Zhanna Shamalova stands out as a remarkable example of entrepreneurial achievement in the post-Soviet landscape, having turned early challenges into opportunities through her strategic insight and adaptability. Her journey from late Soviet Moldova to becoming a sophisticated investor and innovator in healthcare based in London showcases the potential that talented individuals can harness during a time of significant global transformation.
Early Life and Upbringing
Zhanna was born in Moldova to a Ukrainian father and a Romanian mother, a background that provided her with a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Her formative years were marked by intellectual rigor and cultural diversity, which played a crucial role in shaping her ambitions and career choices. Her father worked as an electrical engineer in manufacturing, which provided her with technical and practical insights into the world of engineering and technology. Meanwhile, her mother became Moldova’s first female government deputy at the age of 25 after earning two university degrees.
Zhanna Shamalova recalls, “I was inspired watching her speak to large audiences, and it instilled in me the belief that I could also make a significant impact.” This early exposure to strong female role models laid the groundwork for her future aspirations, instilling in her the confidence to pursue her dreams.
The Role of Sports in Development
Sports played a significant role in Zhanna’s early life. Standing at 1.78 meters, she naturally excelled at volleyball and captained her team for ten years. However, she emphasizes that it was her intellectual growth, rather than her athletic abilities, that ultimately shaped her career path, she humorously admits that “chemistry was tough,” while also mastering the accordion at music school.
Moving to Moscow: A Major Life Transition
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant turning point in Zhanna’s life. At the age of seventeen, she and her twin sister moved to Moscow to live with their grandmother. This transition was fraught with challenges, yet it became a crucible for her personal and professional development. Life in Moscow during those tumultuous years was far from idyllic; Zhanna encountered numerous challenges while working in various roles—from serving tables to cleaning pools.
Despite the economic difficulties of the time, Zhanna Shamalova academically, pursuing a degree in journalism and editing while supporting herself through various jobs in the service industry. She recalls, “The values I acquired during that period—perseverance and a commitment to public service—are what I aspire to pass on to my son.” Graduating at 22, she emerged not only with a degree but also with a strong resolve to forge her own path.
This early phase of self-sufficiency was crucial in cultivating the work ethic that would later define her business approach. As a young graduate, Zhanna showcased her business savvy by engaging in Moscow’s emerging hospitality industry. Her five-year collaboration with renowned restaurateur Novikov, where she played a key role in establishing and managing several restaurant ventures, provided her with invaluable insights into operational management and customer service.
Simultaneously, she ventured into event planning, organizing high-profile music festivals and weddings across Europe. This role broadened her professional network and deepened her understanding of luxury service delivery, which would later influence her approach to premium healthcare services.
A Significant Career Shift: Moving to Monaco
A pivotal moment in Zhanna’s career occurred with her relocation to Monaco. This period marked the onset of her most substantial professional transformation. While raising her young son Max, Zhanna cultivated a sophisticated investment strategy, particularly focusing on technology startups and companies within the health and wellness sector, while also maintaining roles in established technology firms.
Zhanna Shamalova’s investment philosophy, shaped through countless early morning sessions analyzing market trends and global movements, merges rigorous analysis with strategic opportunism. Zhanna Shamalova explains, “Achieving success in investments necessitates a realistic viewpoint. Each investment decision has a direct impact on my financial future, requiring a balance between thorough analysis and strategic opportunism. The comprehensive analytical framework I have developed has been particularly beneficial during the market disruptions of recent years.”
The Move to the UK and Its Influence
Over a decade ago, Zhanna moved to London to prioritize her son’s education within the British system. She maintains her primary residence there while also spending time on the French Riviera. In London, she lives close to her twin sister Diana and her family, which helps her maintain strong family ties while pursuing her business interests.
While continuing her investment activities, Zhanna has integrated herself into London’s business and cultural circles. Her background in art forgery detection, gained through specialized studies at university in Russia, has informed her involvement in the contemporary art market, although she wouldn’t classify herself as a collector.
