As one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 and the CEO of a multi-million dollar company, Olga Vidisheva often surprises people when she reveals she is an immigrant who paid her own way through school. Born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in Russia, the 30-year-old entrepreneur wanted to develop her business acumen in America. And despite being unable to speak a word of English before she left, she set off to Wellesley College in Boston, paying her tuition fees through modelling.
But it was a fleeting trip to Paris, and a pair of shoes, that planted a million dollar idea in Olga’s head. After falling in love with a pair of fringed sandals she discovered in a Parisian boutique, the entrepreneur was devastated to discover that the shop had no online presence. If she wanted to buy anything else, she’d have to buy a plane ticket to Paris first. Whilst studying at Harvard Business School, Olga spoke to more than 800 boutiques who had the same problem - they had no idea how to sell their products online. And with that, Shoptiques was created.
Shoptiques CEO Olga Vidisheva made it onto Forbes' 30 under 30 list
Olga realised that a simple solution to the problem was to create a website that gave users the chance to browse and buy from boutiques across the world within the comfort of their own homes. She created shoptiques.com in 2012, and now offers clients products from more than 2,000 shops in the UK, US, Canada and France.
At Shoptiques’ London launch Olga admitted that she’d suffered several setbacks on the road to success, but treated them as learning experiences. And she is confident that anyone can set up a business if the product is right and they have a positive attitude.
“[You have to] believe in yourself,” she told HELLO! Fashion Monthly. “Being an entrepreneur is tough, but if you believe in yourself and your business, you can do anything… I don't attribute success to luck. You have to work for it. Also, it’s critical to have a great team.”
Shoptiques' London launch means the website sources from four different countries
Olga is living proof that it is possible to be a successful businesswoman. But although a YouGov study found that women are more likely to set up successful businesses than men, female entrepreneurs are still a rarity, which Olga believes is down to a lack of role models.
"If we see more women in C-suite positions, in politics, in science, and in entrepreneurial roles, an increasing number of young women will pursue those career paths because they can relate to leaders in those industries," she explained.
Olga believes women need more role models in business
Forbes' 'One to Watch' star also revealed that Sienna Miller was her style icon, and gave our readers a guide to some of her favourite boutiques around the world, all available to browse and buy through Shoptiques. For statement accessories and eye-catching jewellery, Olga recommends Corner-des-Createurs in Paris. Whilst those who like to stay on-trend but have a modest budget should try The Rage in Arkansas.
Fans of quirky prints and patterns that make you stand out for all the right reasons should try Think Closet, based in New York City. But it’s New York’s Darling boutique, which stocks designer vintage and own label designs, that holds a special place in Olga’s heart, as it was one of the first shops she added to the website.
Regardless, Olga is confident that there is something for everyone at shoptiques. And with plans to expand their range to include boutiques in Italy, China, Japan, Indonesia, it seems Olga shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.