"A bottomless pit": Kim Or Azulay opens up about business, anxieties, and motherhood
Kim Or Azulay has launched her own headwear brand and discusses the challenges of management ("it's hard"), expenses that spiraled ("I compare it to a renovation"), and her approaching birth ("excited, stressed") in a special interview.
The local fashion and sports world gathered for a sparkling evening as Foot Locker and adidas launched the Originals Sport collection. The event attracted Israel's biggest names, featuring music by DJ Hodia Cohen and a unique workout showcasing the collection in motion.
Among the guests was actress, model, and fashion icon Kim Or Azulay. Azulay, who began her career at age 12 on "Ha-banim ve-ha-banot", has since built an impressive acting resume with roles in series like "Kfula", "Makif Milano", "Malkat Ha-yofi shel Yerushalayim", and "Maniac", as well as lead roles in films like "Larutz al ha-chol" and Avi Nesher's "Ha-ahavot shelanu". At the event, she shared: "We are launching Originals Sport, and it's very exciting. It's stunning to see how we all adhered to the dress code; we look like one cohesive group."
Beyond her marketing appearances, Azulay is currently at the peak of a busy period, having recently launched her own luxury headwear brand. Describing the business venture, she said: "It's very big and full of responsibility. It's literally like having another child. I take my hat off to any brand owner; it's a complex and difficult dream. It pays off in the end, but the journey is not easy."
Kim admits that letting go of control is a challenge: "My mother constantly tells me, 'Let go! Why are you paying people if you don't trust them?' It's hard to let go, but I'm learning to trust the professionals," she shared with a smile.
When asked how to build a business from scratch, she explained: "First, you must understand the message you want to convey. I felt there was a gap in the market for high-quality, premium headwear. I identified a problem and wanted to provide a solution. It's crucial to surround yourself with people who know what they're doing—business consultants, marketing managers, and so on."
An entrepreneur's path is not immune to mistakes. "It's hard," Azulay admitted. "I've chosen the wrong team members more than once and had to make changes. It's part of the process." For those dreaming of starting a business, Kim offers this advice: "Divide it into two parts. On a personal level, only proceed if you believe in it 100%, because it's a complex journey. On a financial level, stay on top of the numbers. I often compare it to a renovation—it's like a bottomless pit. If you aren't financially savvy, hire someone to guide you, because ultimately, we are here to make money."
Alongside her professional development, Azulay is experiencing significant changes in her personal life. After marrying Hapoel Tel Aviv and Israeli national team basketball player Iftach Ziv in July 2025, the couple announced in May 2026 that they are expecting their first child. "I'm happy and truly grateful for every moment. I'm trying to cherish every stage of this pregnancy," she said.
The anticipation of childbirth brings a natural storm of emotions. "I'm excited, stressed, and full of questions, but I know I'm not the first or the last to go through this, so it will be fine," she said honestly. Her husband, Ziv, is fully involved. "He is the most involved man I've ever met. It means so much to me that he is so dedicated to understanding and being part of this process. He is the best."
