Flexibility is Your Superpower: In a dynamic work environment, adaptability is crucial. I wish I had grasped the importance of being flexible early on. It’s this adaptability that has helped me navigate through challenges and emerge stronger.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vladi Bergman.
Vladi Bergman, CEO, Founder, and visionary behind Karma and Luck, crafts a world where timeless spirituality and modern aesthetics converge. Under his leadership, Karma and Luck has blossomed into 13 retail locations in prestigious locations like the Oculus (NYC), The Venetian (Las Vegas), and City Walk (Los Angeles), and a thriving eCommerce presence.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Karma and Luck was a natural progression of my life’s adventures. As a child, I was often referred to as a “citizen of a big world,” because of my boundless imagination and eagerness to explore. This curiosity didn’t fade as I grew, it fueled my dreams for my travels across the globe.
My journey led me to sit with artisans worldwide, absorbing their wisdom and witnessing the intention behind every symbol they crafted. From the protective gaze of the Evil Eye to the grounding roots of the Tree of Life, each piece carries a story, a purpose, and a powerful intention. These moments of connection and learning inspired our vibrant collections that resonate with so many today.
In 2015, Karma and Luck came to life. It embodies my vision to share the beauty and spiritual wisdom of cultures around the world through authentic, ethically crafted jewelry and decor.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
A little over a year ago, I embarked on a mission to fundamentally reimagine what the retail shopping experience could be. My goal was audacious: to create a space where spirituality and style converge, where every visitor embarks on a journey of discovery and connection.
The evolution and Grand Reopening of our Flagship Store inside the Venetian, Las Vegas represents a turning point for both Karma and Luck and the retail industry.
This celebration of this vision becoming a reality is a reminder of the power of dreaming boldly and the beauty of seeing those dreams through.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Reflecting back, one of the more lighthearted lessons came from our eagerness to grow. In our initial phase, the concept of “growing too fast” seemed more like a distant myth than a tangible reality.
Our drive was boundless, and we found ourselves expanding at a pace that was too ambitious for our infrastructure at the time — Our spirit was willing, but our operational readiness was catching up, leading to some stressful moments that have become hilarious memories.
The lesson learned was invaluable: Growth is not about speed but about sustainability, the importance of pacing, and the virtue of patience.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
At the heart of Karma and Luck is a commitment that extends beyond “business” — it’s a vow to make a meaningful impact in the world. This vision has driven us to build strong partnerships with organizations whose missions align with our ethos of compassion, sustainability, and transformation.
With Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, we’ve raised over $47,559 and helped bring moments of joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses.
Our collaboration with Three Square has fed 33,262 families and addresses the pressing issue of hunger, right here in our Nevada backyard.
Through Eco-Drive, we’re not only protecting the earth by planting over 6,113 Mangrove Trees but preserving its beauty and resources for years to come.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
In 2021, Jina Levell began her journey with Karma and Luck, starting as the Manager at our Mandalay Bay store. We quickly noticed her exceptional leadership and passion for our mission and promoted her to General Manager at our Flagship Store inside The Venetian, and now, she leads our Fashion Show Mall location, mentoring junior employees along the way. Known for her vibrant purple hair, Jina embodies the light and positivity we wish to share with others.
At the height of the pandemic, Jina faced challenges like so many but was able to tune into her inner strength and aid others around her in doing the same. She says Karma and Luck helped her to keep a zen outlook. Her work life has become an anchor for her mantra of “living a high-vibe life”. The support and camaraderie within our team played a crucial role in helping Jina transmute these tough times into personal growth.
Jina describes her experience working with us as “coming home.” For her, and us, Karma and Luck isn’t just a workplace; it’s a sanctuary where the spirit of learning, growth, and connection thrives. Jina’s journey reflects what we strive to achieve: a world where everyone can find solace, strength, and joy in the beauty of diverse cultures and the bonds of human connection.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Fostering a global community of respect, understanding, and positive energy involves collective action on several fronts. Here are three key strategies that anyone can lean into to create positive change:
- Cultivate a Global Mindset: Recognize that your actions contribute to a larger tapestry of human experience. We are all citizens of the world, and personally responsible for the impact we have on our planet and its people.
- Encourage the Respectful Sharing of Cultures: By celebrating diversity and encouraging the exploration of beliefs, stories, and traditions, we can dispel stereotypes and build bridges of understanding.
- Spread Positive Energy: Together we can create ripples of change. Community service, environmental action, and random acts of kindness all uplift the collective. By aligning actions with positive intentions, we contribute to a peaceful world.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership, in my view, is the art of guiding individuals toward a common vision by embodying the principles and values that the vision represents. It’s about setting a personal example and inspiring others to follow suit — not through coercion but through conviction in the shared journey.
To me, leadership means leading by example. It’s about being the first to embrace change, to take on challenges, and to demonstrate resilience and dedication. It’s not just about directing others but about showing them the path by walking it yourself.
It’s also about clarity in communication, ensuring that each team member understands not just the ‘what’ and the ‘how’, but importantly, the ‘why’. This clarity transforms routine into contribution, creating a sense of purpose and belonging.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Find the Silver Lining in Failure:
I remember when my first business venture hit a rough patch. It was tough, and I almost gave up. But then, I realized that every setback was a lesson in disguise. I learned that pivoting and learning from those “failures” was actually my ladder to success. - The Power of Authentic Connections:
Building relationships early on can open doors. Looking back, I wish someone emphasized the importance of networking from the start. It’s not just about exchanging social media “follows”; it’s about forging genuine connections. These authentic relationships have been my gateway to opportunities I never imagined possible. - Find The Balance Between Hustle and Health:
Starting a new venture, I was eager to prove myself, I almost forgot to come up for air. Burnout hit hard, and it taught me the hard way that juggling work and personal life is not just important — it’s necessary for success. If someone had stressed the significance of work-life balance, I could have avoided exhaustion and maintained a healthier, more sustainable approach to my career. - Never Stop Learning:
The industry waits for no one. I learned that staying up to date is the only way to stay ahead. It’s a mantra that has kept me adaptable and innovative. If I had known this from the beginning, I would have been able to position myself at the forefront earlier on. - Flexibility is Your Superpower:
In a dynamic work environment, adaptability is crucial. I wish I had grasped the importance of being flexible early on. It’s this adaptability that has helped me navigate through challenges and emerge stronger.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I am inspired by the idea that we all have the ability to bring our deepest desires and dreams to fruition.
This isn’t about wishful thinking or positive affirmations. It’s about awakening to the truth that we are all endowed with the capability to shape our lives through intention, belief, and action.
If I could inspire a movement, it would be centered around empowering every person with this belief: You have the power to manifest your dreams.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite quote has always been, “Go with your vision.”
It’s a reminder that in every dream, and every challenge lies a vision that can lead to unimaginable heights.
Throughout my life, especially during the early days of founding Karma and Luck, this quote served as a compass. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, times when the path forward was anything but clear. However, it was my vision of creating a brand that could unite people across the world that kept me moving forward.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
A meal with Michael Jordan would be more than the opportunity to meet a childhood idol… It would be a chance to delve into the mindset that made him a legend, to understand the resilience required to overcome setbacks and to hear firsthand the lessons he learned on his path to greatness.
Growing up, he was a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and the ability to succeed against all odds. His journey, from being cut from his high school basketball team to becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time, has always been a source of inspiration for me.
His mindset, often summarized by his quote, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed,” resonates deeply with the entrepreneurial journey.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.instagram.com/vladibergman/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Vladi Bergman of Karma and Luck Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.