3 Years Of FLOW And Other Industry Learnings with Aleksandra Panyukhina

In this special solo episode, Aleksandra flips the script and steps behind the mic - not just as host of the FLOW Show, but as the guest too. She shares her journey from being a professional athlete and outsider to the e-commerce studio world, becoming Director of Experience Marketing at Pixelz, and the driving force behind FLOW.

You’ll hear the story of how personal branding landed her the job without a single application, why FLOW has grown into more than just an event, and what surprised her most about working with creative studios. From fast-paced production timelines to the magic of building a global creative community, Aleksandra gives an honest and insightful look at what it means to create experiences that truly connect.

Whether you’re involved in events or a photo studio or just curious about the humans behind the scenes, this one is full of inspiration and heart.

Top takeaways:

Takeaway 1: Personal Branding Is Your Secret Superpower

In a world of job boards and cold applications, Aleksandra’s story is a reminder that personal branding really works. By consistently showing up on LinkedIn and sharing her perspective, she was able to skip the traditional job hunt and land her current role at Pixelz. Her advice is simple but powerful: don’t just post your portfolio—share your journey, your opinions, and your passion. People are paying attention.

Takeaway 2: FLOW And How To Get The Most Out Of It

What started as a small event has grown into something much bigger. Aleksandra shares how FLOW has become a space for e-commerce creatives to learn, connect, and feel seen. From Barcelona to London and LA, FLOW has built a community where people show up as themselves and leave with more than just notes. They leave with friendships, ideas, and a renewed inspiration for the work they do.

Takeaway 3: Studios Are Full of Surprises (and Really Cool People)

When Aleksandra first joined Pixelz, she had no idea what the behind-the-scenes of an e-commerce studio were. Turns out, it’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and way more complex than it looks from the outside. Shoots planned in three days? Check. Towels being one of the hardest things to photograph? Also check. But the biggest surprise wasn’t about gear or lighting—it was the people. Creative, humble, stylish, and genuinely kind.