Dinara Satzhan is a multifaceted personality: a journalist, TV host, entrepreneur, fashion producer, blogger, and much more.
Dinara first captured national attention as a news anchor on the "Khabar" channel. Her dynamic presence and passion for storytelling earned her respect from the public. Her dedication to media extended beyond the newsroom; she is the writer and host of "Status QUO" and "Sky Studio" programs on YouTube. In 2017, during her tenure as an advisor to the Chairman of the Board of TRK "Kazakhstan", she played an instrumental role in the rebranding of the National TV channel "Qazaqstan".
From her childhood, the seeds of Dinara’s dynamism were evident. According to her parents, young Dinara wasn't the type to be spoiled, but she had an innate sense of leadership. She would gather neighborhood kids for trips to museums or conduct games and concerts. Her natural inclination towards performance and organization shone bright as she led cultural events in school and recitals at home. These early signs of her charisma and leadership set the foundation for her eventual foray into media.
Her parents keenly observed Dinara's communication skills and believed journalism was her true calling. In a leap of faith, Dinara embarked on her media journey during her first year in Al-Farabi Kazakh National Universtity, joining the TV channel “Shahar.” Her father recalls advising her to prioritize experience over salary, even promising to pay her himself. He wanted her to be so good that she'd eventually host her own TV program, at which point he'd gift her the sports car she had always wanted. Dinara's dedication was evident when she worked without a salary for two years. Still, she surprised her parents by bringing home her first earnings, emphasizing the value of hard work.
Beyond her achievements in media, Dinara's entrepreneurial spirit is awe-inspiring. She always harbored ambitions to establish her own ventures. Over the years, she launched a magazine, newspaper, and even a production studio. Through her ventures' highs and lows, her parents remained her rock, providing both moral and financial support. They stressed the importance of experience, integrity, and assured her of forthcoming success.
Her pivot into fashion was spurred by her dissatisfaction with her TV salary and a desire to find a business niche she truly loved. Dinara's epiphany came in 2009 when she fell in love with designer clothes by Aida Kaumenova (@aidakaumenova_official). Recognizing the potential of designer clothes #madeinkz, she collaborated with Aida to open the "Aida KaumeNOVA" store in Keruen shopping center. Driven by passion and an acute business sense, she later launched the “Red Carpet” store, collaborated with designers including Naiyl Baikuchukov, and eventually in 2017, unveiled her own clothing brand, Dinara Satzhan.
Dinara Satzhan has identified a pressing issue in the way women in Kazakhstan support each other, noting a distinct difference compared to the strong bonds between men. Based on her experiences, she found that women, more often than not, become the most stringent critics of their own gender, especially evident during political elections.
Yet, Dinara envisions a different path. She champions the idea of women uniting in support, moving beyond envy or rivalry. By celebrating and bolstering one another, women can create lasting positive impacts for future generations. Dinara's admiration for proactive women, who ‘seize the reins of their destiny rather than waiting for change’ is profound.
In her journey, Dinara has consistently backed women entrepreneurs and creators. Her support isn't contingent on gratitude; she truly believes that by bolstering strong women, she indirectly strengthens herself and her community. Her dedication to lifting others isn't restricted to women; she's open to aiding anyone who seeks her out. One such individual was Rufinat, a Kazakh woman who crafts homemade slippers. Dinara supported her, and today, these slippers are a loved product in her store. “These are homemade slippers made in Kazakhstan. She's a Kazakh. Did I have the right to say no to her? I think I had no right to deny her. And now, everyone gladly wears her slippers.”
Dinara's fashion store has become a haven for over 30 Kazakhstani designers, many of whom began their journey unknown to the world. Leveraging her popularity, Dinara shines a spotlight on these talents, ensuring their hard work receives the recognition it deserves. A poignant example of this is Aygerim Bolatova, a wheelchair-bound designer. Their chance meeting in 2017 led to Dinara promoting her knitwear, which culminated in Aygerim winning a significant prize from the Damu Fund and establishing her brand, Ayka Bolatova.
In 2009, Dinara's collaboration with Aida Kaumenova resulted in a breakthrough: a Kazakh designer's store in a mall amidst elite international brands. This success was emblematic of the power of female collaboration, a motif present throughout Dinara's professional life, whether with fellow TV hosts like Bayan Maxatkyzy and Oksana Peters or supportive friends such as Aigul Mukey and Lyazzat Tanysbay. Dinara believes that genuine appreciation and respect form the foundation of such partnerships. Women, she asserts, need to be raised to view other women as allies, not competitors.
‘Women have a unique, innate understanding of one another’. This soft power, as Dinara describes it, is underpinned by an ability to negotiate conflicts, be flexible, and exercise gentle force. The true potential of this power remains untapped due to a prevalent culture where women, at times, impede one another's progress. This dynamic is counterproductive, especially in a world predominantly steered by men, whether in governance, business, or technology sectors.
Dinara attributes her strong advocacy for women to the support she's received from them. The resilience, ambition, and problem-solving abilities of women have always inspired her. She encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs to seek advice, continuously learn, and engage in productive communities. By immersing oneself in an environment of like-minded businesswomen, individuals can adapt their mindset, becoming more disciplined and accountable.
Dinara emphasizes the importance of nurturing the values of friendship, giving, and sharing in young girls. Childhood signs of possessiveness or competitiveness should be red flags for parents. Instead, instilling admiration for others' achievements and encouraging camaraderie should be prioritized. For Dinara, coming across a successful woman isn't about competition but inspiration. Admiring such individuals and seeking connections rather than being envious embodies the essence of female solidarity.