Kamilla Zakirzianova of Camilliada: Five Things I Learned As A Twenty-Something Founder

An Interview With Doug Noll

Staying True to Yourself — This is one of the most unique rewards of being a young founder. You’re not following the conventional path that society often lays out — like going to university, landing a corporate job, and following a traditional career track. Instead, you have to forge your own path. This allows you to better understand what truly matters to you. When you’re not confined to society’s expectations, it’s easier to stay connected to yourself, to know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and to eliminate what doesn’t serve you. The most rewarding part of entrepreneurship, especially when you’re young, is that you get to explore, experiment, and find the path that best fits you. Being true to yourself is key, and that self-awareness is incredibly valuable.

As a part of our series called “My Life as a TwentySomething Founder”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kamilla Zakirzianova.

Kamilla Zakirzianova, a 21-year-old founder of the social media management agency Camilliada that helps businesses and influencers hit millions of views using a mix of data science and emotional analysis.Their goal isn’t just bringing followers to clients, but connecting with the right audience and leave a lasting impact.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?

I was born and raised in the southern and eastern parts of Russia, in the Republic of Bashkortostan. I love my homeland, but I never quite seemed to fit in. For a long time, I thought that I wasn’t enough, but in reality, I was too much for that place. Paradoxically, I don’t feel this way in the United States, where one might expect me to feel it the most. So, to all the young ladies and gentlemen out there — if you feel like you don’t fit, don’t worry. Chances are, the aquarium is just too small for your big ideas and enthusiasm.

I started working on my own projects from a very young age. My love for filming and promotion seemed to appear out of nowhere at an early stage in my life, and I began creating what were, at the time, very unusual videos to promote small businesses in my hometown through social media. But it never felt like enough. I knew I needed a bigger stage, a larger audience, and projects that would truly allow my creativity to shine. Step by step, I evolved — moving to different cities, experimenting with new styles, and expanding my skills — until I eventually found my way to New York.

I immigrated from Russia two years ago. With a background in digital marketing, particularly social media marketing, I recognized a gap in the U.S. market that I knew my experience and strategies could fill. While adjusting my approach to fit the American market took some time, it ultimately reinforced my belief that embracing new challenges leads to growth. Now, I’m more confident than ever that this journey, with all its ups and downs, is exactly where I’m meant to be.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you started your company? What lessons or takeaways idd you take out of that story?

It’s always fascinating how life connects you with people in the most unexpected ways and at the most unexpected times. While I was building my own business, I was also working at a PR agency, and they sent me to one of their clients to shoot some content. To my surprise, not only did the client speak my language, but she was born in the same small village in Russia where my father was born. I used to visit that village often to see my grandparents.

The key lessons I’ve learned from this experience are that life has a way of connecting you with the right people, but only if you’re actively moving forward and doing something. Additionally, the better aligned you are with your client, the more trust they place in you — enabling you to deliver truly exceptional results. Investing time and effort in building strong, genuine connections with your clients is always worth it.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

At Camilliada, we don’t rely on copycatting or following generic templates. Instead, we focus on giving each project the care and attention to detail it deserves. It’s really that simple.

But there’s more. Over time, with the experience we’ve gained, we’ve developed a unique approach to making accounts go viral. We combine data science with emotional analysis to create strategies that resonate deeply with audiences while also being rooted in solid metrics.

It’s a simple yet sophisticated approach that delivers powerful results. You should give it a try!

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

I have so many people to thank. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable individuals who inspire, teach, and guide me along the way. I don’t think I could ever fully repay them for their support. But the best way I’ve found to pay it forward is by mentoring and offering advice to those who are just starting out or a few steps behind me. In that way, I try to keep the balance, and it feels like a meaningful way to give back.

Are you working on any exciting projects now?

Working on our current projects has always been exciting, but as we continue to grow, it becomes even more thrilling. We’re now at a point where it’s time to expand and explore new fields, and that brings a whole new level of excitement. The prospect of venturing into uncharted territory, learning new things, and pushing boundaries is truly energizing. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next!

