Talent: Alpha Marie Storvik. Photographer: Iryna Nesterenko. Dress, Georges Hobeika. Jewelry, Lydia Courteille.
HBZVN: What inspired your journey into entrepreneurship, and how has your perspective evolved since your first venture?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: I’ve always been driven by a deep creative energy and a desire to bring meaningful ideas to life. In my teens my best friend and I launched our first entrepreneurial project—a clothing brand with a heartfelt social mission aimed at empowering women. Although that initial venture didn’t succeed commercially, it was a powerful foundation and the risk taught me invaluable lessons in how I approach entrepreneurship today. Since then, I’ve pursued increasingly ambitious projects, each informed by that early experience. It showed me that the key to overcoming challenges and creating real impact is having a clear vision, making thoughtful decisions, and surrounding yourself with people who are genuinely curious, deeply engaged, and find joy in the work they do. More importantly, it showed me that my definition of success isn’t only about immediate outcomes but about the courage to innovate and the lasting influence of the changes you create.
HBZVN: Your academic background spans both Computer Science and Economics—two distinct but powerful fields. How has this combination shaped the way you approach challenges and problem-solving?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: Studying computer science has profoundly altered how my brain processes the world. The discipline teaches you to structure your thoughts logically and clearly, providing a blueprint for effective communication and collaboration. It made me appreciate just how crucial information sharing is—it’s what sets us apart as a species. Our ability to collaborate, communicate complex ideas through language, and leverage collective intelligence has led to every advancement we’ve achieved. Now, with technology and AI, this collaboration is supercharged. It reinforced my belief that trust and openness are the foundation of strong personal and professional relationships, enabling deeper collaboration, meaningful exchanges, and truly impactful work. I deeply value collaborating with experts, learning from diverse perspectives, and building relationships rooted in genuine, thoughtful communication. To me, the spirit of collaboration and structured thinking isn’t just a skill—it’s a guiding principle, shaping how I interact with the world and those around me.
Studying socio-economics gave me a deep understanding of human behavior, motivations, and the intricacies of global markets which has contextualized a lot of what I see going on in the world on a local and global scale. Computer science empowered me with tangible skills to innovate and build solutions and combining these two fields has allowed me to approach challenges from multiple angles—thinking strategically and analytically, yet creatively. It has helped me in everything from evaluating investments to understanding how technology can create meaningful social change. This intersection is where I thrive.
Dress, Georges Hobeika. Jewelry, Lydia Courteille.
HBZVN: You’ve lived and worked around the globe, from bustling cities to remote communities. How have these diverse experiences shaped who you are today, personally and professionally?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: Travel has been my greatest teacher. Spending all my earnings on exploring the world from a young age exposed me to cultures and perspectives that continually expanded my understanding of humanity. From working on social entrepreneurship projects in South African townships to studying Computer Science in London and free-diving in Southeast Asia, I met people whose lives were vastly different from mine, yet deeply inspiring. These experiences challenged many of the social norms I once took for granted, pushing me to question assumptions and see the world through a more nuanced lens. They also sharpened my ability to understand different perspectives, adapt to new environments, and build genuine, meaningful connections with people who are seemingly different from me. They’ve given me invaluable global networks and a profound sense of greater purpose that guides every decision I make today.
Dress, Stephane Rolland.
HBZVN: The people around us often shape who we become. How have your family and close friendships influenced your journey, and what values or lessons have they instilled in you?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: I am a reflection of the people around me, and my family has been foundational to everything I am. My brother constantly inspires me with his kindness, adventurous spirit, and deep care for the world and the environment. He leads by example, showing me what compassion in action looks like and always broadening my perspective with stories from his travels. My mother is a force of nature who instilled in me an unshakable belief in possibility. She encouraged me to explore, travel, meditate, and never let fear define my path. As an economist and a successful business woman, she has also given me invaluable guidance on navigating male-dominated industries. My father, an engineer, sparked my lifelong love for building and inventing. He taught me the joy of debate, critical thinking, and finding excitement in complexity. At 12, he helped me build my first computer—one that I customized with purple butterflies and diamonds—fueling my passion for technology and problem-solving. Together, my family has made me both fiercely independent and deeply collaborative.
