An Interview with Lera Nikitina and Elena Ulansky
The launch of ELARTe, a groundbreaking art transformation project for women, was extraordinary. Held at Soho’s elegant G Gallery, the event brought together women from diverse backgrounds to explore creativity, spirituality, and self-discovery in an inspiring and supportive environment. The evening was filled with connection, empowerment, and personal transformation through art. We sat down with the founders, Lera Nikitina and Elena Ulansky, to uncover the story behind ELARTe, their unique vision, and how they redefine art as a transformative tool for women.
Q: Congratulations on a spectacular launch! How did it feel to see so many women engaging with ELARTe?
Lera Nikitina: Thank you! It was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Seeing women of all ages and backgrounds come together, express themselves through art, and leave feeling empowered was everything we envisioned when creating ELARTe. We wanted to craft a space where women feel safe, inspired, and connected—and that’s exactly what happened.
Elena Ulansky: The energy in the room was incredible. It was amazing to watch attendees not only create but also embrace the concept of using art as a tool for self-discovery. It’s one thing to guide them in the creative process, but witnessing them take ownership of it and make it their own was truly magical.
Q: How did the idea for ELARTe come about?
Lera: ELARTe was born from a combination of our personal and professional journeys. For me, art has always been an outlet to channel emotions and creativity. After graduating from FIT, launching my fashion brand EXTEASY, and earning my Master’s in Fashion Law from Fordham, I realized I wanted to go deeper into personal transformation through creativity. My work as an influencer and my passion for inspiring others made this idea a natural progression.
Elena: My journey has always been about exploring the connection between art and spirituality. As a mixed media artist with a CFA and MFA from the New York Academy of Art, I’ve focused on themes like divine femininity and mindfulness. Art, for me, has always been a gateway to transformation. When Lera and I met, our visions aligned perfectly—we knew we wanted to create an experience where art wasn’t just about creation but about using it to discover deeper truths and empower others.
Photo Courtesy: ELARTe
Q: What makes ELARTe unique?
Lera: ELARTe isn’t just another art program—it’s an experience. We combine art creation, mindfulness practices, and a supportive environment to create something transformative. Women leave with more than just a piece of art; they leave with a sense of purpose, empowerment, and connection to themselves.
Elena: Our holistic approach is what sets us apart. For example, we started with a guided meditative sound healing session at the launch event to ground everyone and help them set meaningful intentions. This kind of integration—combining art with mindfulness—creates a much deeper and more meaningful experience for participants.
Q: What was the atmosphere like at the launch event?
Lera: It was magical! The venue was filled with women of all ages and backgrounds, each bringing their unique energy. We started with a warm introduction to set the tone, followed by meditative sound healing led by Courtney Capazzi, and then transitioned into the art sessions. Watching everyone immerse themselves in the creative process was incredible. By the night’s end, the room was buzzing with excitement, heartfelt conversations, and positivity.
Elena: The sense of connection stood out the most. Women weren’t just painting—they were sharing their stories, supporting one another, and building a community. The event wasn’t just about art but about creating an environment where creativity, spirituality, and relationships could flourish.
Q: What’s next for ELARTe?
Lera: We’re incredibly inspired by the feedback from the launch event. Moving forward, we’re planning a series of exclusive workshops, retreats, and collaborations with other experts in art and wellness. We also want to bring ELARTe to different cities, allowing more women to experience its transformative power.
Elena: We’re also working on developing a membership program that will offer exclusive benefits, like access to private art sessions, spiritual workshops, and curated events. Our goal is to create a vibrant community where women aren’t just participants but co-creators in this journey of empowerment.
Photo Courtesy: ELARTe
Q: What do you hope participants take away from their ELARTe experience?
Lera: My biggest hope is that they leave feeling inspired, empowered, and connected—not just to others, but to themselves. Art has a way of revealing truths we didn’t even know we were searching for. I want every woman who joins ELARTe to discover that for herself.
Elena: Transformation doesn’t always have to be dramatic—it can start small, with a single creative moment or meaningful connection. That’s the beauty of ELARTe: it’s not just about what happens during the event; it’s about the ripple effects that continue long after.
A Movement of Creativity and Empowerment
ELARTe’s launch event proved that art, spirituality, and empowerment can create something truly transformative. With Lera Nikitina and Elena Ulansky leading the way, this project is poised to inspire and empower countless women.
Want to be part of the journey?
Follow the founders for updates and behind-the-scenes insights:
- Lera Nikitina: @l_nikitina_
- Elena Ulansky: @elena.ulansky
Spaces are limited, so visit www.elarte.art and sign up now to ensure you don’t miss the next chapter of this transformative movement! Creativity is calling—will you answer?
Published by: Josh Tatunay
