Growing Up in the Soviet Union Taught This Founder to be Resourceful
By spotting opportunity in limitations, she learned to create her own success.
By Katya Dorozhkina •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I grew up in the Soviet Union, during a time of political and economic turmoil. My parents didn't have much money, and so my childhood was one of hand-me-downs. I'd inherited my older brothers' books, clothes, pants, and even their tights -- the footed kind to keep you warm in the bitter cold of winter. I had a few cherished dolls of my own, though we couldn't afford to buy them shiny new dresses. So I put my brothers' old clothes to a different use: I cut off parts of them and fashioned the fabric into doll clothes. It would take me years to understand what I'd really done there. I wasn't just dressing a doll. I was teaching myself how to find potential in overlooked things.
Related: How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Is Helping Others Achieve the American Dream
Continue reading this article — and all of our other premium content with Entrepreneur+
For just $5, get access to a ton of exclusive content and resources that will help grow your entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll find:
- Exclusive content from our network of today’s leading CEOs and business strategists
- Receive our flagship Entrepreneur Magazine - free!
- No more ads, and get access to the Entrepreneur+ homepage
- Free E-books written by our staff and other industry thought leaders
