YOUniverse Unleashed's Podcast

What does success actually cost a woman—and why does social media make it look so effortless?

In this episode of YOUniverse Unleashed, we sit down with Alexandria Damouni, founder of Alexandria Design House, for an unfiltered conversation about female ambition, entrepreneurship, motherhood, sacrifice, social media, originality, luxury, and the pressure women feel to somehow succeed at everything at once.

Alexandria has spent more than 16 years building her business and developing a radically different philosophy around events and experiences: stop designing for how something looks and start with how you want people to feel.

That philosophy becomes the foundation for a much bigger conversation.

We talk about why Alexandria believes social media has changed our perception of luxury, how algorithms influence our taste, why so many businesses lose their originality, why she stopped trying to attract every possible client, and why she believes the picture of effortless female success we're shown online leaves out some very uncomfortable truths.

Alexandria also opens up about building a business while raising three children, the time and experiences she has sacrificed, the guilt ambitious mothers can carry, and why she rejects the idea that a successful entrepreneur can perfectly balance every part of life.

We also explore femininity and ambition, the pressure women place on themselves, finding clarity as we get older, choosing the right people around you, and one question that connects Alexandria's approach to design, business and life:

What do you want it to feel like?

🎙️ ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexandria Damouni is the founder of Alexandria Design House, formerly OMG Events, a Canadian spatial event architecture practice creating corporate brand environments, private celebrations, weddings and immersive experiences.

Alexandria Design House:
https://alexandriadesignhouse.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/alexandriadesignhouse/

LinkedIn:
https://ca.linkedin.com/company/alexandriadesignhouse

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Alexandriadesignhouse

🎙️ YOUniverse UNLEASHED

Follow the podcast on Instagram:
@youniverse.unleashed

In this episode:
✨ The reality behind female entrepreneurship
✨ Motherhood, ambition and sacrifice
✨ Why “work-life balance” is so complicated
✨ Social media and the changing meaning of luxury
✨ How algorithms influence our taste
✨ Why originality is disappearing
✨ Alexandria's Spatial Method™
✨ Designing experiences around feeling instead of appearance
✨ Why businesses shouldn't try to attract everyone
✨ The pressure successful women rarely talk about
✨ Finding clarity in business and life
✨ Why authentic conversations between women matter

💬 QUESTION FOR YOU

Do you believe work-life balance actually exists for ambitious women or does every season of life require choosing what matters most?

Tell us in the comments.

If this conversation made you think of another ambitious woman, send it to her. ❤️

Subscribe for more honest conversations about business, relationships, motherhood, ambition, femininity, personal growth and the realities behind the lives we see online.

#YOUniverseUnleashed #AlexandriaDamouni #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #FemaleFounders #WomenEntrepreneurs #AmbitiousWomen #WorkingMoms #MotherhoodAndCareer #WorkLifeBalance #Entrepreneurship #WomenSupportingWomen #TorontoPodcast #TorontoEntrepreneurs #AlexandriaDesignHouse

YOUniverse Unleashed is a podcast about women building lives, careers, and businesses on their own terms. We go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into entrepreneurship, personal growth, relationships, and the real challenges behind success through honest, unfiltered conversations.

 About This Episode
Elvira Sakara is a global marketing manager with over 16 years of international experience and the founder of a marketing agency focused on AI-driven business growth, strategy, systems, and automation.

In this episode, we talk about how AI is changing the way small businesses operate, market, sell, and scale. Elvira explains why AI is not just ChatGPT, how tools like AI voice assistants, CRM systems, funnels, and automation can help business owners save time, improve client communication, and build stronger systems.

We also go deeper than just business. From leaving a successful corporate career to starting her own agency, building a network as an immigrant in Canada, balancing motherhood, marriage, and ambition, this conversation shows the real side of entrepreneurship that people don’t often talk about.

 What we talk about:
• How AI can help small businesses grow
• Why AI is more than just ChatGPT
• AI voice assistants, CRM systems, chatbots, and funnels
• Why structure matters more than tools
• Marketing as an investment, not an expense
• Leaving corporate to build your own business
• The importance of networking and relationships
• Balancing career, motherhood, and family life
• Honest realities of ambition and success
• Elvira’s workshops and upcoming marketing course for small businesses

 Connect with Elvira:
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elvirasakara/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/elvira-sakara-87584045

Connect With Us:
Website: www.youniversesociety.com

Kat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_tervinska/

Daria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrskovla/

Want to be a guest on our show or pitch a collaboration?
Message us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

We’re proud to collaborate with entrepreneurs who bring beauty, value, and authenticity to the table. If you're a founder who wants to partner with us, email us at [email protected]

Subscribe for weekly episodes with creatives, founders, and experts who keep it real.
We dive into self-care, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the power of starting from zero.

