Lyubov's forced journey to the Czech Republic began in March of last year from Kyiv, where she had lived happily for the previous 20 years.

Her childhood was spent in the Kherson region of Ukraine, in the town of Oleshky, where her dreams as a child about her future profession gradually changed from that of a milkmaid to an actress.

She eventually decided on her favourite pursuit when nearer to 30 years old. "Just a few days before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I finally decided to turn my hobby into a business." – says Lyubov. "In 2021, I started learning how to restore vintage furniture. I had been interested in this before but finally everything came together: I found an old chair out among the refuse area, and almost immediately my mind envisioned a ‘restoration masterclass’! As soon as I arrived at this masterclass workshop, I closely followed my teacher. We became business partners; she continuing to teach me plus we shared orders."

After six months, the two restorers together embarked on creating a project that would branch out in many directions, not just restoration. Yet, for now, due to the invasion, this plan remains on hiatus.

Now Lyubov works in the DOMA project for the non-profit organization Diakonia, an integration centre for migrants, including Ukrainians. "I'm very lucky," says Lyubov. "I do almost that same as what I was passionate about at home: I conduct masterclasses on techniques to upcycle clothes, teach small-scale restoration. It is wonderful luck and happiness to continue what I had already started. Thanks to the fantastic employees of the integration centre."

Then for Lyubov there are plans to return to her native Kyiv with strengthened experience and to open a full cooperative space for those who want to do create something unique with their own hands.