Q: Nadezhda, tell us about the beginning of your journey. Was basketball always the plan?
A: Some people find their calling. Others are born into it. For me, basketball was more than a passion—it was my inheritance. I grew up in a home where the rhythm of the game echoed in every corner. My father, Sergey Grishaev, was a celebrated figure in Soviet and Russian basketball. He introduced me to the court, but what he really gave me were values—discipline, resilience, and a drive for excellence.
Q: How did you transition from a childhood surrounded by basketball to becoming a competitive athlete?
A: My formal steps into sport began in school gyms. I had some natural talent, yes, but talent means little without effort. Structured coaching and a deep desire to honor my heritage pushed me forward. I wasn’t chasing trophies—I was chasing growth. I always knew I wanted to use sport as a vehicle to transform myself and uplift others.
Q: After your sports career, you didn’t take the usual route. What led you to reimagine wellness?
A: When my time as a professional athlete ended, I wasn’t ready to slow down. I craved intellectual growth and wanted to make a deeper impact. So, I enrolled at Lomonosov Moscow State University. That’s where my vision for ANVIL took root. I wanted to merge everything I knew—sports, science, mindfulness—into a new kind of wellness experience.
Q: What sets ANVIL apart from a typical gym?
A: ANVIL isn’t just a gym—it’s a sanctuary. It blends movement, art, and science. I designed it to be holistic, where every detail—from lighting to music—uplifts the spirit. It’s a space where strength training meets intention. I wanted to create not just a workout, but a lifestyle philosophy.
Q: Empowerment seems central to your mission. Can you speak more about that?
A: Absolutely. Everything I do is guided by a simple purpose: helping people live fuller, more intentional lives. Whether I’m mentoring young athletes or developing self-care tools, it’s about empowerment. I define success as the harmony of effort and destiny—”success is hard work multiplied by luck.”
Q: In 2023, you launched a new athletic wear line. What inspired that leap?
A: It felt like a natural extension of my philosophy. I wanted to design clothing that reflected my core values: elegance, movement, and authenticity. Each piece is functional but also graceful. I truly believe performance and style can—and should—coexist.
Q: Your current work is also shifting the conversation around wellness. How so?
A: I’m focusing more on the integration of nutrition and movement. I want people to understand that what we eat and how we move should be acts of self-respect. My initiatives aim to inspire more conscious living, not just in fitness, but in everyday choices.
Q: You’ve worn many hats—athlete, entrepreneur, designer. What drives you forward?
A: I see myself as a catalyst for change. Titles are just roles, but the purpose is consistent. I want to blend legacy with innovation and turn challenges into platforms for growth. My story is still unfolding, but my mission remains the same: to help others evolve, just as I continue to evolve myself.