A Journey Rooted in Creativity: Natalya Urmanova’s
Natalya Urmanova, a Dubai-based creative, has gracefully transitioned from being a Fashion Retail Director to becoming a celebrated photographer. After dedicating 17 years to the fashion industry, Natalya found herself yearning for more personal freedom and creative expression. What followed was an unexpected yet transformative journey into the world of photography—a passion that has redefined her life and career.
A Journey Rooted in Creativity
Born with an eye for beauty, Natalya Urmanova’s fascination with fashion was shaped by her upbringing in the Soviet Union. During a time when access to unique clothing was limited, Natalya and her father would hunt for vintage pieces, sparking her love for timeless aesthetics. She even tailored her own garments, an early indication of her creative inclinations.
Her professional journey began in fashion retail, where she climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming a Fashion Retail Director. Despite her success, Natalya felt a disconnect—a sense that something deeper was calling her.
From Corporate Success to Personal Freedom
After years of excelling in the structured world of fashion retail, Natalya Urmanova made the bold decision to leave her corporate role. To many, her resignation seemed like a step back. To Natalya, however, it was a leap toward self-discovery.
“I left fashion for freedom,” she explains. “After 15 years in a corporate paradise, I just wanted to travel and find myself.”
The shift wasn’t without its challenges. Natalya Urmanova had to overcome self-doubt and societal expectations, but her decision ultimately led her to a path she never anticipated—photography.
The Calling of Photography
Natalya Urmanova credits a serendipitous encounter in New York with a photographer friend for sparking her interest in the art form. What began as playful experimentation quickly evolved into a profound passion. Natalya embraced photography as a “divine gift,” believing it to be a calling she could not ignore.
Interestingly, Natalya’s father was also a photographer, which she now sees as a connection to her creative roots. “Photography found me,” she says. “I never thought I’d photograph, but it feels like a portal of beauty I am still in.”
Capturing Souls and Timeless Beauty
Natalya Urmanova’s approach to photography is deeply personal and spiritual. She sees each subject she photographs as a “hero,” valuing the emotional connection between herself and her subjects over social recognition.
“I haven’t photographed Anthony Hopkins yet,” she jokes, “but every soul I photograph is a big deal. It’s not about social awards but about the magic between you and your hero.”
Earlier this year, Natalya held her first solo exhibition, an experience that validated her vision and connected her to a broader audience. She is now working on her second exhibition, which will continue her exploration of human interconnectedness and beauty.
Through her portraits, Natalya hopes to immortalize her subjects, creating pieces that will remain in family albums and on walls for generations. Her goal is to highlight perpetual beauty and timelessness, encouraging others to reach their potential.
A Vision for Future Exhibitions
As she prepares for her next exhibition, Natalya is driven by a desire to inspire others to embrace their individuality and creativity. Her work aims to reveal the invisible—emotions, connections, and inner beauty—through her lens.
“I want my works to be collected by those who appreciate timelessness, beauty, and real emotions,” she shares. “This way, they can live on and continue to inspire.”
Conclusion
Natalya credits her best friend, A jewelery Artist , Elvira lurova for the deepest support in this life shift as well as her friend and former colleague, Roxana ads a significant influence on her journey. Both of these women, Their heart, Vision and ethics have been instrumental in her growth
To witness her artistry and stay updated on her journey, follow Natalya on Instagram.
