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Yulia Pashevkina, Founder of KARVE, THE BOX BOUTIQUE
Yulia Pashevkina was just 25-years-old when she co-founded THE BOX BOUTIQUE, which upon inception, was a single-standing shoe store in the heart of Mayfair, London. The boutique was renowned for finding one-of-a-kind pieces and introducing new designers to the UK fashion scene, which at the time included luxury shoe brand Ruthie Davis. Well-known designers Bionda Castana and Giambattisa Valli were also alongside Pashevkina’s distinctive shoe line-up.
Almost a decade later, THE BOX BOUTIQUE is now a pure play online store, featuring coveted designers such as Mugler and Misha, and Pashevkina has launched the first transformer Pilates studio, which at present is solely a digital platform, following the global pandemic and the numerous restrictions that came with it. “As lockdown hit, I spent this time adapting my business strategy online. This included a bunch of Instagram live workouts with my followers and, a 21-day fitness challenge to bring people together during uncertain times.”
Having successfully built two companies within a 10-year period, Pashevkina comments “it’s all about giving back and creating a community around you. You are not just selling a class or a pair of jeans. You want people to be part of your community, your brand. That’s why, at KARVE studio there won’t just be physical classes, but online ones will always be offered. There will also be a range of activewear to shop, and a small cafe to chill at post-class, where clients can catch up on work, or chat with instructors. It’s all about creating an extension of your client’s lifestyle.”
What has kept the health coach and entrepreneur going over the past decade is knowing that she has improved the lives of people in her community. “It’s why I am constantly educating myself, it’s why I put so much effort into opening the studio, creating the most effective workout method and outsourcing the best products for the club. So then also hopefully, one day, my future kids will look up to me and carry on what I have started!”
For Pashevkina, 2020 has been a year of inner growth and education. She became a health coach and used her social media platforms as an avenue to share information. She began KARVE online where she shared free classes, meditation and breathwork sessions, as well as hosted talks with some incredible people about mental health, biohacking tips, Ayurveda and more. “I am really passionate about helping and directing people to living healthy and more wholesome lives, so I would like to keep on growing this community and share as much as I can.”
“In 2021, #IPLEDGE to ask for help when my plate gets full along with giving back to my community. This will include offering complimentary and discounted classes at KARVE, the new fitness and wellbeing studio I am opening soon in west London. This will enable me to share my knowledge and passion for health and wellness.”