Valeriya Chekalina
Valeriya Chekalina | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Valeriya Valeryevna Chekalina October 6, 1992 Tolyatti, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Other names | Lerchek |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2011–present |
| Known for | Fitness marathons, social media influence |
| Spouse(s) | Artem Chekalin (m. 2012; div. 2023) |
| Children | 3 |
Valeriya Valeryevna Chekalina (born 6 October 1992 in Tolyatti, Russia) is a Russian fitness blogger, entrepreneur, actress, and social media influencer known by her online moniker Lerchek.[1] She rose to prominence through fitness marathons, lifestyle content, and a growing media presence.[2]
Early Life and Education
Valeriya was born in Tolyatti and graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the Graduate School of Business at Moscow State University in 2013, followed by a Master’s in Economics from the same institution in 2015.
Career
Chekalina began her public career as a blogger in 2011, focusing on skincare and lifestyle. Later, she served as the commercial director at her then husband’s trading company before launching her fitness brand.[3]
She founded Letique Cosmetics in 2016 and became known for hosting “Ideal Body” fitness marathons starting in 2017, which included promotional incentives such as raffles for apartments and luxury items.[4]
In 2020–21, she expanded into acting, appearing in the political comedy series Green Mayor and hosting a segment on Muz-TV’s Every Morning. As of early 2023, Chekalina had over 10 million Instagram followers and ranked among Medialogia’s most popular Instagram bloggers.[5]
Legal and Financial Matters
In 2023, Chekalina and her ex-husband, Artem Chekalin, were investigated for alleged large-scale tax evasion and money laundering involving hundreds of millions of rubles. By November 2023, they had repaid approximately 500 million rubles in taxes, penalties, and fines.[6]
Personal Life
Valeriya was married to Artem Chekalin in 2012 and together they have three children: twins Bogdan and Alisa (2017), and Lev (2020).TThe couple later divorced, and legal controversies have since shaped her public narrative,
External Presence and Impact
Chekalina operates a multi-channel brand that includes beauty, fitness, and lifestyle ventures. Her influence extends through social media, acting, and reality-based lifestyle content. She remains a notable figure in Russia’s influencer economy, earning recognition in Forbes and Medialogia rankings.[7]
References
- ↑ "Valeria Valerievna Chekalina". TAdviser (in русский). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Lercek began to change the readings". EADaily. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Russian influencers left in tears as Putin bans Instagram". Daily Mail. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Valeriya Chekalina: How to become the best version of yourself during quarantine". The Symbol (in русский). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Valeriya Chekalina on how to create a blog with millions of subscribers". KIZ (in русский). Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Valeriya Chekalina". ResearchGate. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ↑ "Criminal case on money laundering against blogger Valeria Chekalina (Lerchek) was closed". EPAM (in русский). Retrieved 13 August 2025.