oday, Ukraine is going through challenging times, and the question of mental health has become especially vital. At home, at work, and in society at large, we all long for warmth, support, and understanding. In our Expert column, we speak with Natalia Hutarova — Director of the Samariv Dental Clinic, deputy of the district council, and a woman who believes deeply in the power of humanity.
— Ms. Natalia, how do you define mental health within the family?
— Family is the very first space where we either gain strength or lose it. Mental health at home begins with love and simple daily words of encouragement. Even when the world outside feels uncertain, the home should echo with: “I’m with you,” “I believe in you.” It is crucial that children see their parents coping with emotions, not withdrawing into silence but sharing their feelings. This creates an atmosphere of trust that heals more effectively than any medicine.
— And how can we preserve mental resilience in the workplace?
— I have led a team of medical professionals for over twenty years, and I know that the true strength of a team lies in mutual respect. People have the right to feel tired, to shed tears, to show vulnerability. My role as a leader is not only to demand results but also to create space for exhaling, for conversation, for validating emotions.
NATALIA HUTAROVA: “MENTAL HEALTH IS A SPACE OF LOVE AND TRUST”
At our clinic, we always strive to nurture an atmosphere that holds space both for professionalism and for humanity.
— Ukrainian society now lives under constant stress. What, in your view, are the ways to safeguard mental health on a community scale?
— First of all, we must not lose our ability to empathize. We are all different: some have lost their homes, others a loved one, still others are forced to start over from scratch. When, instead of judgment, we extend a shoulder of support, society grows stronger. Second, through joint initiatives. Even the smallest acts of kindness, done together, foster a sense of unity. And of course, cultural and educational activities are vital — they allow people to recharge and draw fresh energy.
— What personally helps you remain a strong woman in these difficult times?
— My foundation is my family and my faith in people. Every day I remind myself: “If I can help at least one person today, then the day has not been lived in vain.” I draw inspiration from my work, my team, and the patients who place their trust in us. I also treasure heartfelt conversations with loved ones and time spent in nature. It is important not to forget about small joys: a cup of coffee with a friend, an evening walk under the sky. These simple things are what keep us afloat.
— What is the main message you would like to share with our readers?
— Protect your hearts and your words. Even in the darkest of times, saying “thank you” or “I love you” can restore someone’s sense of meaning. Mental health is not an abstraction but the outcome of daily actions. Do not be afraid to share your warmth, for it will always return to you manifold.
WE THANK NATALIA HUTAROVA FOR THIS HEARTFELT CONVERSATION. HER EXAMPLE SHOWS THAT TRUE LEADERSHIP BEGINS WITH LOVE FOR PEOPLE. THE ABILITY TO LISTEN, TO SUPPORT, AND TO INSPIRE HOPE — THESE ARE THE MOST VALUABLE MEDICINES OUR SOCIETY NEEDS TODAY.
ьогодні Україна переживає складні часи, і питання ментального здоров’я стає особливо важливим. У родині, на роботі, у суспільстві ми потребуємо тепла, підтримки та взаєморозуміння. У рубриці «Експерт» ми спілкуємося з Наталією
ГУТАРОВОЮ — директоркою «Самарівської
стоматологічної поліклініки», депутаткою районної ради та жінкою, яка вірить у силу людяності.
OKSANA ZOZULIA: “FROM ACCOUNTING STUDENT
TO INTERNATIONAL STAR OF THE NAIL INDUSTRY”
ksana ZOZULIA is a manicure master with over 13 years of experience and a multiple winner of the Empire of Beauty, WBC and Global Talent Beauty Cup international championships. She is an international judge, accredited GCM instructor and IBJA graduate; Laureate of the “Magical Power of Ukraine” medal and the Top 100 Women 2025 rating.
Manicure master with over 13 years of experience.
Regulated judge of the SMKU.
Winner and grand prix holder of Empire of Beauty 2025.
Champion of WBC XIV, Brilliant Beauty World Cup (Hollywood) and Global Talent Beauty Cup (London).
Judge at the WBC XV, Nail Championship V, and NailVision Champions 2025 international championships.
Accredited GCM instructor (Switzerland).