Like, comment, and follow for more real, deep, and energizing conversations.

K & D

В этом подкасте героиня выпуска - Мария Валента, лицензированный иммиграционный консультант в Канаде, продюсер фильма Not Refugees и мама девочки, родившейся весом всего 370 грамм, делится своим опытом и рассказывает о:
• её первой высокорисковой беременности и чуде выживания ребёнка
• внутренней и духовной опоре, которая помогала и помогает идти вопреки прогнозам врачей
• второй беременности и как удалось на нее решиться после первого сложного опыта
• роли партнёра и семьи в преодолении кризисов
• балансе между материнством, бизнесом и созданием фильма
• запуске адвокационной кампании в Канаде для поддержки украинцев
• работе с хейтом
• краудфандинге проекта Not Refugees
🎬 Мария Валента также стала продюсером и героиней фильма Not Refugees, её экспертиза помогла сделать картину мощным голосом украинцев в Канаде.
👤 Контакты Марии Валенты:
Instagram (личный): https://www.instagram.com/maria_valenta_
Instagram (о материнстве): https://www.instagram.com/maria_and_i...
Instagram (иммиграция): https://www.instagram.com/immigration...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@immigration....
Сайт: https://immigrationadvising.com
Запись на консультацию: https://immigrationadvising.cliogrow....

📽 Документальный фильм Not Refugees:
Подробнее: https://www.notrefugees.com/
Поддержать:

Что даёт силу не сдаваться, когда врачи говорят, что у твоей беременности «шансов нет» и настоятельно рекомендуют сделать аборт? И как потом не потерять рассудок, 4 месяца живя в больнице, молясь о том, чтоб твоя малышка, родившаяся весом всего в 370 граммов и выжила?

В этом подкасте героиня выпуска - Мария Валента, лицензированный иммиграционный консультант в Канаде, продюсер фильма Not Refugees и мама девочки, родившейся весом всего 370 грамм, делится своим опытом и рассказывает о:
• её первой высокорисковой беременности и чуде выживания ребёнка
• внутренней и духовной опоре, которая помогала и помогает идти вопреки прогнозам врачей
• второй беременности и как удалось на нее решиться после первого сложного опыта
• роли партнёра и семьи в преодолении кризисов
• балансе между материнством, бизнесом и созданием фильма
• запуске адвокационной кампании в Канаде для поддержки украинцев
• работе с хейтом
• краудфандинге проекта Not Refugees

🎬 Мария Валента также стала продюсером и героиней фильма Not Refugees, её экспертиза помогла сделать картину мощным голосом украинцев в Канаде.
👉 Эта беседа - о силе веры, смелости и поддержке, которая меняет всё.
Делитесь выпуском, чтобы больше людей услышали эту историю.

👤 Контакты Марии Валенты:
Instagram (личный): https://www.instagram.com/maria_valenta_
Instagram (о материнстве): https://www.instagram.com/maria_and_i...
Instagram (иммиграция): https://www.instagram.com/immigration...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@immigration....
Сайт: https://immigrationadvising.com
Запись на консультацию: https://immigrationadvising.cliogrow....

📽 Документальный фильм Not Refugees:
Подробнее:

JOIN US LIVE | YOUniverse Citrus Soirée: Skyline Edition
A night to come home to yourself.
Hosted by Kateryna and Daria, founders of YOUniverse Society and the voices behind this podcast.

 Date: Saturday, September 20
 Time: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
 Location: Downtown, Toronto
 Tickets: Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite

 Want to skip Eventbrite fees? DM us on Instagram @youniverse.unleashed
 for alternative payment options.

 What’s waiting for you:
• Aperol Spritz-inspired atmosphere and open bar
• Skyline views, glass floor, and curated photo corners
• Live DJ, styled venue, and dreamy lighting
• Professional photographer and curated partner gifts
• A crowd of intentional, creative women. Just like you.

This is your space to connect, be seen, and close the season in style. Limited tickets available. RSVP now.

 About This Episode
Tracey Nguyen is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of BOWO Creative, an agency dedicated to helping women-led businesses scale with heart and strategy.

Tracey’s journey started when she immigrated to Canada at 16, barely speaking English, and grew into a career that spanned corporate work, content creation, entrepreneurship, and eventually, building her own company. Along the way, she discovered what it truly means to find her voice and redefine success on her own terms.

