Introducing- Matryoshka.
Michal Portman is the name behind the successful blog Matryoshka.
In this special interview we discover that what we are used to refer as a Babushka doll is actually a Matryoshka. Moreover, she explains why her blog was named after it.
By Keren Hayun
Until I met 33 years old, Michal Portman, Customer Relations Manager at a Real Estate company, Fashionista and founder of the fashion and lifestyle blog- Matryoshka, like everyone I thought that the little wooden doll (in the picture with the lovely Michal) that has inside two other little dolls. However, Michal that chose to take a picture with the allegedly Babushka wanted to make it clear: "The doll's name is Matryoshka and not Babushka, like you are all used to. The Matryoshka is an international doll ,very colorful and has different layers, she reminds me of myself. Like the different dolls inside her ,I have a wide range of fields, occupations and colorful life. The doll has always been by my side as a child and when I thought about a name for the blog that was supposed to represent me, it was clear that it would be the icon that will stand behind my blog and be my logo. "
Michal's blog is now celebrating its third birthday this month (congratulations ! ) and includes a variety of content, but mainly fashion, beauty and care . The answer to what fashion is immediately gets the reply: "Fashion to me is a language – your way to express yourself without having to speak a word. From an early age I had a fondness for "fashion mistakes" and look which seemed bizarre to those around me. I remember that as a child people would throw me comments like "Take off your hat, what are you Russian?" Well the truth is yes, I immigrated to Israel at the age of 10 from Kiev, Ukraine, but of course there was no connection to my origin. I think I owe the credit mostly to my mother that always dress me according to the latest style and tends, it seems I inherited the passion for fashion. "
Your friends call you "Michal Bradshaw". Explain.
"As a child I used to get all dressed up and had a taste of my own even what I was in kindergarten I insisted to match my own outfits. When I came to Israel and grew up I used to follow in admiration after films and series such as" Gossip Girl "and "Sex and the City" just to see what the stars were wearing, for me that was the true story. So that's why my friends gave me the nickname, after the main heroine of "Sex and the City" – Carrie Bradshaw. "
You could have been a stylist, fashion producer .So why did you start a blog on the internet?
"The internet platform was the right place for me to express myself. It started when I started uploading my pictures and people would respond to online, they really liked my style and was interested from where the items I'm wearing are from. Same story regarding the beauty products that I use. Over time I became an address which people turned to it in terms of styling and fashion, in order to get good advice and recommendations in a variety of fields. After receiving so many good feedbacks I knew launching my blog was the next step.
I never thought that my passion for this field and opening a blog can become over time a very significant part of my life, it just happened that I did what I love and readers loved it to. Every day I am grateful for my followers everything that happens to me a lot happened because of them. If wouldn't have started this adventure, I don't believe that everything that happened to me now would have been possible. "
You always look like you stepped out from a fashion magazine. How do you do it?
"My looks usually are not thought of in advance, although people think I make them that way. I have a tendency to put the same items but in different variations. I like things that are unexpected and a bit misleading, but that are still chic. I always try to create different and interesting looks and I'm never afraid to gamble and go for the combinations that are not easy to digest. All of this together are just my basic desire to be part of the fashion world, but most important of all is my love and the way that I bring with me, every contact and meeting with different people does all the magic".
What are your ambitions for the future?
"Always be true to myself, to develop the field, getting to know new brands, and collaborate with various people in the industry, travel the world and learn more about fashion and to get inspired by fashion events that I attend. Particularly continue to be a leading blogger and promote Israeli designers around the world.
What did you choose to wear for our photo-shoot?
"I went on eclectic style, a mini floral dress and a statement necklace. Printed dresses greatly reminded me of the unique print you can find on Matryoshka dolls. I wanted to feel today also like a doll. Regarding the necklace it just felt right as a piece that could upgrade my look"
Give us some good tips for beginner bloggers:
- Listen to your heart, and never stop dreaming. Work hard to make your dreams come true.
- Be in close contact with your readers. They are the one's who believe in you and see you as their role model.
- Be innovative. Always think about the next best thing.
- Do things always with a smile. Just try to smile to everyone, a smile is contagious and makes a wonderful feeling.
Photo: Dudi Hasson
Production: Tal Kleinbort
Makeup: Noga Tamir "Solo"
Hair: Fedor Vishnyakov
