Leader Rosa Syabitova once opened up on her Telegram channel about a chapter from the 1990s that tested her grit and shaped her career. She described needing money to support herself and her children, which pushed her to look for work during the evenings or at night while her kids were with her during the day. A friend who worked as a matchmaker suggested giving taxi driving a try, and she decided to take the chance.
In her own words, the idea of a woman getting into a taxi in those years didn’t feel safe at first. Yet she embraced the risk and stepped into the driver’s seat. The decision came with a quick payoff: she started earning enough to cover essential expenses and gradually stabilize her family’s finances. The experience also gave her a unique window into people’s lives, revealing stories that stayed with her long after the rides ended.
Syabitova spent about six months behind the wheel, a period she now attributes to alleviating most of her money worries. She recalls that many of her passengers were women, and this unexpected dynamic offered her insights that later informed her work as a matchmaker. The experience became a foundation she carried forward, shaping her approach to helping others find connection and security in difficult times.
Today, when she encounters female taxi drivers, she smiles at the memories those early days evoke and appreciates how far she has come. The past remains a reminder of resilience and the resourcefulness that carried her through challenging periods, turning a temporary job into a turning point in her career.
Earlier, Syabitova faced a dangerous moment on the set of an extreme show, a reminder of the perils that can accompany high-stakes entertainment. Still, she pressed on, drawing strength from a long record of navigating tough assignments and turning adversity into another lesson learned on the path to success.