International Beauty Judging Academy graduate Laureate of the “Magical Power of Ukraine” medal and the Top 100 Women 2025 rating.
— How did you get started in the nail industry?
— Although I am an accountant by education, I realised while still a student that manicure was my calling. Studying, participating in championships, and judging opened the way for me to the international arena.
— What lessons have the championships and refereeing taught you?
— The championships taught discipline and endurance, and refereeing taught objectivity and attention to detail.
— How is the industry in Ukraine and the USA different?
— In Ukraine, creativity and technique are valued, while in the United States, service, comfort and strict hygiene are valued. The best result is a combination of Ukrainian craftsmanship and the
Acknowledgement from the editors
American approach to customer service.
— What are the latest trends and the future of nail art?
— The main trend is naturalness and individuality. Minimalism with distinctive accents, innovation and personalisation will remain popular.
— What advice would you give to novice craftsmen?
— Continuous learning, boldly asserting yourself and believing in your own abilities — this is what opens doors to the world stage.
— How do you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
— Balance is harmony between professional growth and inner peace. Strong support from family inspires you to move forward.
The editorial staff of the Millennium Media Holding sincerely thanks Oksana Zozulia for an interesting and motivational interview. Her story inspires self-confidence and reminds us that true passion opens the door to great achievements.
oksanka_banah_zozulya
oksana_zozulya_nails_work
ксана ЗОЗУЛЯ
понад 13-річним досвідом, багаторазова
переможниця міжнародних чемпіонатів Empire of Beauty, WBC та Global Talent Beauty Cup. Міжнародна суддя, акредитована
GCM та випускниця IBJA. Лауреатка медалі «Чарівна сила України» та рейтингу Top 100 Women 2025.
— Як розпочався Ваш шлях у nail-індустрії?
Переможниця
Empire of Beauty 2025.
Чемпіонка WBC XIV, Brilliant Beauty World Cup (Голлівуд) та Global Talent Beauty Cup (Лондон).
Суддя міжнародних чемпіонатів WBC XV, Nail Championship V, NailVision Champions 2025.
Акредитована викладачка GCM (Швейцарія).
Випускниця IBJA
Лауреатка медалі
Top 100 Women 2025.
JULIA EROMENKO:
“EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION; THEY JUST NEED TO BE GIVEN THE CHANCE!”
Julia EROMENKO is the editor-in-chief of the “Kangaroo” Publishing Group, part of the Ukrainian corporation “Ranok””, co-founder of the “Inclusion” brand, and mother of a boy with developmental disabilities. Her profession has become her way of life. She has also assembled a team of like-minded people who are confident that their work is truly important.
— Mrs. Juliia, welcome to the pages of our edition! We would like to learn more about the main goal of your publishing group.
— The “Kangaroo” Publishing Group was established to provide Ukrainian citizens with special educational and developmental literature, teaching materials and games for children with special educational needs; manuals for parents, methodological literature for teachers and educators in inclusive educational institutions.
— What does an inclusive approach provide?
— An inclusive approach involves creating conditions in which everyone feels free and comfortable in public places, educational institutions, etc. Inclusive education is based on an ideology that excludes any discrimination against students and, at the same time, creates the right conditions for all children to receive a quality education.
— What achievements have you already made? Who do you collaborate with?
— For seven years now, our team has been working with leading experts in this field, preparing for publication and distributing much-needed literature for anyone who faces challenges in teaching and raising children with SEN. During this time, we have gained considerable experience and published over 100 titles on inclusive education.
— What kind of literature does “Kangaroo” Publishing group publish?
— These are books for preparing children with autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, speech or coordination disorders for school (series “Getting Ready for School,” “First Writing Exercises,” etc.). Another category, “Educational and Developmental Games,” offers a wide range of educational and developmental materials created using the latest methods developed by domestic and foreign specialists.
— What are the most serious challenges you are facing right now?
— Today, when war has come into Ukraine, we are facing the most difficult challenges. Even though we are in different countries, we continue to work together, keeping our finger on the pulse, because there is no time to waste! Our children are growing up, and they cannot wait for peace to come. They need support now. That is why we continue to work diligently and tirelessly.