In this episode, Tracey shares her story with raw honesty: from cultural pressures and early struggles to creating a business that reflects her values, motherhood, and her passion for supporting women.

 What we talk about:
• Moving to Canada at 16 and learning to find her voice
• The turning point that shifted her away from corporate life
• Why building a business is really about values and alignment
• The truth about “women empowerment” as a movement vs. a marketing trend
• How motherhood reshaped her definition of success
• Why studying yourself matters more than studying others
• Practical advice for women starting a business or side hustle today

 Connect with Tracey:
 Instagram: @traceynguyen.co
 BOWO Agency Instagram: @bowocreative
 Website: www.bowocreative.com

Connect With Us:
Website: www.youniversesociety.com
Kat’s Instagram: @miss_tervinska
Daria’s Instagram: @mrskovla

Want to be a guest on our show or pitch a collaboration?
Message us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

With Love to Our Partners
Our upcoming Soirée wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible partners: women-led businesses and entrepreneurs who believe in real connection, bold women, and meaningful experiences.

Iris Flowers by Alina Liubota
@alina_liubota
@irisflowers_ca

Foot Science by Olga Ishchenko
@foot.science

Chocolove by Sabina Suleyman
@chocolove_sabina

PictureX Photobooth
@picturexphotobooth
www.picturex.ca

We’re proud to collaborate with entrepreneurs who bring beauty, value, and authenticity to the table. If you're a founder who wants to partner with us, email us at [email protected]

Subscribe for weekly episodes with creatives, founders, and experts who keep it real.
We dive into self-care, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the power of starting from zero.

Like, comment, and follow for more real, deep, and energizing conversations.

K & D

JOIN US LIVE | YOUniverse Citrus Soirée: Skyline Edition
A night to come home to yourself.
Hosted by Kateryna and Daria, founders of YOUniverse Society and the voices behind this podcast.

 Date: Saturday, September 20
 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
 Location: Downtown, Toronto
 Tickets: Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite: https://youniverse-citrus-soiree.eventbrite.ca

Want to skip Eventbrite fees? DM us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/youniverse.unleashed/ for alternative payment options.

What’s waiting for you:
• Aperol Spritz–inspired atmosphere and open bar
• Skyline views, glass floor, and curated photo corners
• Live DJ, styled venue, and dreamy lighting
• Professional photographer and curated partner gifts
• A crowd of intentional, creative women. Just like you.
This is your space to connect, be seen, and close the season in style. Limited tickets available. RSVP now.

About This Episode
Maria is a Toronto-based sales coach and founder of LAVA Sales, helping entrepreneurs and service providers stop leaving money on the table. Through coaching, events, and her membership program, she teaches women how to build trust, create genuine connections, and convert leads into loyal clients without feeling pushy or fake.

In this episode, Maria breaks down the mistakes that keep small business owners stuck in “marketing mode” without sales — and shares how to build a sales process that feels natural, human, and effective.

What we talk about:
• Why your marketing isn’t converting into sales
• The real gap between leads and paying clients
• How to sell without being pushy
• The role of personal branding in building trust
• Why reviews and social proof matter more than you think
• Overcoming the fear of promoting yourself as a woman entrepreneur
• How events and networking create quality leads
• Maria’s membership program: courses, coaching, and community for sales success

Connect with Maria:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavasales

Connect With Us:
Website: www.youniversesociety.com
Kat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_tervinska/
Daria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrskovla/

Want to be a guest on our show or pitch a collaboration?
Message us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

With Love to Our Partners
Our upcoming Soirée wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible partners who believe in real connection, bold women, and meaningful experiences.

Foot Science by Olga Ishchenko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foot.science/

Chocolove by Sabina Suleyman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocolove_sabina/

PictureX Photobooth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picturexphotobooth/
Website: https://www.picturex.ca/

We’re proud to collaborate with brands and entrepreneurs who bring beauty, value, and authenticity to the table. If you're a brand or founder who wants to collaborate, support, or be featured, email us at [email protected]

Subscribe for weekly episodes with creatives, founders, and experts who keep it real.
We dive into self-care, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the power of starting from zero.

