From time immemorial, art is the only form through which humans can express their thought processes. In modern times, art is not just a skill, it is a new form of luxury for art lovers all around the world. With the motive of showcasing rich European art to the world and enhancing the skills of emerging artists, Natalya Muzaleva founded N2N Gallery in Abu Dhabi.

Natalya completed her higher studies at Moscow Business Academy and has been spearheading various projects in the fields of real estate and art. So far, in her professional journey, she has been fusing her skills and passion in showcasing her leadership skills to the whole world.

Natalya Muzaleva engages in an interactive session with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine, here are the highlights.

What are your specific features as a leader? Tell us about your educational journey and prior industry experience.

Decisiveness, courage, and honesty are qualities I value in a leader, and I think the finest leaders are those, who have learned from their diverse experiences. The leaders gain knowledge from both their failures and their accomplishments. When presented with the specifics of a contract or transaction, this thinking motivates me to move forward with the conclusion I believe is best.

As my team and I constantly hold fast to our ideals, I would also add a client- and service-focused approach to the list. We value and possess relationships, and we also make business decisions based on those values.

I was born in Sevastopol, Crimea, and studied in American School followed by Kyiv University of Law, Economics & Tourism, and then at Moscow Business Academy for Real Estate. I would categorize my professional experience and divide it into two areas that are critical corporate analysis and strategy, and the other one is contemplative creativity.

What makes N2N Gallery and Republik Real Estate management unique ventures? What has been your driving force in achieving various milestones?

N2N was founded in 2013 in Abu Dhabi to start an artistic dialogue between Ukraine, my place of origin, and the UAE. The gallery has hosted and featured numerous exhibitions and artists over the years. Some pieces of art are supposed to shock, while others are meant to pleasure; some are meant to make you cry, while others are meant to sit quietly in the background. We regularly deliver highly structured educational art classes with professional masters to develop participants’ morals and knowledge of art. As an art curator, I curate art in a way that surprises my audience; it should be like a good movie that entertains and gives a positive message. My husband, Istvan, and I co-founded Republik Real Estate in 2007 and we currently oversee a sizable portfolio of both residential and commercial properties. We empower our agents with a solutiondriven mindset as an avant-garde real estate company so that they have time to counsel their clients in the UAE and abroad.

One of the most famous art events in the world, Abu Dhabi Art, presented our artists Petro Bevza and Alexander Litvinenko's joint installation piece, The Grass, which was the greatest achievement. We all have a reason that gets us out of bed in the morning, and for me, that mission is to always improve myself as a leader and person in whatever I do. The key, in my opinion, is creating a culture of connection and a psychologically comfortable atmosphere.

What are the various roles and responsibilities you currently shoulder at N2N Gallery? How do you overcome the challenges you face in your current role?

I believe it is difficult to promote each other's art since not every collector can relate to both people's feelings and insights. It was difficult for me at first to introduce myself and N2N Gallery to others however, I am appreciative of our achievements.

"I want all women from all walks of life to have the ability to choose to work, have a successful career, & be financially independent"

Speaking about Republik, I am accountable for three things that are people, mission, and profits. As a managing partner, I ensure that I am surrounded by exceptional experts and that I give them the resources they require to feel empowered and contribute to the advancement of the companies. I work two full-time jobs and am a mother of three growing children and I do everything in my power to create lovely, world-changing individuals.

How do you envision women's representation advancing and changing in Abu Dhabi's top positions?

Due to the UAE government's strong support for the advancement of women, Abu Dhabi is a highly unique location. Today, the UAE Cabinet has one of the highest percentages of women. We cannot deny that modern art has evolved into a tool for communication and that modern art's contribution to public awareness is expanding for many reasons. By expanding infrastructure and amenities, the government has excellently supported these projects. I hope the government will continue to assist me in the same way, and I would appreciate it if it took more steps to welcome and host East European artists.

As per your experience, what advice you would like to give to young women and girls who are looking forward to kickstarting their careers in this domain?

My advice would be that they should concentrate on developing their skills and direct their efforts toward a particular goal. Finally, if you could think of any female leaders, you would notice that they all shared the desire to break free from the constraints society had placed on them. We can learn so much from their experiences and never accept no as an answer.

Natalya Muzaleva, Managing Partner, N2N Gallery

As an art enthusiast, Natalya is supporting and developing the skills of the artists as well as providing them a worldwide stage to showcase their talent through the N2N Gallery.