Olyasha Novozhylova is a Russian-born model, blogger, influencer, entrepreneur, and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. She has had a long career in the modelling industry, which eventually led her to starting her blog, Not Basic Blonde. It has since become her brand to show off fashion, as well discuss various topics. She also hosts her own podcast, NotBasicBlonde Podcast. She’s a busy woman who is continuing to build her empire at a rapid rate.
I was thrilled and honoured to interview Olyasha for my website. In this exclusive, she answered questions about her modelling career, Not Basic Blonde, advice for aspiring influencers, and much more. Check it out!
E: Could you please give some background on yourself?
Olyasha Novozhylova (O): I’m Russian, but was born in Eastern Ukraine. I graduated from high school when I was 16 and went to University on a scholarship right after. But I had to quit it and come to the United States. I came to the U.S. when I was 17 with a part of my family. I graduated from Georgia State University with a major in Managerial Sciences. Later I had a career as and IT/Project Manager, and worked for nationwide telecom companies managing large scale projects.
E: When did you become a model?
O: I’ve started modelling since I was 14. I went to modelling school and a significant number of modelling boot camps. I continued modelling when I came to the U.S. as well. I’ve been doing it for over 15 years now.
E: What has been the highlight of your modelling career?
O: I loved to walk on a runway for different Fashion Weeks, even though they took hours of preparation. Those were the longest days- 12 to 14-hour days- but they were definitely worth it. Especially when you walk on a runway in a masterpiece that a designer created that’s very exclusive and handmade.
E: Do you believe that your modelling career helped you with your career later on in life?
O: It helped me with what I am doing now. That’s because going into this career, I’ve had a lot of experience and am used to being on camera.
E: What inspired you to start Not Basic Blonde?
O: Not Basic Blonde not just a blog- it’s a brand. My mom inspired me becase she was a huge fashionista. She still is today! When I was a child, she would always dress me up based on the latest trends. I’ve always had an extraordinary style, and everyone always asked me where do I get my outfits from. So I finally decided to start a blog, where I would share my passion for fashion with other women. I want to inspire other women and help them to dress fashionably as well.
E: Why did you decide to focus on content for your blog such as fashion, lifestyle, and more?
O: My blog has is all- fashion, lifestyle, travel, beauty, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship. I do not like to have a narrow niche because I like all these things, and I educate myself on all of these topics.
E: If there’s one blog post of yours that everyone needs to read, which one is it and why?
O: Honestly, every blog post is very interesting. I always select the most important information with my readers, and I try to bring them as much value as possible.
E: What do you hope people take away from reading your blog?
O: I don’t just concentrate on my blog. I also have a few resources when people can find information they are looking for. I post resourceful information on Instagram every day, as well as on my blog and on my Stories. I also share so many takeaways on my podcast.
E: What has your experience been like as an influencer?
O: Being an influencer is not easy as it seems. It’s not just posting pretty pictures on Instagram; there are goes so much behind the scenes. It includes changing in your car when you have photoshoots, planning your content, editing your pictures, coming up with new content and new ideas for different partnerships, having meetings, endless emails, communicating with brands, negotiating partnerships deals, being on camera, engaging with your audience, and more. You have to wear so many hats, and you have to have a lot patience and dedication.
E: What has been your biggest achievement as an influencer?
O: I’ve been published in major publications such as Yahoo! Finance, Medium, Thrive, Jezebel, and Fashion Week Online. I’ve also partnered with nationwide brands such as Cartier, Revolve, PLT, TooFaced, Tarte, Vital Proteins, PGA, Steve Madden, Amazon, Audible, Botox, Drunk Elephant, Covergirl, and many more. However, I don’t really call myself an influencer. I have a brand, so I consider myself an entrepreneur.
E: For any aspiring influencers reading this, what advice do you have for them?
O: When you’re starting a business, you have to remember that it takes a lot of time and effort! The biggest challenge is that you have to be fully dedicated, committed and be ready to sacrifice. Especially for me- being an influencer and a podcast host- it requires a lot of time, planning and producing content, weekly photoshoots, and long hours. I even work on vacation! When you’re starting a business, you should remember that it requires way more time than just having a 9 to 5 job. But being an entrepreneur is so rewarding. Plus, you have to ready to invest in yourself because it will pay off later. So when you’re starting a new business, it’s always better to have savings or investors.
Another challenge is that you have to be ready and not to expect to be paid at first. When you’re just starting, it takes time to establish any business. It usually takes a couple years or more, depending on your brand, to break even and to make it a profitable business.
E: What does a typical day in your life looks like for you?
O: My days and nights are very busy; I definitely work many hours. I try to plan my schedule as much as possible, and I try to batch my tasks. Every day is very different. It goes from recording podcasts all day, publishing new episodes, creating new content, having photoshoots, and Zoom meetings.
E: You started the NotBasicBlonde Podcast back in 2019. Why did you decide to do that?
O: Funny enough, I was complemented on my voice all the time. I’ve had so many of my followers asking me to do a podcast, and they wanted to learn more about me.
E: For those who haven’t listened to your podcast, what topics do you cover on it?
O: No topic is off limits! My guests and I discuss a huge variety of topics. They include health, wellness, sex, dating, relationships, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, marketing, love, family, spirituality, astrology, and women’s health. My podcast includes guest speakers such as Dean Graziosi, Gabby Bernstein, Simonetta Lein, Jasmin Star, cast members from The Real Housewives of Dallas, Deborah Lippmann, Forbes public figures, BravoTV celebrities, and more.
E: What do you hope is next for you?
O: I have a few very exciting projects that I’m working on, but I like to disclose everything when it’s close to the end. I don’t like to disclose it when it’s still in a process. So very soon you will find out more!
E: Where can people check you out online?
O: My Instagram is @notbasicblonde_, and my website is notbasicblonde.com. As for my podcast, you can listen to it on Apple Podcasts. You can also check out the NotBasicBlonde Podcast’s Instagram page.
xo,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sarah Larkin 