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

As a young founder, I’m still early in my journey, but I’m always striving to bring as much goodness to the world as I can. Through our business services, we already contribute by promoting inspiring and impactful projects, helping them gain organic exposure. Beyond that, we’re planning to give back even more by launching free courses on social media promotion. This way, amazing projects that may not have the budget to hire a full team can still elevate their presence and reach a wider audience. It’s our way of empowering those with limited resources to succeed and make a difference.

Do you have a favorite book that made a deep impact on your life? Can you share a story?

Oh yes, it’s Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Throughout the entire book, there is a strong recurring theme that if you have control over your mind, you have control over your destiny. And, quite frankly, our mind — ourselves in general — is the only thing we truly have control over, and from there, we can influence the world. It doesn’t matter which field you apply this to; it will always work. The book is filled with valuable insights, so don’t just skim through it — read it thoroughly. You’ll find a wealth of wisdom within its pages.

Can you share 5 of the most difficult and most rewarding parts of being a “TwentySomething founder”. Please share an example or story for each.

Five of the most difficult and rewarding aspects of being a “TwentySomething” founder:

1. You grow rapidly and a lot — It’s both difficult and rewarding because you can’t grow without facing hardships. You go through tough situations, but those experiences shape you into a better person. Everyone strives to improve, but many don’t realize that real growth involves struggle. You learn valuable lessons, and while you may stumble, you get back up and reach new levels. In my 20s, while most people my age are still in university or just starting internships, I’ve already gained firsthand experience in real-world situations. Entrepreneurship is hard, and it’s not for everyone, but the lessons I’ve learned outside the comfort of a safer environment are invaluable.
2. Lack of Experience — Being young and inexperienced is definitely a challenge, but it also keeps your mind open to new ideas and opportunities. People are often willing to help you, so in that sense, it works both ways. Experience isn’t just about running a business; it’s about life itself — learning about relationships, understanding people, and navigating different personalities. If I had known more earlier, I might have avoided some tough situations. But I don’t regret it, because I’ve gained experience quickly, and that has helped me grow
3. Openness to the World — This flows from the previous point. Being open to new experiences can be both good and bad. I have a strong hunger for learning, and I dive into things headfirst. In some ways, lack of experience makes you more optimistic and willing to take risks. If I had known how challenging being a founder would be, I might have been more hesitant. But now that I’m on this path, I’m committed and won’t stop. The unknowns are part of the journey.
4. Wider Worldview — Exposure to different people and situations broadens your perspective, which is one of the most rewarding aspects. You interact with people from various backgrounds and levels, learning from them and gaining a more global view of the world. This experience deepens your character and helps you grow as a person. It allows you to see things from multiple perspectives, making you more adaptable and empathetic.
5. Staying True to Yourself — This is one of the most unique rewards of being a young founder. You’re not following the conventional path that society often lays out — like going to university, landing a corporate job, and following a traditional career track. Instead, you have to forge your own path. This allows you to better understand what truly matters to you. When you’re not confined to society’s expectations, it’s easier to stay connected to yourself, to know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and to eliminate what doesn’t serve you. The most rewarding part of entrepreneurship, especially when you’re young, is that you get to explore, experiment, and find the path that best fits you. Being true to yourself is key, and that self-awareness is incredibly valuable.

What are the main takeaways that you would advise a twenty year old who is looking to found a business?

Don’t be afraid. You will experience failures and rejections, and that’s completely normal.

Be mindful of your cash flow. Your new venture might not bring in as much as you’d like at first, and even when it does, take as little as you can for yourself and reinvest most of it back into your business for growth.

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Only the most persistent people get to enjoy the best rewards.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)

If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Ye (Kanye West). His ideas are bold, unconventional, and on the edge — but they resonate deeply with people. I see him as someone with a perspective so unique that it’s hard to understand from a distance. A longer conversation with him would give me a glimpse into his worldview, which might shift my own in ways I can’t yet imagine — for better or worse.

What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?

You can connect with me personally on LinkedIn by searching Kamilla Zakirzianova and on Instagram by searching @camilliadas, but don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @camilliada.smm(https://www.instagram.com/camilliada.smm/).

Lastly, you can find more information about Camilliada by visiting https://www.camilliada.com.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests. Click on this link to learn more and apply.