From Piano Keys to Boardrooms: The Empowering Journey of Oksana Kolesnikova

Discover the inspiring story of Oksana Kolesnikova—world-class pianist, dynamic CEO, and visionary founder of Oksana Management Group. From her humble beginnings in Siberia to performing for Hollywood elites and launching a national educational franchise, this feature explores how Oksana harmonized art, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy to empower the next generation.

The Journey of Oksana Kolesnikova: A Pianist Turned Entrepreneur, Empowering the World

The world is brimming with talent and musical ability, and Oksana Kolesnikova is a prime example of how dedication to one’s passion can transform a life into a meaningful and purpose-driven journey. A Russian-born American, Oksana has made an indelible mark as a renowned pianist, composer, entrepreneur, public speaker, and child educator. Admired for her perseverance and positive approach, she is a woman of exceptional determination who blends business acumen with a genuine sense of compassion for others. From a childhood steeped in classical piano to becoming a successful CEO, Oksana’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Oksana’s journey began when, at the age of seven, her family moved from Siberia, Russia to Kazakhstan. There, she was introduced to classical piano, which would become her lifelong passion. This initial exposure in a music school sparked a deep love for the art, and Oksana soon began to immerse herself in practice and performance. At a young age, she had already set herself on a path of self-expression through music, one that would carry her across continents and into the hearts of many. During her teenage years, Oksana and her family immigrated to the United States, where she found fertile ground for her talents. After winning a scholarship through the Florida State Young Artists Symposium Competition, Oksana pursued her musical education at Saint Petersburg College and later at Florida State University. Along the way, she met her husband and future business partner, Alex, who has played a significant role in her career development. Their shared vision and unwavering support for one another helped lay the foundation for Oksana’s entrepreneurial success.

From Pianist to Entrepreneur: The Inception of Oksana Management Group

After completing her education, Oksana’s career took off as a performing artist across Florida, where she built a growing fan base through her piano performances. Her rise to prominence led to a prestigious role as the in-house pianist at the iconic Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills Hotel. Over seven years, Oksana entertained world- renowned celebrities, political leaders, and international entrepreneurs, honing her craft and gaining invaluable experience in the process. “It was a good learning curve for me as I performed there daily to the world-famous movie stars, celebrities, world leaders, and famous entrepreneurs,” Oksana recalls.

The birth of her son, Alessandro, in 2009 marked a new chapter in her life. Unable to maintain a heavy travel schedule, Oksana decided to channel her passion and experience into creating something new. This led to the formation of Oksana Management Group, Inc. (OMG), a company that would offer a diverse range of services, including music instruction, language tutoring, academic support, art, acting, chess, and financial literacy programs for children and teens. OMG quickly grew to serve not only private clients but also schools, municipalities, and online learners across the country. Oksana’s dedication to enriching young minds through education soon positioned OMG as a leader in after-school programs and extracurricular activities.

Expanding the Vision: Oksana Franchising International and Oksana Foundation

In 2019, Oksana took the bold step of franchising her business model, launching Oksana Franchising International. This move allowed her to expand her educational services through franchise opportunities designed for entrepreneurs looking to enter the rewarding field of education. By offering a proven business model and unwavering support, Oksana Franchising International empowers franchisees to bring high-quality educational programs to their communities, thus expanding the company’s reach and Oksana’s commitment to education and children doesn’t stop with her business ventures. In 2020, she realized a long-held dream by establishing the Oksana Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing free educational opportunities to underprivileged children.

“I had a dream of having my own foundation for many years,” Oksana shares, explaining how her work as an artist performing at fundraisers inspired her to give back in a more structured and meaningful way. The foundation focuses on offering extracurricular programs and creative outlets to children, particularly those impacted by the global pandemic.

Achieving the American Dream: Oksana’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

Oksana Kolesnikova’s journey is a testament to the American Dream—a story of a young immigrant who harnessed her talents, worked hard, and built a thriving business from the ground up. As a classically trained pianist who evolved into a successful entrepreneur, Oksana’s achievements exemplify what is possible when one pursues their passion with dedication and integrity.

She has been widely recognized for her contributions, earning numerous awards, including the *Best of Beverly Hills Award* in 2014 for her Oksana School of Music, and the *Hollywood Weekly Magazine Pre-Grammy Educator of the Year Award* in 2020. Her efforts to inspire and uplift others have earned her a place among the *World’s 10 Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs Making a Difference* according to *World’s Leaders Magazine*, and she was recently named one of the *Most Admired Women Leaders in Business 2021*.

Inspiring Women Around the Globe

Oksana is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, drawing on her own experiences to encourage other women to pursue their dreams. “I think confidence, self-reliance, believing in one’s mission, selflessness, hard work, perseverance, and humbleness are attractive qualities that every woman should possess,” she says. Oksana credits the trailblazing women before her who paved the way in a male-dominated society, and she now uses her platform to inspire future generations of female leaders.

Oksana’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: “Be resilient and never give up. Learn from your mistakes, so you can get better every day.” Her journey—from a shy child in Russia to a successful businesswoman in the United States—serves as an example of how perseverance, passion, and a positive attitude can lead to extraordinary success.