Meet Anastasia Lucero | Business performance and Life coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasia Lucero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anastasia, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Kamchatka, a remote region in the Far East of Russia. Growing up there, surrounded by nature’s raw power—volcanoes, geysers, and endless mountains—taught me resilience and adaptability. My upbringing was shaped by a deep connection to the outdoors, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to exploring new horizons.

I was always encouraged to pursue a wide range of activities, whether it was music, sports, or arts, which helped shape my diverse interests and abilities. The discipline and hard work I developed through those experiences have stayed with me and influence the way I approach life today.

Kamchatka’s unique environment and my upbringing in a place where opportunities were limited yet the spirit was limitless instilled in me the belief that, no matter the challenges, it’s possible to grow and succeed. It also fostered my curiosity about the world, especially other cultures, which ultimately led me to seek out experiences beyond Russia, including the exchange program that brought me to the U.S.

So, in many ways, my roots in Kamchatka, combined with the rich variety of experiences I had growing up, have shaped me into someone who embraces challenges, seeks growth, and remains open to new opportunities and ideas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Let me start by saying that I’m a foreigner. I first came to the U.S. in 2006 through an exchange program. Typically, when you join such programs, you don’t get to choose the exact location—it’s assigned to you. That’s how I ended up in Colorado, a place that was completely unfamiliar to me at the time.

I completed high school here, and since then, life has continually brought me back to the U.S.—sometimes for work, and other times because I missed my friends and my host family, who were such an important part of my life during my school years.

Meanwhile, outside of the U.S., I earned a degree in PR and marketing, and a few years later, I also became a psychologist.

I built my career slowly and meticulously outside of the U.S. However, leveraging my skills as a marketer, I was able to successfully establish my personal brand and secure a client base of 36 weekly sessions.

But then came 2020—a year that turned my life upside down, though I didn’t realize it at the time.

In March 2020, I flew to the U.S. to visit friends. And then, of course, COVID hit, and I found myself “stuck.” It was a scary and uncomfortable time, and the world as we knew it seemed to crumble. But life has its own way of unfolding. While sitting there, feeling anxious and uncertain, I somehow managed to meet my future husband. In 2022, we got married, and I officially moved to the U.S. for good.

Moving to what I could almost call my second home country felt like a celebration. But, as with everything in life, celebrations come with a cost. And my career was part of that price.

Despite being a certified psychologist in my home country, I found myself starting from scratch here in the U.S. Thankfully, I came with a solid financial cushion, which gave me a year to figure out my next steps and, most importantly, take a much-needed breather. Because even though I was moving to a familiar place, the transition was still a massive upheaval. It’s a unique kind of stress—one I can only compare to a “small death.”

The corporate clients I worked with weren’t willing to simply end our collaboration. Instead, they started finding ways to continue working with me officially—and for me, that was perhaps the greatest validation of the work I had done. It marked a shift: I was no longer just building my brand; my brand was now working for me.
That’s how I registered here as a life and business coach. This allowed me to continue working with my clients, albeit in a slightly different capacity: now entirely online and without the ability to practice as a psychologist in the U.S., accept insurance, or prescribe medication. However, as a coach, I’m still able to create meaningful transformations and deliver exceptional results, demonstrating the true value of my expertise.

What happened next was the power of word-of-mouth.

My motto has always been: do your absolute best, and people will spread the word about you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Just about a year ago, my husband and I hosted guests from Spain.

Let’s start with dining recommendations: one of my absolute favorite spots is Tavernetta. The food is amazing, the wine list is excellent, and the atmosphere is simply delightful. If you ever plan to visit, I strongly recommend making a reservation well in advance—where there’s great food and good reviews, there’s always a crowd.
When it comes to the most delicious steak, it’s hard not to mention Guard and Grace. As a great alternative, I’d recommend Shanahan’s Steakhouse.
By the way, after the much-talked-about Michelin rating, Denver loudly announced some of its most amazing spots, such as Major Tom, Safta, and The Wolf’s Tailor.

Still, I have to say this: I wish everyone who finds themselves in Colorado to visit the most beautiful mountain spots: Breckenridge, Vail, Frisco, Aspen, Telluride, and Copper Mountain. If you’re there in winter, it’s like a fairy tale. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, you can always take a gondola up to the top and simply breathe in the mountain air, meditate, dream, or enjoy some hot tea—or something stronger.
I’ll be honest, this won’t be a cheap form of entertainment, but believe me, it’s worth every penny.

I’m a huge fan of cultural life, so going out and doing something meaningful is as essential to me as breathing. I absolutely love the theater, and for example, here in Denver, we have the incredible Wonderbound, a contemporary ballet company. I highly recommend it for the soul, the eyes, and a fancy night out.
Because Colorado is no longer just a state for sports, where yoga pants are the go-to attire for both casual and formal occasions, it’s also a state with a rich cultural scene, offering beautiful events.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to a few key people who have played a huge role in my journey. First, my family and my husband, who have always been my biggest supporters, believing in me even when I doubted myself. Their encouragement and love have been a constant source of strength.

I’d also like to acknowledge my mentors, both in the field of psychology and coaching, who have guided me and helped shape my career. They’ve shared invaluable wisdom and pushed me to grow beyond my limits.

And, of course, I can’t forget the incredible clients I’ve had the privilege of working with. Their trust and willingness to grow have been both inspiring and humbling.

Lastly, a special shoutout to the books and resources that have continually shaped my perspective—whether it’s psychology, business, or self-development, the knowledge I’ve gained has been instrumental in helping me create meaningful change in my life and the lives of others.

Instagram: @nastyakoroleva

Image Credits
Not applicable