She is only 23, but in her eyes lies the confidence of someone who was never afraid to lead. Her voice is calm, but behind it — a strength that inspires hundreds of women. She doesn’t strive to resemble anyone. She is Maria Nikiforova — Deputy Director of the international project BRANDFACE, an inspirer, a manager, and a new wave of female leadership.
When beauty is strength, not a mask
In front of the camera, Maria appears both bold and composed, fierce and introspective. Water, light, the sharp lines of her body — this visual story reflects her essence. She’s not performing. She is the frame. That is her power: to be real without losing grace, to show strength without abandoning femininity.
This photoshoot for Marie Claire was more than just fashion — it became a visual metaphor for the path every woman takes within the BRANDFACE project. A path to self. Through growth, challenge, discipline, and recognition. And Maria knows this path from the inside out.
BRANDFACE: A space where women become opportunity
Behind every fashion shoot, runway show, and brand campaign lies deep, daily work. And Maria Nikiforova is a central force in that process. She coordinates international programs, negotiates with global partners, personally supports participants through transformative moments.
She’s not just a manager — she’s a woman building a world of possibilities for others.
“There are no accidental women in BRANDFACE. Every one of them comes with a dream. And we do everything to make that dream real,” says Maria.
In just the past year, she oversaw more than 80 individual projects: from magazine covers to runway appearances in Paris, Dubai, and New York. The women she works with describe her as firm but fair. Empowering. Authentic.
Leadership without masks
Maria stepped into leadership at just 21. And yet, from the very first day, she was seen as someone who naturally leads. Maybe it’s because her approach is built on honesty. She doesn’t play the role of “boss” — she simply knows what she wants and how to make it happen.
She embraces responsibility. She doesn’t delay decisions. She knows how to guide, delegate, execute — and most importantly, how to listen.
“We live in an era where leadership isn’t just about power. It’s about care. It’s about being present. About saying ‘I’m here for you’ — and meaning it. That can change someone’s life.”
A face of change
Today, Maria is one of the most recognizable faces of BRANDFACE. She’s involved in building collections, shaping international casting, curating fashion appearances, working with the press — all while remaining grounded and real.
Perhaps that’s why she’s achieved so much so young. Because she leads from a place of integrity — not image.
Marie Claire celebrates women who are not afraid to be strong. Women who open doors and walk new paths not because they were told to — but because they created them. Today, one of those women is Maria Nikiforova.
