Unstoppable, Bold, and Unapologetically Herself: Elvira Zaltane's Journey to Empowerment

In the latest episode of the Baltic Boss Babes podcast, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Elvira Zaltane, a co-founder of Affire and the COO of Riga Tech Girls. Elvira is a force in the tech world, and her journey from a law student to a powerful tech entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring.

A Bold Leap into Entrepreneurship

Elvira's story isn’t one of a typical, linear career path. She started out studying law and diplomacy, envisioning a future as a lawyer or diplomat. However, she quickly realized that this wasn’t her calling. "There was something inside of me that I wanted to build, do something, change something," she shares. And so, in true entrepreneurial spirit, she took the plunge into creating her first company—a legal consultancy.

Her curiosity and drive to innovate led her into the world of legal tech. In a moment of reflection, she realized that combining her legal background with her growing interest in tech could spark something unique. She delved into the uncharted waters of legal technology, and after a lot of research, she launched a product aimed at automating and managing legal agreements. Though the product itself didn’t take off, Elvira's entrepreneurial journey had officially begun.

Pivoting, Learning, and Growing

Like many entrepreneurs, Elvira's path wasn’t without its challenges. The early days of her startup faced numerous obstacles, including the inevitable setback that came when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was a time of uncertainty, as clients pulled back, and new business opportunities dried up. But instead of giving in, Elvira saw this as an opportunity to pivot and reassess her career direction.

After taking some time to explore different ventures, including participating in hackathons and helping other startups grow, she eventually crossed paths with Anna Andersone. Together, they co-founded Riga Tech Girls, a network dedicated to promoting women in tech.

The Power of Being Yourself

One of the key takeaways from Elvira's story is the power of authenticity. Throughout the podcast, she emphasizes the importance of being yourself and not letting anyone, or anything, box you in. As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Elvira has had her fair share of doubts and challenges, but she hasn’t let them stop her.

Elvira shares a deeply personal lesson from her father, an entrepreneur who taught her the importance of taking risks. "He always encouraged me to take those risks and said, 'I'll be here if anything happens,'" she recalls. This mindset of boldness and curiosity has guided Elvira through the highs and lows of her career.

Productivity and Self-Care: The Balance That Keeps Her Going

As any entrepreneur will tell you, the journey is demanding. Elvira’s advice on staying productive and managing stress might surprise you: dance and baths! Yes, Elvira finds relaxation and clarity through dance and music, and the bathtub is her secret spot for brainstorming. Whether it’s preparing for a public speaking engagement or simply processing the day’s thoughts, Elvira has mastered the art of self-care that helps her stay grounded and energized.

The Future of Entrepreneurship: Grit, Resilience, and Determination

Through all the hurdles, the rejection, and the days when it felt impossible, Elvira has remained relentless in her pursuit of success. "You can sell and build anything, really. What matters is how long you're going to stick through those hardships," she advises. Her belief is that with the right mindset, failure is just a part of the journey, not the end. It’s a lesson that resonates deeply with anyone striving to make an impact.

Elvira’s journey is proof that being yourself, trusting your instincts, and embracing failure as part of the process is the true path to success. She also reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people we trust—people who have your back, especially in the toughest moments.

Unfiltered Advice: Be Yourself

When asked for unfiltered advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, Elvira’s answer was simple yet powerful: “Be yourself. Don’t put yourself in any category. Whether it’s based on gender or expectations, be true to who you are. The trendsetters are the ones who are willing to stand out, and it’s those people who ultimately make it.”

This message is a reminder to all of us that true leadership comes from within. It’s about embracing your own uniqueness and trusting that your vision will guide you, no matter the obstacles.

Elvira’s journey from a law student to a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and influential figure in the tech world is an inspiration to us all. Whether you’re just starting out or are deep into your entrepreneurial journey, let Elvira’s story remind you: success is not just about the destination, it’s about embracing the challenges along the way, staying true to yourself, and never giving up.

Be bold. Be unapologetic. Be a Baltic Boss Babe.

You can listen to Elvira's full inspiring interview on the Baltic Boss Babes podcast, where she shares her journey, challenges, and valuable lessons learned along the way. Tune in for more insights from bold women who are changing the game in the tech world and beyond. Catch the episode on https://balticbossbabes.buzzsprout.com  and don't forget to subscribe to stay updated with our empowering stories.