Tatiana Sheveleva was born and raised in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. 

She grew up during the final years of the Soviet Union, a time when children’s rights and personal passions were often constrained by a strict, collectivist system.  Necessities such as clothing, shoes, and even food could be scarce, and travel abroad was largely forbidden, making foreign countries seem like distant fantasies. In that environment, public expressions of religious belief were discouraged, and many people lived without any official acknowledgment of any religion.

After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, new hardships emerged. For two years, electricity was cut off daily from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Homes had no heating—even in winters when temperatures plunged to -35°C—no hot water, and store shelves were empty. Often, it was warmer outside than inside. People lit bonfires in the streets just to cook food and keep warm. People learned to sleep in winter coats and hats to avoid freezing. Money lost its value; salaries were sometimes paid in essentials like bags of sugar or flour. It was a terrible time. Street animals and birds disappeared—people resorted to eating them out of desperation. Anger and hopelessness spread. Crime and drug use rose sharply. These extreme conditions forged resilient people, but left many with weakened health due to constant stress.

“Those years, when I was 17, 18, 19, were incredibly difficult,” Tatiana recalled. “They shaped my personality, without a doubt. I saw struggle and despair in my parents’ eyes. My mother and father worked two jobs each just to provide for me and my sister.”

Despite these challenges, Tatiana cherished her motherland, admiring the warmth of family hospitality and the resilience of her people. Her pride in her identity and authenticity reflected a deep, abiding love for her roots, even as she carried the weight of a complex and constrained upbringing.

Her challenging childhood in an unstable enviroment, along with the trials of her teenage years, forged a resilient and strong personality- yet one that remains deeply appreciative of kindness and life’s abundance.

Tatiana is someone who never gives up, driven by an unwavering determination. It is no surpriced that her favorite book- and later, the movie- “Persuit of Happyness” holds such meaning for her. She is drawn to bold, inspiring stories that feel almost like modern-day fairy tales-tales of human strenght, relentless perseverance, and the enduring power of a warm, generous heart.

In 1997, she earned her degree in International Economic Relations from Kazakhstan’s most prestigious university. The institution was a pioneering, globally‑oriented campus that introduced foreign‑language courses taught by native‑speaking English and Italian professors. It not only provided Tatiana with her first taste of intellectual freedom but also brought her into contact with the man who would become her husband for 25 years.

A few years after graduating, Tatiana and her husband relocated to Arizona, USA where he began pursuing an MBA.

This chapter of Tatiana’s life proved pivotal—she discovered that a different, more enjoyable lifestyle was possible. Exposure to interior‑design books, television shows, and international friends sparked her fascination with the field.

Inspired by this newfound passion, she made a bold decision to reinvent her career path and pursue a profession in interior design.

After her husband graduated, the couple relocated to Canada, where Tatiana pursued her passion for design and completed her studies with the prestigious ARIDO scholarship in Interior Design.

“Those years were never easy,” Tatiana recalls, reflecting on the financial struggles they faced as newcomers on student visas. Juggling a full-time job with a demanding course load, she pushed forward with determination. Her husband worked two jobs, sacrificing weekends and any avaliable time to support her dreams.

Through sleepless nights, long workdays, mounting expenses, and unwavering dedication, Tatiana laid the foundation for her professional career—turning hardship into a powerful launching pad.

“I’ve always been ambitious. Deep down, I knew I was meant for something bigger than myself. I wanted to create a legacy — and I’m still building it.” — Tatiana Sheveleva

“My first encounter with true luxury came through the work of Glen Pushelberg and George Yabu. Their designs were mesmerizing: immaculate details, refined finishes, and a masterful play of light that felt almost surreal to someone with my background. From that moment, I was determined to learn everything I could. I realized that to survive—and eventually earn a seat at the table—I needed to be the best of the best.”- Tatiana Sheveleva

Tatiana’s began her 8 years career at Yabu Pushelberg as a junior designer and, over the years, advanced to the role of project leader.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of luxury—experiencing exquisite design, staying in stunning, high‑end hotels, and savoring culinary delights I had never even imagined. These experiences have shaped my vision and continue to drive my pursuit of a lasting legacy.”- Tatiana Sheveleva

When her firstborn son became a toddler, Tatiana, along with two partners, founded Chapi Chapo Design Inc., driven by a vision to build a brand rooted in professionalism, hard work, and exceptional design. Her passion for luxury hospitality inspired her to assemble a dedicated team within the company, united by a shared goal of crafting spaces that evoke joy, comfort, and timeless elegance.

These designs, she believed, would leave a lasting legacy and inspire pride in all who experience them. Their inaugural project—

St. Regis Hotel Kanai in the Riviera Maya—was brought to life by her skilled team, a testament to her creative leadership and commitment to excellence.

Rooted in her passion for meaningful impact, Tatiana Sheveleva—beyond her impressive portfolio of award-winning projects—sought to dedicate her time (amidst a busy work and motherhood schedule) to something deeply transformative. Through collaboration with her clients, she spent five years pouring her creativity and personal commitment into designing 18 libraries in Kenya. “My heart and soul felt alive while bringing these treasured libraries to life for children,” she reflects.

Following the team’s independent creative work focused on luxury hospitality, branded residences, and yachts within Chapi Chapo Design, Tatiana’s team departed from the company in January 2024 to launch CHAPI Design Inc. as an independent entity to continue legacy through the projects around the world.