🍊 До встречи на вечеринке года! YOUniverse Citrus Soirée: Skyline Edition

✨ Дата: Суббота, 20 сентября
🕔 Время: 17:00–21:30
📍 Место проведения: Центр Торонто
🎟 Билеты: RSVP на Eventbrite: youniverse-citrus-soiree.eventbrite.ca

💬 Хотите избежать комиссии Eventbrite? Напишите нам в Instagram: instagram.com/youniverse.unleashed

🌆 Что вас ждёт:
• Атмосфера Aperol Spritz и open bar
• Панорама города, стеклянный пол и фотозоны
• Живой DJ, стильный зал и свет
• Профессиональный фотограф и подарки партнёров
• Художница, рисующая портреты гостей
• Шоколатье и шоколадный фонтан
• Сообщество целеустремлённых, креативных женщин — таких же, как вы

Это ваше пространство, чтобы соединиться, быть увиденной и завершить лето красиво.

💬 О выпуске:
Мы говорим о том, как астрология помогает пройти эмиграцию, найти предназначение и выстроить жизнь без чувства вины и выгорания.

💝 Подарки от Элизы
✨ Каждый, кто оставит комментарий с вопросом под видео, получит гайд по асценденту.
✨✨ За лучший вопрос Элиза подарит личную консультацию по астрологии (деньги, отношения, личный бренд).
✨✨✨ А тот, кто сделает репост эпизода в Instagram, может выиграть билет на ближайшее мероприятие Элизы в Торонто!

🎙 Темы подкаста:
• Как астрология помогает в эмиграции и поиске себя
• Баланс карьеры, семьи и духовности
• Почему «идеальные рутины» не работают
• Как натальная карта и солярный гороскоп подсказывают решения
• Женская энергия 2025 года и как использовать её в жизни

👤 Все социальные сети для связи и Ваших вопросов: 
YouTube : https://youtube.com/@elizamaxi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizamaxi
Астро телеграмм-канал: https://t.me/alchemyofrealityone
Основной сайт для заказа консультаций: https://stan.store/elisamaximova

🌐 Связаться с нами:
Website: youniversesociety.com
Катя: instagram.com/miss_tervinska
Даша: instagram.com/mrskovla

💌 Хотите стать гостем шоу или предложить коллаборацию?
Пишите в Instagram или на email: [email protected]

📣 С любовью к нашим партнёрам:

✨ Foot Science by Olga Ishchenko
instagram.com/foot.science

🍓 Chocolove by Sabina Suleyman
https://www.instagram.com/chocolove_sabina/

🍊 JOIN US LIVE | YOUniverse Citrus Soirée: Skyline Edition
A night to come home to yourself.
Hosted by Kateryna and Daria, founders of YOUniverse Society and the voices behind this podcast.

✨ Date: Saturday, September 20
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Location: 32nd Floor, 21 Iceboat Terr, Toronto
🎟 Tickets: Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite: https://youniverse-citrus-soiree.eventbrite.ca

💬 Want to skip Eventbrite fees? DM us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/youniverse.unleashed/ for alternative payment options.

🌆 What’s waiting for you:
• Aperol Spritz–inspired atmosphere and open bar
• Skyline views, glass floor, and curated photo corners
• Live DJ, styled venue, and dreamy lighting
• Professional photographer and curated partner gifts
• A crowd of intentional, creative women. Just like you.
This is your space to connect, be seen, and close the season in style. Limited tickets available. RSVP now.

💬 About This Episode
Tetiana Shugaieva is a certified health and wellness coach with a background in corporate strategy, helping modern women blend career, motherhood, and self-care without burnout. Drawing on her expertise in nutrition, lifestyle design, and habit-building, she guides clients to create a fulfilling, nourishing life through simple, personalized strategies for body, mind, and spirit.
In this episode, we talk about the real meaning of balance and why perfect routines don’t work. We explore how to create a life that adapts to your seasons - without guilt, burnout, or shame.

🎙 What we talk about:
• What is the concept of Modern Blending Life?
• The key components of a blended life for the modern woman
• What blending life means in practice
• A holistic approach to nourishing your body, mind, and spirit
• How Tetiana supports clients through coaching
• Practical tools to make it work in daily life

👤 Connect with Tetiana:
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tetiana.shugaieva
🌐 Website: https://the360nourish.com
🎯 Course: Whole Food Made Simple – a short, practical course to make eating real, nourishing food effortless

🌐 Connect With Us:
Website: www.youniversesociety.com
Kat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_tervinska/
Daria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrskovla/

💌 Want to be a guest on our show or pitch a collaboration?
Message us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

📣 With Love to Our Partners
Our upcoming Soirée wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible partners who believe in real connection, bold women, and meaningful experiences.