Focusing on Healthcare Innovation: D & S Bespoke
Recently, Zhanna Shamalova has directed her interest in innovative health technologies into D & S Bespoke, a company she co-founded with her sister Diana and a business partner. D & S Bespoke exemplifies the advancement of premium healthcare services, maintaining partnerships with leading hospitals and clinics both in the UK and internationally. The company is designed to cater to the needs of families seeking personalized healthcare solutions, providing over 150 families with coordinated access to complex diagnostics, medical treatments, and consultations.
Zhanna Shamalova explains, “Our client base benefits from a wide range of services, from plastic surgery to cancer treatments. We aim to simplify the healthcare journey for our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible care tailored to their individual needs.” The company’s collaborations with twelve major hospitals and numerous wellness clinics facilitate comprehensive service delivery, including genetic testing and thorough medical checkups.
Education is a fundamental aspect of D & S Bespoke’s mission. The company hosts regular lectures and seminars led by leading medical professionals who share insights on technological advancements and treatment innovations. Zhanna Shamalova notes, “Recent presentations have been particularly successful, attracting audiences of 70-80 people, with plans for expansion to include events in Dubai and Qatar.” This commitment to education reflects her belief that informed clients are empowered clients, capable of making the best choices for their health and well-being.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
D & S Bespoke integrates a philanthropic dimension through charity events that support London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. Zhanna believes that incorporating social responsibility into the business model is essential. “This blend of business success with social responsibility reflects a broader vision of enterprise,” she states. By aligning the company’s goals with charitable initiatives, Zhanna hopes to create a positive impact on the community while also fostering a culture of giving within her organization.
Her management style is influenced by her multicultural background and linguistic skills. Fluent in Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, English, and French, she navigates international business environments with ease. Her commitment to cultural integration is highlighted by her eight-month immersion in French language studies at the Institut de Français in Villefranche after moving to Monaco, showcasing her belief that cultural understanding is essential for successful living in any country.
Balancing Career and Family Life
Balancing her demanding career with family life is a priority for Zhanna. Currently splitting her time between London and the French Riviera, she maintains close family connections while pursuing her business interests. Her son Max, who is soon preparing for university studies in business management, symbolizes the potential for generational continuity in her ventures. As a devoted mother, she strives to instill the values of perseverance and public service in him, along with resilience and a commitment to education—principles that have guided her throughout her life.
Zhanna Shamalova reflects on her journey, stating, “Looking ahead, my focus remains on expanding access to quality healthcare while fostering a community centered around health and wellness innovation.”
Future Objectives and Vision for D & S Bespoke
As she looks to the future, Zhanna has clear objectives for D & S Bespoke and her investment portfolio. “I see D & S Bespoke continuing to grow and evolve as a leader in premium healthcare services. Our goal is to expand our reach and enhance our offerings, ensuring that we provide our clients with the best possible access to innovative health solutions,” she states.
Personal Life and Adoption
Zhanna’s personal life has also been enriched by her decision to adopt two children in addition to her son Max. After the passing of her best friend in 2022, she took in her friend’s two boys, raising them as her own.
“I believe that some aspects of my life are too personal to be used for public image, which is why I don’t often discuss this,” she shares. “However, when I reflect on it, I realize that all my professional accomplishments aren’t about enhancing my ego; they are fundamentally about wanting to provide the best for my family.” This commitment to family and community underscores her values and the legacy she hopes to create.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As an accomplished entrepreneur, Zhanna has valuable insights to share with those looking to follow in her footsteps. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of adaptability,” she emphasizes. “The ability to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.”
She also stresses the importance of building a strong network and maintaining relationships. “Collaboration and support from others can open doors and create opportunities that you might not have access to on your own,” she advises. This understanding of the interconnectedness of business relationships has been instrumental in her success.
Moreover, Zhanna encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace continuous learning. “The world is always evolving, and staying informed and educated is key to remaining relevant and successful,” she states. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her diverse experiences and her willingness to embrace new challenges.