Ira Khvan, a talented designer, illustrator, and visual media specialist from Almaty, embodies the power of women supporting each other in their personal and professional development. Her remarkable story is interwoven with the strength and inspiration of different women who have uplifted and guided her. Today, Ira's impact can be seen across Kazakhstan, from designing iconic water bottles to championing social causes through her art.
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Ira's path. With a background in Design of architectural environment, she honed her skills in composition, colors, and the rich history of art and architecture. As a student, Ira's journey took an unexpected turn when she connected with Svetlana, an experienced director who recognized her potential. Svetlana's belief in Ira's talent and her valuable guidance provided the much-needed push for Ira to explore her creativity and believe in herself. Through this mentorship, Ira learned not only the technical aspects of her craft but also the importance of valuing her work and pricing it accordingly.
Another powerful example of women supporting each other unfolds in Ira's friendship with Nargiza. At the early stages of her career, Nargiza's trust and generosity opened doors for Ira, introducing her to opportunities that would shape her future success. During the challenging times of the pandemic, their collaboration deepened, leading to joint projects and a growing client base. This beautiful synergy exemplifies how mutual support and collaboration among women can pave the way for remarkable achievements.
For Ira, design serves as a powerful instrument that bridges businesses with their audiences, making it visible everywhere in society. Her creative contributions extend beyond aesthetics, sparking conversations on important issues. From designing the striking Shymbulak water bottle labels that celebrate Almaty's iconic landmarks to creating impactful posters that shed light on sexual harassment in public transportation, Ira's work carries a powerful message and challenges societal norms.
But Ira's influence reaches far beyond her professional accomplishments. As a role model and educator, she shares her expertise and inspires the next generation. Through her involvement with the ITeacher Academy, Ira empowers school teachers and underprivileged children by teaching them how to create designs independently using simple smartphone applications. By fostering interest and nurturing creativity, she ignites the potential within young minds and proves that a future as a designer, artist, or illustrator is within reach for aspiring girls.
When asked about her advice for young women starting their own businesses, Ira emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value in what they offer, both to themselves and to others. She acknowledges the challenges of accepting help but highlights the transformative power of support from friends and customers who can guide and inspire along the way. Witnessing the growth of women she has assisted, like Gaukhar, a successful fashion designer, fills Ira with immense joy. These stories reinforce the idea that every journey begins with small steps, and with role models and a strong support network, incredible achievements are possible.
Recognizing the need for a community of women in the creative industries, Ira envisions a future where networking and collaboration among female professionals flourish in Kazakhstan. As she gathers with her girlfriends and connects with individuals from diverse spheres, a vibrant network emerges, fostering innovation and fresh ideas. While acknowledging the existing progress in supporting female entrepreneurs, Ira believes that an even brighter future awaits as more women join forces, sharing experiences and nurturing the next generation. Together, they will close the circle of sisterhood, paving the way for countless success stories and empowering women across Kazakhstan to thrive.
Ira Khvan
