Aleksandra Efimova is a successful global entrepreneur who focuses on creating iconic and timeless brands inspired by both legacy and innovation. She is the Founder and President of RP, a high-end ballet shoe company recently acquired by Bloch and the CEO of Alandra™, a golf, racquet sports and lifestyle women’s apparel company. Since 1998, Aleksandra has championed her mission of developing and bringing to market top quality and high-performance products and educational resources that inspire and motivate a healthy and chic lifestyle. Throughout her career she has successfully built, acquired, and divested numerous brands, with a strong emphasis on serving the female consumer market.

A global leader and Harvard Business School alumnus, Aleksandra is a savvy operator with an extensive track record of fostering collaboration across diverse sectors—business, non-profit, education, athletics, and government. Her leadership has been recognized on multiple occasions, being awarded the Inc. 5000 List, being a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, reaching the finals in the Metro Chicago Export Challenge, and receiving the Stevie Women in Business Award. Her achievements have been portrayed in prestigious media outlets such as Forbes Women, Bloomberg, NBC, Crain’s Business, Today Chicago Women and the Chicago Sun-Times. Aleksandra's influence resonates across diverse domains. She passionately orchestrates, hosts and speaks at events focused on entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, international business, sports, and arts. Additionally, she has contributed her expertise by serving on the boards of various organizations and leading delegations on international trips.

Aleksandra immigrated to the United States from Russia as a teenager. She is fluent in English, Russian and conversational Italian which serves well her passion for international travel. Aleksandra resides in Chicago, IL and Palm Beach, FL. She is an avid golfer, fitness instructor and yoga practitioner.

Early Life and Education

Aleksandra attended the renowned Art School of the Hermitage State Art Museum, trained in classical dance and visual art and enjoyed rigorous academic studies from an early age. After moving from St. Petersburg to the United States in 1993, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing at Eastern Michigan University while becoming a competitive ballroom dancer and exploring interests in business and fashion.

Entrepreneurship

A luminary in the entrepreneurial landscape, Aleksandra inaugurated her journey by founding Russian Pointe (RP) at the tender age of 20, prior to her university graduation. Years later, she remains the President of RP. Recently acquired by Bloch, RP stands as a beacon of excellence, offering an elite range of dance products from pointe shoes to refined apparel and accessories. The brand's ascension in the dance world mirrors Aleksandra’s unwavering dedication to quality, spanning every facet from production to marketing and enriching customer education.

In 2010, Aleksandra elegantly bridged the realms of art and academics with the introduction of Growing Through Arts. This initiative unveiled a curated collection of educational books and toys, fostering both artistic expression and academic growth in children.

Her visionary insight was evident in 2019 when she acquired FLX. Under her strategic leadership, the brand evolved from a single product line into a dynamic portfolio focused on flexibility, strength, and recovery. She also expanded opportunities for fitness enthusiasts and professionals by offering courses accredited by the prestigious American Council on Exercise (ACE). Aleksandra culminated this chapter with a successful exit through the acquisition of FLX in 2023.

In 2023, Aleksandra took another bold step in her entrepreneurial journey by launching Alandra, a luxury brand that merges her passions for golf and fashion. With a focus on redefining women's golfing attire, Alandra seeks to set new standards for stylish, high-performance golf wear. Aleksandra's vision is clear: to establish Alandra as a leading name in women’s golf fashion.

Adding to her litany of accomplishments, Aleksandra is a proud alumna of the prestigious Harvard Business School, having completed its exclusive Owner/Management Program in 2010. This further solidifies her reputation as a powerhouse in business leadership and management.

Public Service and Philanthropy

Aleksandra is deeply committed to philanthropy, regularly donating funds, services, and products to a range of organizations.

Alongside her professional activities, Aleksandra is highly dedicated to public service, especially in the areas of international relations, performing arts, business development and education. In 2010, former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed her chair of the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International. In 2011, Illinois Senator Mark Kirk appointed her chair of the Eastern European Advisory Board. In 2014, she was appointed vice president (Midwest) of the U.S.-Russia Chamber of Commerce.

Aleksandra’s activities – in these roles and as an independent citizen and business leader – include creating and hosting events and initiatives that promote advancement, awareness and intercultural exchange in business and the arts.

She has collaborated with Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, Adler Planetarium, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Goodman Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, the Russian Embassy and others, and she been an invited speaker at organizations including Executives’ Club of Chicago, International Women’s Forum, EMU Business School Alumni Awards, Brand Activation Association, DePaul University, University of IL and many others.

Aleksandra’s current and past memberships and leadership posts include Harvard Business Club of Palm Beach, International Women’s Forum, Economic Club of Chicago, Council on Global Affairs, Chair of IL Senator Mark Kirk’s Eastern European Leadership Board, Chair of Sister Cities International Moscow Committee.