This is me in the picture, taken in Ukraine in 1986. I was only three years old when I first began to sense how unfair life could be. It was difficult to believe that “everything happens for a reason” while living through so many hardships. My parents worked from dawn until night, doing everything they could to keep food on the table. When the USSR collapsed in 1991, life became even more uncertain. Chaos swept through the country. Money lost its value overnight, and with it, we lost the little we had. Yet even then, I refused to let go of hope. Something deep inside me kept believing in a brighter, better future. I filled my bedroom walls with posters of faraway places—majestic mountains, turquoise seas, and golden city skylines. My heart yearned to see the world, and America was always the dream.

At the age of 19, I was fortunate to travel to Germany to work as a nanny. It took a great deal of effort, determination, and, above all, courage—especially at a time when many so-called “work agencies” were actually fronts for human trafficking. The first agency I registered with turned out to be one of them. Thankfully, it was caught and shut down before I could be harmed. I still remember the phone call from an investigator—he asked me questions about the case and, in the end, helped me find a reputable agency that truly had my best interests at heart. I worked for a wonderful German family who welcomed me into their lives. I was able to see Austria, Italy, and Greece alongside them. I will never forget the joy of exploring those countries—the sights, the food, the history. But even with all those incredible experiences, my heart still yearned for America. For me, it was more than just a place—it was the ultimate dream.

At 21, I finally got my wish and traveled to California—with only $20 in my pocket, a gift from a kind woman I met on the plane. I began working as a nanny for another wonderful family, and a year later I met my first husband. Over the next ten years, life was good. We had two beautiful daughters and, after visiting Hawaii for a couple of years in a row, decided it was where we wanted to raise our family. The islands felt like home to me, and my husband at the time loved the idea of working from home in a place where we could have easy access to the beach. So we packed up our lives and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where the sunrises and sunsets are some of the most breathtaking in the world. 

I wasn’t born an artist, but I always dreamed of becoming one. My journey was filled with struggles, failures, restarts, and countless hours of daily practice before I finally reached the point where I could do what I truly love. I believe we can manifest the life we want, even if it takes time. Surrounding yourself with positivity—whether it’s good people, lush green plants, or a beautiful view—can transform your energy. And if you don’t have that view, a painting can bring it into your home. Waking up to the sight of an ocean or mountain scene can set a cheerful tone for your day, and that positive energy can lead to a more fulfilling life. It worked for me, and I believe it can work for you too.