Photographer: Carly Wollaert ©
Make-up artist: Sharmila Vooren
The Netherlands Point of Entry
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Lina Saleh & Elena Churilova
Co-Founders of Cino
About
Lina – ” I’ve joined forces with my co-founder Elena & Edward to tackle an issue that has always irked me: splitting expenses. Let’s be real, splitting expenses can be an awkward and stressful experience. But with Cino, we’re making it easy and enjoyable for everyone, no matter what culture, age, or stage in life you’re in.”
Elena – ” I’m a founder-turned-product leader-turned-founder again, with a passion for solving problems that come up in daily life. I joined Bumble to help people find their “one” and in my very first week, I was testing the app and swiped right on my now-boyfriend. After many dates and adventures together, I realized that one thing that was killing the romance & preventing from fully enjoying the experiences was the hassle of splitting expenses. Fast forward to today, and I’m now running and building Cino, and it’s been an amazing journey so far. I never would have thought that a simple swipe right on a dating app would lead me here, but I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.”
What or Who inspired you to pursue your chosen career?
Lina – “Entrepreneurs, particularly those in underdeveloped countries, have inspired me with their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the face of challenges and limited resources. I’ve always found it fascinating how with little funding or support they are able to create not only profitable businesses but business that positively impact our society. I admire their ability to turn obstacles into opportunities and make a positive impact, and this has motivated me to follow in their footsteps.”
Elena – “I have always been inspired by my grandmother, who accomplished so much in her life despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Escaping from Gulag and becoming a CFO at the first telecommunication company in her country, she broke through gender barriers and demonstrated her perseverance, resilience and leadership capabilities. She instilled in me the importance of questioning the status quo and taught me to always learn more. Her unwavering spirit and drive to succeed have been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I strive to embody her values and determination in all that I do. I am so grateful to have had such a strong and inspiring role model in my life, and I will always carry her legacy with me as I continue to learn, grow, and strive to make a positive impact in the world.”