is not always encouraged, the power of success lies within every woman. Femininity is a key which unlocks doors of opportunity and allows each woman to step into what is destined to be hers. In a culture of hustle and competition, femininity is often undermined and misrepresented. In reality, it’s a missing piece that, when positioned correctly, empowers women to tap into their full potential.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I couldn’t agree more. I want to, first and foremost, thank my parents. My mother is an educated woman who raised 5 children. I have seen her work hard and never give up. Her strength and resilience empowers me. My father is a businessman. He has taught me many life and business lessons I apply today. I am forever thankful for their sacrifice.

In recent years, I have been greatly impacted by 3 women who have walked alongside me as I navigated pageantry and beyond. I want to start with Maureen Francisco, the executive producer of NW Productions. Her directorship has been my guide. She gifted me her time, wisdom, and expertise as I prepared as a media personnel at the 71st Miss Universe competition. Co-hosting the Miss Washington pageant was a delight. During the Global Beauty Awards weekend in April 2023, I got to emcee a Milan Fashion Week Walk Off. She is the producer of the entire weekend.

Amber Fowler has been fundamental in my preparation for Miss. WA USA. Her leadership, guidance, and involvement have brought me great success. She spent hours and days running me through interview questions, providing everything necessary to ensure I was prepared at my prime best. This relationship has set me up for great success in my professional career. One day, when I write my book, you will find her name there as well.

Lastly, Jennifer Lloyd has allowed me to develop my talents and skills as her publicist and social media manager. Her love, heart, and care have been pivotal as she continuously supported me through pageantry and beyond. She created a space for me to flourish in and provided many opportunities. I cannot say thank you enough. Many others deserve a standing ovation as they came alongside to cheerlead me on. I wouldn’t have made it had it not been for these 3 powerful women I choose to highlight today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristinakovalevich.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristina.kovalevich/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristina.kovalevich/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinakovalevich/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZDRD177EDIIVs39shzZH3g
• Other: https://www.kristinakovalevich.com/femininity-in-business

Image Credits
Jennifer E. Lloyd Artistry