Maria Platonova is an entrepreneur, curator, and expert in digital art whose name is now associated with a new model of female leadership. A Forbes cover heroine, founder of the LAHEBE brand, and an active member of the international art community, she has built her career at the intersection of science, culture, and business.
Maria, your journey began with art. How did this path take shape?
— Art entered my life very early, but it became a conscious choice in 2010, when I inherited a large collection of paintings from my great-grandfather, the artist Boris Zotov. I was fascinated by the works, yet I didn’t fully understand the responsibility they carried. Only years later did I realize that my role was not merely to preserve this legacy, but to return it to the cultural space.
In 2018, I organized an exhibition of his works. Paintings inspired by the traditions of Levitan and Aivazovsky received a powerful response from the public. That moment became a point of no return for me—I understood that art is not an archive, but a dialogue with the present.
Today you focus on digital art and cultural digitalization. Why has this direction become central?
— Because the future of culture lies in accessibility. I work as a junior research fellow at the State Public Scientific and Technological Library of Russia, where I am involved in data digitalization, curate exhibition projects, and write a PhD thesis dedicated to the digital transformation of cultural spaces.
Digital art is not a trend—it is a natural stage in the evolution of art. It continues the legacy of conceptualism, Dadaism, and Fluxus. The digital form gives artists new modes of expression and offers audiences entirely new ways of interaction.
How is digitalization transforming libraries and museum spaces?
— Today, a library is far more than books. At the State Public Scientific and Technological Library of Russia, we have created an art space where original works of art are exhibited. This is essential: people come not only for knowledge, but for emotional and intellectual experiences.
A separate focus of my work is art therapy. Library staff can immerse themselves in exhibitions at any moment, reset, and find inspiration. I strongly believe that culture directly influences the quality of thinking and human efficiency.
You frequently attend international art events. Which destinations would you recommend to art connoisseurs?
— Today, Dubai is one of the key centers of the global art market. Biennales, auctions, and international galleries are actively developing there. I particularly recommend Art Dubai and galleries working with contemporary and digital art—it is a space of dialogue between East and West.
You are also active as a journalist and columnist. What do you write about?
— I write about digital art, contemporary Russian artists, the art market, and the intersection of art and economics. My goal is to translate complex processes into an accessible language and to cultivate a conscious relationship with the culture of the future.
Beyond art, you are known for your strong environmental stance. Where does it come from?
— Several years ago, I traveled to India and visited one of its most polluted cities. I personally collected plastic waste, walking dozens of kilometers. It was a difficult but transformative experience.
Ecology is not an abstraction—it is a daily choice. I am convinced that art must speak about environmental issues, because it can touch deeper meanings and truly change the way people think.
You are also an entrepreneur and the founder of LAHEBE. How did the idea emerge?
— I have always believed that Russian brands are capable of creating products of global quality. LAHEBE was born as an extension of my philosophy: self-care, awareness, aesthetics, and respect for nature.
It is not just cosmetics. It is a brand that combines Japanese cosmetic technologies, Italian design, and an eco-conscious approach, making luxury skincare accessible.
What is the key feature of LAHEBE products?
— Natural ingredients, hypoallergenic formulas, versatility for all skin types, and environmentally friendly packaging. For me, it is essential that beauty does not harm either people or the planet.
You are an MBA graduate from one of the world’s top schools. How did business education influence you?
— Radically. I graduated from HULT International Business School with an MBA degree. It gave me structured thinking, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of scalability. Business is not about inspiration alone—it is about systems, and I am very aware of that.
You appeared on the cover of Forbes. What does this recognition mean to you?
— It is not about status. It is about confirmation that intellectual, cultural, and female-led businesses can be sustainable and meaningful. I see it as both responsibility and a new growth point.
You have extensive experience in beauty pageants. How do you view it today?
— It was an important life chapter. I represented Russia internationally and placed in the Top 5 at a competition in Asia. Still, external beauty was never my ultimate goal. Intellect, contribution, and meaning have always mattered more.
What are your plans for the future?
— I plan to open an international digital art gallery, support emerging artists, and develop educational and charitable projects. My goal is to become a talent scout for the new generation and to create platforms where creative potential can truly grow.
Maria Platonova Today
Today, Maria Platonova stands at the intersection of art, science, business, and the culture of the future. Her projects shape a new ethic of beauty, thinking, and responsibility—both personal and societal.
