From growing up in the shadow of a basketball legend to founding one of the most forward-thinking wellness brands in Europe, Nadezhda Grishaeva has always known how to take the game into her own hands. We sat down with the athlete-turned-entrepreneur to explore how she transformed a legacy into a life of purpose and innovation.
Interviewer: Nadezhda, many know your father, Sergey Grishaev, as a Soviet basketball icon. How did his legacy influence your path?
Nadezhda Grishaeva: Basketball wasn’t just something we did in our family—it was part of our identity. I grew up with the rhythm of the court as my lullaby. But I never wanted to just live in someone else’s story. I wanted to take that foundation and build something of my own with it.
Interviewer: You were already training seriously from a young age. What did that early exposure teach you?
Nadezhda: It taught me that success is built, not inherited. I realized early on that raw talent means nothing without discipline. Every day in the gym taught me that growth requires discomfort. Those lessons helped me far beyond sports—they’re the backbone of how I approach everything in life.
Interviewer: You eventually stepped away from professional athletics. How did you navigate that transition?
Nadezhda: That was a defining moment. I didn’t see it as an end—I saw it as a chance to evolve. I enrolled at Lomonosov Moscow State University to study what I loved through a different lens. While some athletes were still figuring out what was next, I was already planning how to use my knowledge to reshape the wellness space.
Interviewer: And that’s when ANVIL was born. What inspired its creation?
Nadezhda: I wanted to build a space where transformation wasn’t just physical, but internal. ANVIL is about alignment—mind, body, and environment. Every aspect, from lighting to scent to sound, is curated to encourage mindfulness. I saw a gap in the fitness industry where people felt disconnected. ANVIL became the answer to that.
Interviewer: What do you believe has been key to ANVIL’s success?
Nadezhda: Simplicity and sincerity. I believe success is the outcome of hard work, paired with a bit of timing and luck. But it has to start with intention. People crave authenticity, and I think they see that in what we do. We don’t just sell workouts—we create experiences that help people reconnect with themselves.
Interviewer: In 2023, you launched a fashion line as well. What motivated that expansion?
Nadezhda: It was a natural step. I saw how women often feel pressured to choose between function and fashion, strength and style. I didn’t want them to have to choose. My designs reflect that belief—you can be powerful and elegant at the same time. Why settle for less?
Interviewer: You’ve also become a strong voice in wellness education. What message do you hope to spread?
Nadezhda: That wellness is personal, not performative. It’s not about fitting into a trend—it’s about understanding your body and making empowered choices. Through education, I want people to stop chasing ideals and start embracing what health means for them.
Interviewer: How do you define your legacy at this stage?
Nadezhda: It’s still unfolding. I’m proud of what I’ve built, but I see every chapter as a new opportunity to grow and give back. Whether I’m mentoring the next generation of athletes or designing spaces and clothing that honor women’s full selves, my goal is always impact over image.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to women trying to balance heritage, ambition, and identity?
Nadezhda: Honor your roots, but don’t be afraid to rewrite the story. You don’t owe anyone a copy-and-paste version of the past. Use it as a compass, not a cage. Trust your instincts, lead with purpose, and don’t wait for permission to take up space.
Nadezhda Grishaeva isn’t just rewriting the rules—she’s designing the entire playbook. From the court to the corporate world, she’s showing women what it looks like to step into their full power without compromise. And if her story is any indication, the best is still to come.
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