From the streets to the stage, Brooklyn-based ballerina, Violetta Komyshan, shares the value of a positive mindset, her many untold hobbies, and how she defines soulmate in her first One on One interview.

What is your name? 

Violetta Komyshan

Where are you from? 

Born in Toronto, grew up in New York City :)

What does living a sustainable lifestyle look like to you?

Being a thoughtful shopper and viewing items as if they don't have an expiration date. It's so important to understand where everything comes from and where it ends up eventually. I also try to educate myself as much as I can on issues with sustainability within our world because sometimes we are so unaware of something small that could be causing huge problems to our environment.

One word to describe how you feel in your netta? 

Goddess.

Biggest lesson you have learned this year, or recently?

A positive mindset will literally change your entire life. I don't allow negative thoughts to take over anymore. I consistently train myself to get over what is bothering me. That happiness then guides you in your day to day life and brings so much abundance in everything that you do.

How do you feel when you’re dancing?

I feel connected – internally and externally. I've spent just about my whole life doing it and there's a certain euphoria I think most dancers experience when they take class or perform.

What is something you wish more people knew about you?

I have a gazillion hobbies and love working with my hands. I knit and crochet, I make jewelry out of metal and sculpt wax, I cook, I do a lot of fun makeup, I can embroider, braid, and I tailor a lot of my own clothing. The list goes on. My mom raised my sister and I in a way where we had to do everything ourselves before we were allowed to spend money to acquire it.

How do you define soulmate?

A soulmate is a person who makes up for the part of your soul you might have been missing. You meet them and all of a sudden life makes a little more sense. Sometimes you didn't even know your soul was lacking something until this person comes into your life and opens your heart to things you couldn't even imagine.