In an interview for L’Officiel Monaco, Ukrainian businesswoman Anna Khaustova, who has built a successful international logistics business, shares her secrets to balancing work and life, reflects on finding her personal style, raising children, and the mission of a human being.
How do you maintain balance in your life?
For me, balance means leading an active lifestyle, working hard during the weekdays, and fully relaxing on weekends with family and loved ones. I’ve reached this point after many attempts to juggle everything. I’ve realized that it’s important to enjoy everything you do and to be present for those close to you. Balance is understanding whether you are living the life you want. Are all areas of your life wheel well-developed? Today, I can confidently say that I am a fulfilled and happy person. I know that I’ve worked for years to achieve this in business, family, and other areas. I don’t stop; I keep evolving. My steps have just become wider and more assured.
How long is your workday, and how do you make time for other things like sports, self-care, and personal matters?
My workday runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Today, unlike before, I wouldn’t say I can work all the time. Once I started sticking to a routine, the universe adjusted to me, and I began earning even more. I ensure that work is limited to weekdays. Weekends are reserved for myself and my family.
What style of clothing have you chosen for yourself, and why?
Style is an expression of yourself and your inner world. For me, style is fundamental in life. I am still searching, but on this journey, I am accompanied by the right and very important people. I’m confident that soon, I will be extremely satisfied with my style. I generally adhere to a classic business style. I like calm, pastel tones and tailored clothing.
Which brands do you prefer and why?
My go-to brands are Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Miu Miu. Lately, I’ve also been drawn to Ukrainian brands like The Coat, Marianna Senchina, and Litkovska.
Aside from work, what are your passions? Do you have any hobbies?
I currently don’t have the opportunity to fully dedicate time to my hobbies, but I enjoy tennis, horseback riding, golf, and squash.
What are your favorite places to relax, and why?
One of my favorite places is my home. It’s my sanctuary of strength, inspiration, and rejuvenation. I live in a constant flow of active life, dynamic interactions, and engaging conversations with successful people. For me, rest means spending time alone while still having my family close by. Home is the ideal place for me, where everything comes together—nature, peace, delicious homemade food, and family. As for travel destinations, I love Mauritius, the Dominican Republic, or countries in Asia.
Have you found a balance between work and life? What’s the secret?
Yes, I’ve recently achieved a complete sense of balance. I found this balance when I let go of many questions in my mind and started reflecting more on my own mission—on how I can benefit others. The secret to balance is allowing yourself to live fully as you want, finding communication and understanding with your husband, explaining to your children what’s important to you, and reassuring your parents that you’re doing the right thing because that’s how you feel.
What’s important not to miss when raising children?
For me, the most important thing is to teach them to be happy. They should grow up to be real people who can feel, understand, help, earn, have fun, be friends, always be friends with their parents, and clearly understand that life is diverse. And when something goes wrong, it’s also an experience that is important for life. My children already have well-formed principles that I’m very pleased with. We’ve gone through significant loss together, we know what hardship is, and we’ve overcome it together, which has united us greatly. I hope to remain that reliable friend for them in the future, with whom they can share absolutely anything.
What example do you want to set for others?
I don’t aspire to be an example. Perhaps my example isn’t the best. What’s important to me is sharing my experiences, my story. I find it crucial to help as many people as possible. I believe this is a key part of a person’s mission. Maybe my story will help someone, or a phrase I say at the right moment will save a relationship. This is what matters most to me.
What can your achievements and career say about you?
I feel that I’m still at the beginning of my journey, and it will take time before I can talk about achievements. But I live with the intention that each day brings value, positivity, and inspiration. So far, I’ve been able to achieve that.