“If I were to offer advice to my business, I would say that it’s essential not to let the fear of making mistakes hold you back.”
Welcome to an exclusive interview with Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, the founder and CEO of VISA Fashion Week Almaty and VISA Fashion Week Tashkent.
Over the past decade, Bauyrzhan has devoted himself to the growth of Kazakhstan’s artistic industry, co-founding the highly successful Fashion Bureau Saken Zhaxybayev in 2012.
With over 600 successful events under his belt, Bauyrzhan has worked with renowned companies such as Bvlgari, IQOS, The Macallan, Damiani, Dior, H&M, Samsung, and Omega.
His dedication to sustainability and social responsibility led him to launch the first International Fashion Week in Kazakhstan and Central Asia in 2014, and now, Bauyrzhan is excited to announce the first-ever fashion week in Uzbekistan, Tashkent.
Join us as we dive into the world of fashion and innovation with Bauyrzhan Shadibekov and learn about his experiences, challenges, and expectations for the future of the fashion industry.
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to our exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: My name is Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, founder and CEO of VISA Fashion Week Almaty and VISA Fashion Week Tashkent. I’ve always had a love for fashion and design, especially the way that society influences fashion to create trends and tastes.
I have spent the last ten years devoting my time and efforts to growing Kazakhstan’s artistic industry. I co-founded Fashion Bureau Saken Zhaxybayev in 2012, and it has grown to be the biggest event organization in Kazakhstan.
I have planned with my team more than 600 successful events and worked with renowned companies like Bvlgari, IQOS, The Macallan, Damiani, Dior, H&M, Samsung, and Omega. I am extremely proud of our work.
In 2014, I launched the first International Fashion Week in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, VISA Fashion Week Almaty. My goal was to showcase the creative talents of Kazakhstan and draw attention to issues related to sustainability and ecology.
As someone who believes in social responsibility, I am committed to promoting cultural progress in Kazakhstan and supporting the development of neighboring countries. That’s why I’m excited to announce that we are launching the first fashion week in Uzbekistan, Tashkent, this year.
I believe this project will further position Central Asia as a fashion hub in the international fashion industry.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: I have held a large number of events, but probably the most important event is the new Visa Fashion Week in Almaty , which has now become an international appointment.
The event will bring together fashion fans and business people from across the world, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and displaying the most recent fashion trends. Tashkent has been added as a new location for the event which adds to the excitement and anticipation.
The success of the event has been made possible by everyone who has contributed, from designers and models to sponsors and event organizers. The amount of meticulousness and commitment to perfection displayed by everyone participating is evidence of the importance given to this event.
Overall, the new Visa Fashion week is a significant event that represents the culmination of many months of hard work and collaboration. It is sure to be a spectacle that will capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, and one that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
What advice do you wish you received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: If I were to offer advice to my business, I would say that it’s essential not to let the fear of making mistakes hold you back.
Mistakes are a natural part of any business journey, and the most crucial thing is to recognize them and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement in the future.
It’s crucial to approach your work with a critical mindset and constantly strive to push boundaries, be innovative and creative. Networking is also an essential aspect of business growth, and it’s essential to take advantage of the opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry.
Building relationships can lead to not only valuable friendships but also exciting collaboration opportunities that can take your business to the next level.
Here is a two fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: My favorite book is “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. This book offers insights into achieving a higher level of consciousness, emphasizing the importance of freeing oneself from ego-driven thoughts.
This is not only the key to personal happiness but also to ending inner conflict. It sheds light on the underlying reasons behind people’s actions, leading to a deeper understanding of life’s meaning.
Reading this book has been a transformative experience for me, as it has helped me to discover my true self and gain a better understanding of my place in the world.
It is also a book that I gifted the most to those friends who, like me, are seeking to expand their consciousness and gain deeper insights into life.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: It is a reality that my major challenge comes from my skills, which each assignment brings to light in fresh new ways. With each new creation, I discover a newfound strength within myself.
I approach each project with a sense of fearlessness and curiosity, as I find that the most interesting endeavors are often the most daunting.. With each endeavor, I try to set a higher bar and push myself to greater heights. Each season brings a new experience.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: There is a common misconception that running a company is a stressful endeavor.
While it’s true that unforeseen situations can arise, the key is to remain calm and find a solution. When you love what you do and have a team of capable individuals working alongside you, the work becomes a source of joy rather than stress. S
ome may assume that the job is effortless, based on what they see on social media platforms. However, behind the screen lies countless hours of work, meetings, and contract negotiations.
By following personal rules and adhering to a schedule, and truly loving the work you do, success is attainable.
What does “success” in the year to come mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Bauyrzhan Shadibekov: True success lies not only in achieving tangible results, but also in finding satisfaction in the process.
While material possessions can be a source of pride, real success comes from facing one’s fears, pushing forward, and achieving significant international accomplishments.
Ultimately, true success means recognizing that you are exactly where you are meant to be and that your work brings tremendous benefits to the industry in which you operate.This is how I picture success in 2023 and for the years to come.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
