As part of the ACHIEVE CCS initiative, we highlight the voices of women shaping the creative and cultural sectors in Ukraine. In this interview, Alina Olkhova shares her personal and professional journey as an artist working with traditional embroidery.

Through her experience, we see how empowering women in culture and creativity isn’t only about professional growth, but also about preserving identity, fostering connection, and building sustainable futures.

Read the full interview below and discover Alina’s story in her own words.

What challenges do you face as a woman in the fields of art and entrepreneurship?
First of all, I believe that whatever challenges women face in life, they’re capable of overcoming them all. In my field specifically, these are gender-related challenges, including stereotypical perceptions of creativity and the conventional thinking of others.
Women in art are often taken less seriously, while men’s art is considered something more fundamental. There’s also the ongoing challenge of balancing professional activities with family responsibilities.

Do you feel gender barriers in the creative sector in Ukraine?
Considering that, as an artist, I’m currently more focused on decorative and applied arts, particularly embroidery, I don’t personally feel gender barriers. However, if we look at the entire creative space of Ukraine, I believe there’s a need for more educational programs and mentorship to support women.

How do you balance creativity and personal life?

“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

I completely agree with Confucius. For me, embroidery is both a hobby and a beloved craft. It’s something that saves me in this difficult time of war. Mentally, it’s often not easy to return to reality where your husband is in the military, and you must be his reliable support at home, raising children, managing the household, and solving daily tasks.
In such moments, I gladly immerse myself in my active meditation – embroidery. For me, it’s not work. It’s rest. Of course, sometimes even here, professional burnout can be felt. But over the years, I’ve learned to listen to myself, to my inner state, to pause, and to seek grounding. What helps me are: family, nature, travel, and friends.

How did you develop your career: through education, self-education, competitions, or collaborations?
Art has always surrounded me. I grew up in a creative family. First, I attended Art School, and later graduated from Lutsk National Technical University, earning a Master’s degree in Design. I worked for many years at the Department of Design at my university. At the same time, I never abandoned creativity and continued painting.
Later, I fell in love with embroidery, which was created by my husband’s grandmother, Olha Antonivna Olkhova, a member of the National Union of Folk Art Masters of Ukraine. She lovingly passed on her knowledge and secrets to me. Since then, I’ve refined my craft by embroidering my first shirts and dresses for family and friends. I participated in national competitions and shows. In particular, I hosted Yevhen Synelnykov for the program “Craft Journeys.”

How important is a professional network in your field?
A professional network is important in any field, including mine. It allows for the exchange of experience with well-known female artists and continuous learning of new things.

What competencies are most needed today for women in the creative industries?
For women to succeed in art, creative thinking is essential, along with mastery of professional tools, time management skills, and the ability to create platforms for collaboration and engagement with audiences.

You work with traditional embroidery. How do you find a balance between authenticity and modernity?
I work with ancient Ukrainian techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. It’s very meticulous work that requires precision, skill, perseverance, and patience. And it doesn’t tolerate mistakes. Among the main techniques you can see in my vyshyvankas are openwork hemstitching with satin elements and rods, decorative cutwork, chain stitch, “nightingale’s eyes,” “chicken track,” and others. When creating them, I embed deep meanings and my love.
For me, it’s a connection between the past and the present, support of the spirit within the country, and communication with the world. Ancient techniques combined with contemporary cuts and design are, conceptually, the right solution. Such vyshyvankas are authentically modern. They can be worn not only on holidays but also every day, satisfying even the most demanding admirers.

Do you use modern technologies (social media, digital platforms, online promotion) to develop your work?
Social media are wonderful platforms for collaboration and interaction with audiences. At one point, I created my own Instagram hashtag – #вишитідумки (“#EmbroideredThoughts”). It allows me to present a public catalog of my works. I believe that modern technologies greatly help in promoting and developing one’s activities.

What advice would you give to young women who want to realize themselves in the creative industries?
Let’s be honest: living in difficult times, when people are essentially fighting for survival, realizing oneself in the creative industries is quite challenging. However, demand creates supply. It’s important to orient yourself toward the global market and, despite everything, move toward your goal with love, perseverance, and inspiration.

What support programs for women do you consider most necessary today?
Key areas of support for women include grants for launching and expanding their own businesses, education and mentorship, and initiatives aimed at developing the creative industry and ensuring equal opportunities. These programs will help women not only survive in current realities but also scale their creative projects and business skills.

Discover more of Alina’s work and follow her creative journey on Instagram.