Beyond family, I truly believe that friendships are the cornerstone of both happiness and success. I have an extraordinary circle of girlfriends—strong, driven, kind women who uplift each other. They have been my sounding boards, my greatest inspirations, and my most loyal supporters through every challenge and triumph. They’ve connected me to opportunities I could never have dreamed of and encouraged me to be fearless in pursuing my passions. There is immeasurable power in surrounding yourself with people who genuinely believe in you, push you to grow, and stand by you in moments of vulnerability. So much of my success and joy is a direct reflection of these remarkable friendships, and I am grateful for them every day.
Dress, Ziad Nakad.
HBZVN: You emphasize growth, reinvention, and staying true to oneself. What advice would you give to those looking to make their own mark in the world?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: My first piece of advice is never allow yourself to be limited by others’ expectations or labels. Life is rich with possibilities, and each of us is wonderfully complex and multifaceted. Embrace that complexity. Secondly, prioritize quality in everything you do—relationships, work, health, even rest. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter and caring deeply for everything that you do, as well as your mental and physical wellbeing. Trust in yourself and others. Set ambitious, long-term goals, but also find joy in the journey, even when it’s challenging. Always pursue what ignites your soul, because passion is contagious, and it opens doors to opportunities you’d never anticipate. Remember that genuine fulfillment comes from creating value not just for yourself, but for those around you.
HBZVN: Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you want to create, and how do you see your work evolving over time?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: I aim to support the companies that will define the next decade—those pushing the boundaries of innovation, shaping the future of industries, and solving pressing global challenges. My focus is on businesses that combine cutting-edge technology with scalable, sustainable long-term impact, particularly those led by underestimated founders—women, diverse entrepreneurs, and visionaries outside traditional venture capital networks. At the end of the day, what matters most to me is working on things that excite me, surrounding myself with people who inspire me, and making a meaningful positive impact on the world.
Corset & pants, Rahul Mishra. Jewelry, Lydia Courteille.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam (HBZVN): How does fashion help you express and empower yourself?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: Fashion has always been deeply personal for me—it’s both an art form and a mirror reflecting how society evolves. Growing up, I was captivated by runway shows and the way designers could capture a moment or even shape culture through clothing. My own style has transformed significantly over the years, marking distinct chapters in my life. For a long time, I had a complicated relationship with fashion and femininity. There were periods when I felt compelled to tone down my femininity, believing that being seen as “too feminine” might somehow undermine my professional seriousness or competence. But now, having matured and having worked alongside so many incredible women, I’ve learned to embrace femininity wholeheartedly. There’s genuine power in authenticity—in fully expressing who you are without compromise. Now, I wear clothes simply because they bring me joy. I gravitate toward bright, cheerful colors and playful details, embracing styles that genuinely make me feel like myself. Fashion empowers me because it allows me to communicate who I am.
Dress, Georges Hobeika. Jewelry, Lydia Courteille.
HBZVN: What do you think of the clothes chosen for this Harper’s Bazaar photo shoot? Do you feel they represent you? If so, how do they speak to your personality or style?
ALPHA MARIE STORVIK: I absolutely love the pieces chosen for this shoot—they perfectly capture my essence and reflect my personality beautifully. The selection embraces colors and styles that feel genuinely “me,” featuring the cool, soft pastels and vibrant tones I’ve always loved. My mother always encouraged me to wear colors that complement my natural palette—light, cool hues rather than black, which I consciously avoid because it never resonated with me. The outfits chosen today evoke joy, optimism, and elegance, aligning perfectly with the energy and authenticity I strive to embody in life. It was also incredibly inspiring collaborating with the stylist during haute couture week in Paris and visiting such great designers. Each piece feels playful yet sophisticated, confident yet approachable, truly reflecting the journey I’ve been on and the joyful person I am today.
Talent: Alpha Marie Storvik @mariestorvik.
Production & Creative Direction: Dilda Abilova @dilyaa_ab and Iryna Nesterenko @nesterenko.photo.
Photographer: Iryna Nesterenko @nesterenko.photo.
Styling: Dilda Abilova @dilyaa_ab.
Glam: Maryna Armoudom @marynaparismakeup.
Photographer’s Assistant: Kseniia Shakhova @juste.kseniia.
Styling Assistant: Arina Dorsis @arinkaaadorsis.
Video: Ekaterina Vorontsova @kativonna.
PR: Say Media @say__media
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
