Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Shimansky.
Hi Anastasia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Anastasia Shimanskaya is a professional artist, graphic and fashion designer whose creative career began in Europe in 1998 after graduating from a Fine Arts college. In 2016, she moved to Texas, USA, where the rich local culture and the unique creative atmosphere of Austin — the state’s capital of innovation — inspired a new chapter in her professional journey.
In Austin, Anastasia participated in numerous art exhibitions, taught fine arts at the Russian School of Austin, and founded her own art studio for children and adults — Arsuri. The studio reflects her three greatest passions: a love for children, art, and fashion.
Since moving to the U.S., her creative energy found a new direction — fashion design. In recent years, Anastasia has been actively developing unique collections for children and teenagers, inspired by the harmony between art and fashion. She is a strong supporter of the slow fashion movement and incorporates upcycling techniques into her work. Old garments, fabric scraps, and other discarded materials are transformed into one-of-a-kind, stylish pieces that radiate individuality.
Anastasia also volunteers as a costume and set designer for a local Austin theater, which expands her artistic boundaries and allows her to bring her vision to life across different mediums.
Currently, Anastasia is studying Fashion Design at Austin Community College (ACC), further honing her skills and technical knowledge. For her, creativity is more than a profession — it is a way of life, a source of energy and inspiration. Her collections are a reflection of her inner world, where imagination intertwines with reality to form vivid and memorable looks.
In October 2024, Anastasia presented her debut Arsuri collection at a fashion show held at the Austin Central Library. The collection, which embodies her years of experience and unique vision, was met with enthusiastic praise and awarded first place by the jury.
One of the brand’s standout collections, “Alice in Wonderland”, captivates with its vibrant color palette, vintage-inspired accents, and imaginative design choices. The dresses in this collection go beyond fashion — they serve as powerful symbols of mood, confidence, and inner strength. Special attention is given to accessories, such as oversized rose hats and elegant gloves, which tie the looks together and highlight femininity, refinement, and the “power woman” concept — bold, self-assured individuals who express themselves fearlessly through fashion.
The collection’s color palette mirrors emotion and energy — bold contrasts convey positivity, strength, and optimism. In Anastasia’s designs, girls transform into modern goddesses, ready to conquer the world and turn dreams into reality.
Anastasia actively participates in fashion shows in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, with plans to expand to Dallas and beyond. She is currently working on her final graduation collection for ACC, which promises to mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the Arsuri brand.
Recently, she opened a photo studio within the Arsuri art space, creating a professional environment for photoshoots. The studio enables collaboration with emerging designers, photographers, and models. Anastasia is passionate about supporting new talent, believing deeply in lifting others up and helping them shine. She truly believes that beauty will save the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, of course. Like many creative individuals, my journey has been filled with both bright highs and challenging moments. One of the biggest challenges was moving to a different country—a completely new cultural and professional environment. When I arrived in Texas, I had to start from scratch: rebuilding professional connections, finding my place in the local art community, and adapting to a new language, mentality, educational system, and business culture. It wasn’t easy, but I saw it as an opportunity for growth.
It was especially difficult to balance being a mother of three, a teacher, and an artist, all while building my own brand from the ground up. I often worked through the night, putting not only time but also my soul into every project. Financial hardships, a lack of support at the beginning, and moments of doubt—all of that was part of the path. But it was my love for art, children, and fashion that kept me moving forward.
It was also a challenge to promote the idea of slow fashion and upcycling in a society increasingly dominated by fast consumption. But over time, I found like-minded people and realized that my ideas resonate with those who care not only about how they look, but also about the message their clothing carries.
Every obstacle became a stepping stone. Those challenges helped me grow stronger, more confident, and gave me a deeper understanding of what I truly want. My story is proof that even when the path is thorny, faith in yourself, love for your craft, and a genuine desire to share beauty with the world can turn the impossible into reality.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Arsuri ?
My business is called Arsuri — an art and fashion studio based in Austin, Texas, where I bring together my three biggest passions: art, fashion, and working with children and young creatives. Arsuri is not just a brand; it’s a creative space where imagination comes to life. We specialize in unique, handcrafted fashion collections, art education, and collaborative creative projects.
What truly sets Arsuri apart is our deep commitment to slow fashion and sustainability. I actively practice upcycling — transforming vintage garments, leftover fabric, and forgotten materials into bold, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. Every item has a story, every collection carries a message. We don’t just follow trends — we create wearable art that reflects personality, cultural richness, and emotional depth.
Our brand is especially known for its fairytale-inspired, emotionally charged collections — such as “Alice in Wonderland,” which celebrates vibrant color palettes, retro elegance, and the concept of the “power woman.” Each dress is more than just clothing — it’s a symbol of confidence, individuality, and transformation. Accessories like oversized rose hats and elegant gloves add drama and charm, emphasizing femininity and artistic expression.
In addition to fashion, Arsuri is a community-driven space. We recently opened a photo studio to support young photographers, designers, and models. I believe in mentorship and in creating opportunities for emerging talent — giving them a platform to shine. I’m also proud to volunteer as a costume designer and set artist for local theater productions, which helps expand my creative boundaries and keeps the spirit of collaboration alive.
What I want readers to know is that Arsuri is a brand with soul. We create more than fashion — we create moments, confidence, and dreams. If you’re someone who values authenticity, creativity, and sustainability, I welcome you to explore our world. Every stitch carries passion, every design tells a story.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has certainly played a role in my life and business, but I believe it’s always intertwined with hard work, perseverance, and the right mindset. When I moved to Texas, I could say I was fortunate to be in a vibrant, artistic community like Austin, where creativity thrives. That certainly opened doors for me — whether it was finding amazing collaborators or being in a city that embraces diversity and new ideas. That initial “good luck” led to opportunities like establishing my Arsuri brand, which has grown through building connections with like-minded individuals.
At the same time, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges that some might consider “bad luck.” Starting over in a new country, navigating cultural and professional differences, and balancing family life with a growing business wasn’t easy. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned, and financial hardships felt overwhelming. But instead of seeing these as bad luck, I chose to see them as necessary steps in building something meaningful. Every obstacle became an opportunity for learning and growth.
What I’ve realized over the years is that luck is often what you make of it. It’s about being prepared when opportunities arise, having the resilience to push through setbacks, and being open to the unexpected. Luck doesn’t create success — hard work and a positive outlook do. And when things don’t go perfectly, it’s often the “bad luck” that teaches the most valuable lessons.
In the end, I’ve come to see luck as a mix of being in the right place at the right time and putting in the effort to make the most of it.
Pricing:
- Art class $100 / per month
- Fashion art class $140/per month
- Photoshoot $150 / per 30 minute
- Photoshoot $300/ per 1,5 hour
- group work shop $60/per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arsuri-art.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arsuri_art_studio?igsh=MWtsdWJwYTZoeTdubA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14tx1uuQjzP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-shimanskay-11907090?trk=contact-info
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/arsuri_anastasia?igsh=aGc1a21hczdxNDRp