✨ Foot Science by Olga Ishchenko
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foot.science/

We’re proud to collaborate with brands and entrepreneurs who bring beauty, value, and authenticity to the table. If you're a brand or founder who wants to collaborate, support, or be featured, email us at [email protected]

Subscribe for weekly episodes with creatives, founders, and experts who keep it real.
We dive into self-care, mindset, entrepreneurship, and the power of starting from zero.
🎧 Like, comment, and follow for more real, deep, and energizing conversations.
K & D ♥️

JOIN US LIVE | YOUniverse Citrus Soirée: Skyline Edition

A night to come home to yourself.
Hosted by Kateryna and Daria, founders of YOUniverse Society and the voices behind this podcast.

 Date: Saturday, September 20
 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
 Location: 32nd Floor, 21 Iceboat Terr, Toronto
 Tickets: Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite: https://youniverse-citrus-soiree.eventbrite.ca

Want to skip Eventbrite fees? DM us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/youniverse.unleashed/ for alternative payment options.

What’s waiting for you:
• Aperol Spritz–inspired atmosphere and open bar
• Skyline views, glass floor, and curated photo corners
• Live DJ, styled venue, and dreamy lighting
• Professional photographer and curated partner gifts
• A crowd of intentional, creative women. Just like you.

This is your space to connect, be seen, and close the season in style. Limited tickets available. RSVP now.

About This Episode
Ola Tsev is an evidence-based personal trainer and strength coach helping women feel powerful, not pressured. In a world full of fads, fear tactics, and Instagram misinformation, her mission is to bring honesty, clarity, and science to fitness.

In this episode, we bust the myths that keep women confused, stuck, and afraid to step into their strength. If you’ve ever worried about getting “bulky,” confused HIIT with cortisol overload, or bought into the pink supplement trap, this conversation is for you.

What we talk about:
• Why lifting weights won’t make you bulky
• Spot-reducing fat: myth or misunderstood
• Should you skip training certain muscles for “aesthetic” goals
• The truth about HIIT, cortisol, and stress
• Cold plunges vs. saunas: what actually helps recovery
• Are women’s supplements real or just pink marketing
• Building a healthier relationship with your body and the fitness industry

Follow Ola:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ola.tsev/
Website: https://olatsev.com
Free Pull Up Guide: https://tilda.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9b01a17bf2cbfcb0e45ba95d4&id=d70eb31f40

Connect With Us:
Website: www.youniversesociety.com
Kat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_tervinska/
Daria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrskovla/

Want to be a guest on our show or pitch a collaboration?
Message us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]

With Love to Our Partners
Our upcoming Soirée wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible partners who believe in real connection, bold women, and meaningful experiences.

  Foot Science by Olga Ishchenko
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foot.science/

We’re proud to collaborate with brands and entrepreneurs who bring beauty, value, and authenticity to the table.

If you're a brand or founder who wants to collaborate, email us at [email protected]

Valeria came to Canada with no business background, no beauty experience, and no idea how things would turn out. She planned to pursue law, worked in legal offices, but quickly realized the path wasn’t hers. Instead, she took a risk.

Now she owns two successful beauty studios in Toronto with a team of 25 and a growing reputation in one of the most competitive markets in the country.

In this episode, she shares exactly how she started, what went wrong, and what it took to keep going without support, without connections, and without a plan B.

🎙 What we talk about:

• How to start a business in Canada without experience

• Building a team when you’ve never managed people before

• Creating services no one else in Toronto was offering

• How she handled slow months, fake reviews, and burnout

• Why not being a stylist worked in her favor

• Advice for immigrants starting something completely new

• How to build a business that grows by word of mouth

If you’re living in Canada and wondering whether you’re "ready" to build something of your own, this conversation is here to remind you that starting small is more than enough.

📍 Project Essence Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectessence.inc/

🌐 Project Essence Website: www.projectessence.ca

_________________________________________

For collaborations or ads: [email protected]

Our website: https://www.youniversesociety.com/

🫐 Kat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_tervinska

🍃 Daria’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrskovla/

Subscribe for weekly episodes. We’re all about diving deep into the most intriguing topics with a diverse array of guests, from entrepreneurs and creatives to experts in various fields. Whether we’re exploring relationship dynamics, personal growth, or financial savvy, there’s something for everyone.

Join our community, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation! Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow for more insightful episodes and updates. 📲✨

K&D ♥️

#ImmigrantStories #CanadaBusiness #StartFromZero #BeautyBusinessCanada #WomenInBusiness #LifeInCanada #TorontoEntrepreneur #ImmigrantEntrepreneur #NewToCanada #SmallBusinessCanada #CanadianDream #BuildYourOwn #SalonOwner #FromLawToBusiness #FirstGenSuccess