Founder@ Interview
Interview with Bauyrzhan Shadibekov
Image Rights: SAFIYAT ZH
“To thrive in running such a business, prioritize mastering the art of process control, cultivate resilience against stress, foster self-confidence, and fuel your journey with a profound love for fashion. These elements are key contributors to navigating the challenges in this industry. ” – Bauyrzhan Shadibekov
Today we feature Bauyrzhan Shadibekov, the founder at VISA FASHION WEEK ALMATY. We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.
Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?
My name is Bauyrzhan Shadibekov and I am the CEO of Visa Fashion Week Almaty and Visa Fashion Week Tashkent. I’ve dedicated over 15 years to shaping and advancing the fashion industry in Central Asia in every conceivable way, showcasing local talents and championing sustainability. I strive to promote cultural progress and support our culture and creativity through fashion.
A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?
I was born in the city of Shymkent, a place dear to my heart. As a naturally creative individual, my fascination with fashion and design goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricate ways culture weaves into trends and styles.
Beyond the glamour of catwalks and showrooms, I’ve devoted over a decade to nurturing the creative landscape of my homeland, Kazakhstan. In 2012, I co-founded Fashion Bureau Saken Zhaxybayev, now considered as the largest event agency in Kazakhstan.
Recognising the potential to spotlight Kazakhstan on the fashion map, I took a natural step launching the first International Fashion Week in Kazakhstan and Central Asia—VISA Fashion Week Almaty. My mission is to draw attention to the rich tapestry of creativity in Kazakhstan and put Central Asia in the fashion map.
Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?
My company is based in Almaty where we have proudly hosted eight successful fashion week seasons. At the heart of my mission is the elevation of designers in Central Asia. Each season, me and my team meticulously select the best designers, reviewing sketches and delving into brand philosophies.
We then craft the shows, developing the concept for the new season and curating the design of the runway and venue. To amplify our reach, every season, we extend invitations to foreign guests — influential figures from media, journalism, buying, and photography worldwide.
Their coverage in numerous American and European publications serves as powerful promotion for our designers. This year, we proudly launched the “Next Designer Award” project, recognizing outstanding talent among emerging Kazakh designers. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about fostering creativity and providing a platform for the next generation of design visionaries.
What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?
Fashion is a lifelong passion of mine. Upon relocating to Almaty, everything unfolded rapidly. Immersed in the vibrant world of fashion, especially in Almaty, which stands out as Kazakhstan’s most advanced and stylish city, I took my initial steps. The journey involved its fair share of mistakes, challenges, and triumphs.
Learning from others, I remained steadfast in my belief in myself and the path I was forging. Discovering the global prevalence of fashion weeks ignited a strong desire within me to champion this industry in our own country. I took the leap, acquiring a share and initiating the Visa Fashion Week Almaty project. That marked the beginning of my unique journey.
Thank you for sharing that. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson so far?
In the ever-changing landscape of business, navigating highs and lows is inevitable. While I won’t claim perfection, I can confidently say that I’ve been meticulous in overseeing each aspect, anticipating challenges, and mitigating potential mistakes. One steadfast principle I hold is the unwavering belief in oneself and the team. It’s an ironclad rule that has been my guiding light throughout the journey.
One thing I’ve come to realize, and wish I had known earlier, is the power of networking. It’s not just a checkbox in business; it’s the essence of a thriving vision. Those important connections aren’t just transactional; they often blossom into meaningful friendships and they are an essential part of a successful business.
If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
I am confident that every step I took was the right one, as it has brought me to where I stand today. The key advice I’d offer to my younger self is to continually learn, keenly observe, and above all, maintain unwavering belief in yourself.
We’re nearly halfway through our interview so it’s a great time to ask how does your business run. What three tools make your business run better?
First off, the collaboration with top contractors: our established system thrives on collaboration with the best contractors who bring our creative concepts to life. This ensures the seamless execution of our events and the creation of stunning decor that aligns with our vision.
Second: Partnering with renowned media outlets such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harpers Bazaar, NSS, and others provides us with extensive global coverage. This media exposure plays a crucial role in amplifying our events, reaching diverse audiences, and enhancing the overall visibility of our business.
Last but not least the backbone of my business success lies in our close-knit team, where each member is entrusted with specific responsibilities. This collaborative and coordinated effort ensures the smooth functioning of our operations, from event planning to execution.
What do you know now that you wished you had known before?
One thing I’ve come to realize, and wish I had known earlier, is the power of networking. It’s not just a checkbox in business; it’s the essence of a thriving vision. Those important connections aren’t just transactional; they often blossom into meaningful friendships and they are an essential part of a successful business. 
What has been your greatest or proudest achievement or moment?
While there have been numerous significant moments, the ones that stand out the most are when the curtain falls at the end of each show. Witnessing the happiness on the faces of the designers, the admiration from the guests, and hearing sincere words of gratitude form truly unforgettable moments in my journey.
What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?
My future life goal is to propel Central Asian fashion to unprecedented heights. I envision a global stage where our designers become synonymous with innovation and style, sparking conversations worldwide. By achieving this, I aim to open new horizons for our designers, garnering recognition and clientele beyond our borders. It’s not just about elevating fashion; it’s about placing Central Asian creativity firmly on the international map.
To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?
To thrive in running such a business, prioritize mastering the art of process control, cultivate resilience against stress, foster self-confidence, and fuel your journey with a profound love for fashion. These elements are key contributors to navigating the challenges in this industry.
“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and VISA FASHION WEEK ALMATY”
To learn more about VISA FASHION WEEK ALMATY Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/CzgEEHCpLHQ/?img_index=3
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