Lifestyle

A day in the life of Ria Serebryakova – 285K+ Instagram Followers

Published

6 years ago

December 2, 2019

The Model Ria Serebryakova – known on Instagram as Riasalvation, quickly wrapped up more than 285K followers on Instagram. We take a look at why she’s so popular and if there are any social media lessons to learn from her:

Ever since I first saw Ria’s face in the AG Hair commercial on TV, I sat up and took notice, realizing that this girl is going to get far in the modeling world. Her fresh-faced innocence combined with her natural beauty and brooding gaze was all that I needed to instantly go searching into where she had materialized from and to want to follow her every career step from that moment on.

Well, part of that wish was literally realized when I was asked to spend a day with Ria at a photoshoot somewhere in New York. This was a perfect opportunity to learn more about her and to watch her at work.

Even though it is 8 am when we meet in front of the studios she looks ready to tackle the day. The studios are abuzz with people carrying in clothes, shoes, accessories. People are setting up cameras, lights, hair styling accessories, makeup pallets and beverages.

I cannot reveal any details about the shoot as these are to be announced later, but the clothes, shoes and accessories are gorgeous and expensive. Ria has worked extensively with some of the best designers and photographers in Europe and the U.S. since she was first discovered at the age of 18 in Russia.

Within that first year, she had already moved to New York and at her first fashion week in Paris, she did MIU MIU exclusive, both these are great achievements for a new face in the modeling world.

Ria has featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harper’s Bazaar, while she has also appeared on the 2016 “Never Hide” campaign for Ray-Ban and the 2018 L’Oreal Color & Co campaign. Her other clients so far include Forever 21, and Tory Burch.

In an interview a few weeks back Ria spoke about what the highlight of 2019 was so far for her. “Milan, 2019 the Dolce & Gabbana show at Fashion Week. We were surrounded by a fantastic team of hairstylists, makeup artists and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.”

I know that the photoshoot that stands out most for her so far in her career was the ‘Stranger Things’ inspired fashion shoot for Harper’s Bazaar. Ria says that working with the two young stars of the series, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp was far more fun than she expected. “I was afraid that they would be bored, but they were both as intent as I on making sure that we have fun as we shoot.” She continues on why it is still so memorable for her, “It was fun to see the contrasts of the featured high-fashion with the weird and the set was filled with dirt bikes, pools, wheels, Christmas lights, and beautiful outfits by Moschino, Versace, and Celine.”

As I watch the activities, I notice that Ria is quietly listening to directions from what appears to be the cameraman, while she calmly allows the hairstylist to get on with her hair.

The photoshoot begins and it is amazing to watch the progress of the day’s work. Everyone is working at a fast pace, but calmly and in harmony. Since this is the first time that I am watching one, I must admit that I was expecting to see the opposite of calm and a bunch of temperamental people.

During one of her breaks I catch up with Ria, and she says that usually, fashion shows are far more hectic than photoshoots. I notice that she does eat something light and ask her about how she keeps her 178 cm frame in shape. “I make sure that I eat a well-balanced diet and when busy like this it’s important to keep up my energy levels with light snacks and plenty of liquids.”

After six hours the photographer finally expresses that he is pleased with the day’s work and results. As everyone starts wrapping up, I reflect on what I know about her career so far and from what I see she not only has beauty on her side, but also the personality and temperament that make her easy to get on with, a huge bonus in the world of modeling.

Ria heads off to change out of the stunning outfit that she has been modeling into her own casual outfit that she came in earlier in the day. When she appears, face free of makeup, I am amazed at how her unusually beautiful features and blue eyes stand out. As we leave the studio together and I greet her, I notice that she doesn’t hail a cab, but walks away with a spring to her step. Now I realize how she stays in shape and forego the cab for a brisk walk back to work!

Lifestyle

Why Derik Fay Is Becoming a Case Study in Long-Haul Entrepreneurship

Published

19 hours ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneurship today is often framed in extremes — overnight exits or public flameouts. But a small cohort of operators is being studied for something far less viral: consistency. Among them, Derik Fay has quietly surfaced as a long-term figure whose name appears frequently across sectors, interviews, and editorial mentions — yet whose personal visibility remains relatively limited.

Fay’s career spans more than 20 years and includes work in private investment, business operations, and emerging entertainment ventures. Though many of his companies are not household names, the volume and duration of his activity have made him a subject of interest among business media outlets and founders who study entrepreneurial longevity over fame.

He was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1978, and while much of his early career remains undocumented publicly, recent profiles including recurring features in Forbes — have chronicled his current portfolio and leadership methods. These accounts often emphasize his pattern of working behind the scenes, embedding within businesses rather than leading from a distance. His style is often described by peers as “operational first, media last.”

Fay has also become recognizable for his consistency in leadership approach: focus on internal systems, low public profile, and long-term strategy over short-term visibility. At 46 years old, his posture in business remains one of longevity rather than disruption a contrast to many of the more heavily publicized entrepreneurs of the post-2010 era.

While Fay has never publicly confirmed his net worth, independent analysis based on documented real estate holdings, corporate exits, and investment activity suggests a conservative floor of $100 million, with several credible indicators placing the figure at well over $250 million. The exact number may remain private but the scale is increasingly difficult to overlook.

He is also involved in creative sectors, including film and media, and maintains a presence on social platforms, though not at the scale or tone of many personal-brand-driven CEOs. He lives with his long-term partner, Shandra Phillips, and is the father of two daughters — both occasionally referenced in interviews, though rarely centered.

While not an outspoken figure, Fay’s work continues to gain media attention. The reason may lie in the contrast he presents: in a climate of rapid rises and equally rapid burnout, his profile reflects something less dramatic but increasingly valuable — steadiness.

There are no viral speeches. No Twitter threads drawing blueprints. Just a track record that’s building its own momentum over time.

Whether that style becomes the norm for the next wave of founders is unknown. But it does offer something more enduring than buzz: a model of entrepreneurship where attention isn’t the currency — results are.