Today we’d like to introduce you to Onega Ulanova.
Onega, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a dreamer whose passion is to turn those dreams into reality! The crazy dreams, the ones starting with the word impossible, for others.
Since early childhood, I was a different kid. A kid with my own interesting and colorful inner world and imagination, my own fears and inspirations (random things – regular to others). I never played with toys and was happy to be around different people. I truly enjoyed the time with them. I liked to be that connector to the unconnected things, to learn stories and get inspired. People and stories are the most priceless assets I have from early childhood.
I guess, the fact that my name Onega is very rare (I was the only one in a 600,000 person city and they say that there are about 1,500 Onega’s in the entire world) made its mark. Almost forgot to mention that I had and still have an accent in all languages I speak, even my native Russian.
My story continues with how a lady from Kazakhstan ended up in Shreveport, LA. Back in 2010, when I was graduating with my BS in Kazakhstan, Karaganda – my university KSTU and Louisiana Tech had a joint research program and several students were invited to continue their education in the USA. My future husband was among the few. And as you can see, I came with him to Ruston, LA. I knew zero English, but had a dream to get my MS in “Engineering and Technology Management”. From ground zero, three failed English tests, and almost 17 hours of learning per day – within 6 months I was admitted to Louisiana Tech. That experience told me that “Anything is possible”.
After graduating, we moved to Shreveport, LA and I joined the American Petroleum Institute as the youngest female auditor, enjoying the challenge of working in a male-dominated industry. My experience with API showed me the power and impact the oil and gas industry has around the world. It taught me most of the misconceptions among the public are due to the lack of time of those companies to share their stories. But while working as an auditor, my entrepreneurial spirit didn’t give me time to relax and was always pushing me to open a business. Actually, my experience with API turned into one of my current ventures, OKGlobal, a marketing agency that helps oil and gas companies to brand themselves, sharing with the world all the good things they do.
As with all dreamers, while working with API, in 2013, together with my partner in crime Konstantin Dolgan, we dreamed of and launched a student organization on campus with the self-explanatory name – LA New Product Development Team, the team who helped to develop new product markets needed. The organization was a huge success which led us to open a business in 2016 in Shreveport, LA., a city (at that time) not known for its entrepreneurship and product development. It was a challenging journey. I even heard that some of our partners and locals were given estimates when we will go out of business, but no. Our business is growing gaining national and international recognition for us and our clients. The proof that hard work, a good team, and consistency make dreams come true.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey of an entrepreneur consists of ups and downs, ups and downs (sometimes even the same day or hour). I think the main struggle for the growing LA New Product Development team was that we were in a blue ocean market, a market which wasn’t ready for the type of business we do. It took quite a lot of efforts to tell of the opportunities we bring to the community and local economy through product development and innovation. We do quite a few trainings, events, and meetups where we share ways on how product or service ideas can be developed and brought to the market. Another challenge was to find talent. We were fortunate enough to have the best from Louisiana Tech and surrounding colleges as our employees. The trick we learned, that the best performers (class A players) found us and asked to join the team, not vise versa. So, proper marketing and PR, not only brings you new business opportunities but also attracts the talent you desperately need for success.
Lack of time is another challenge. We have so many dreams and ideas for our team and clients – so the time management and resource allocation is another challenge we are fighting with daily.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Never give up! Like never! Finish what you started. I am preparing now for Ironman 70.3 – and the preparation reminds me of the process on how to grow your business. Growing and managing a business is like preparing for a triathlon – there are so many times you think you should stop or you question yourself “Why in the world I even doing it” – but the results and accomplishments give you the best feelings ever. Consistency. Business is not a sprint – you need to put in hours daily to achieve success. Do a good job, deliver what you promised and share positive stories with the world! And get motivated by the word “No” – that is what will make you an unstoppable. Anything is possible with the right mindset, hard work, and consistency.
Please tell us about LA New Product Development Team – what should we know?
Our business is a dream business, like seriously. Just imagine you came up with an invention idea that could make someone’s life better while creating a business opportunity for you. Or you had an idea of a product that would create a new revenue source for your company. How would you go about developing these ideas into real products? Where would you go or who would you call? That’s where we come into play. Our cross-functional team of Class A engineers, designers, and marketing specialists brings technical expertise to the table. We help with product design, prototyping, and marketing services.
In other words, we are experts at turning ideas into market-ready products. This includes developing CAD models and PCB circuits, building prototypes, optimizing product designs for manufacturing, creating marketing materials (packaging, websites, animations, renderings), and more.
As a company owner, I am proud of my people! The talent who puts their time in to make the best products the markets need! We have the best! I think the mix of talent and expertise is what sets us apart. We have Ph.D., MS, BS and experts with years of experience who together create brainpower capable of solving any problems. There is nothing we can’t do together.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My business partner who happens to be my husband – Konstantin Dolgan. Our talents and skills are supplemental. I don’t think we could achieve success without each other.
Dr. Davy Norris, who believed in us from day one when we just started our journey with LA New Product Development Team.
Shon Gables, who is a true inspiration when it comes to overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
And all our associations and employees who makes teamwork truly a dreamwork.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2031 Kings Hwy,
Shreveport, LA 71101 - Website: www.lanpdt.com
- Phone: 3182435789
- Email: hello@lanpdt.com
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