Every day, our employees who remained in Kharkiv, risking their lives, work in the office, at home, in warehouses, repairing damage to premises, under the endless sounds of sirens and shelling. We deliver a significant part of our products free of charge to people who find themselves in very difficult situations. We are actively involved in volunteering. We help everyone who needs it because we believe that what we do is very important.
й теплі відносини, коли дитина може сказати: «Поговори зі
НАТАЛІЯ
ШАТИЛО:
Компанії ВБА є люди, які роками залишаються відданими своїй справі, стаючи опорою колективу й прикладом для інших. Серед них — швачка Світлана Баринова
чувала, що
це більше, ніж стіни та дах над головою. Це мрії, нові початки, нові горизонти для родин. Усвідомлення того, що я можу бути частиною цих життєвих історій, і стало моїм головним мотиватором.
Яким принципам Ви слідуєте у роботі з клієнтами?
У нашому агентстві кожен клієнт — це не номер у базі, а людина з унікальною історією, очікуваннями й турботами. Ми будуємо роботу на довірі, щирості та повазі. Для мене завжди важливо слухати й чути людей, адже за кожним зверненням стоїть не просто угода, а мрія про
нове життя.
Що, на Вашу думку, є основою довіри у професії рієлтора?
Я переконана: довіра народжується
з чесності. Завжди говорю клієнтам і про переваги, і про ризики. Моє пра-
вило дуже просте: діяти так, як дія-
ла б для себе чи для близьких. Коли люди відчувають щирість і прозорість, виникає взаємна впевненість, яка робить співпрацю справжнім партнерством.
Ви маєте досвід громадської роботи в ОСН «Теремки-1». Які
проєкти стали для Вас найбільш знаковими?
Кожен проєкт був особливим, бо за ним стояли конкретні люди та їхні потреби. Але найбільш значущими для мене стали ті, що стосувалися
ОКСАНА БАЖИНОВА:
Астрологиня,
нумерологиня,
майстриня Таро,
астрогемологиня,
арт-терапевтка
останнє заради інших. Їхня щедрість іноді шкодить особистим інтересам,
Ці люди — лицарі духу. Вони чесні, вірні, готові захищати слабких і відстоювати правду. Серед них
часто зустрічаються адвокати, судді та захисники.
Камені: чорний гранат, чорний
обсидіан, амоніт, пірит, циркон.
Високий інтелект, мудрість та
жага знань вирізняють їх серед інших. Це носії традицій і таємних знань, духовні чи світські наставники.
Камені: блакитний нефрит, го-
агат, лазурит, сапфір, бурштин, біла яшма.
23 ЛУННИЙ ДЕНЬ – СИЛА І НАСТАНОВА
Хтось із них стає небесним захисником і монахом духу, інші ж використовують сильну енергію у власних інтересах. Але всі вони йдуть шляхом безкомпромісної рішучості.
Це інтроверти, які шукають гармонію всередині себе. Витривалі, вимогливі до себе, потребують партнера, що їх розуміє. Тактильність і відчуття для них — ключ до світу.
Камені: чорна яшма, вороний
усі зоряні камені, соколине
«Я ХОТІЛА СТЕРТИ АНГЛІЙСЬКУ ЗІ СВОГО ЖИТТЯ…
АЛЕ ВОНА ОБРАЛА МЕНЕ»
Аліна згадує, що її шлях почався ще у другому класі, коли маленька дівчинка впевнено заявила: «Я буду перекладачем». Дитяча
мрія могла зникнути — адже одного разу вчитель сказав їй, що
нічого не вийде. Були образи
English
Instagram та Telegram-канал, де ділиться порадами, вправами та навіть под-
вала свої історії англійською. Результат був вражаючий: мій рівень різко зріс. Це довело, що важливо не чекати ідеальної граматики, а починати говорити одразу». Серед авторських технік — асоціації, гумористичні
для нових слів, дисципліна та щоденна коротка практика. «Коли навчання цікаве й системне — воно працює безвідмовно».
ПОСТІЙНИЙ РОЗВИТОК І
НОВІ ГОРИЗОНТИ
Аліна впевнена: викладач має рости разом зі своїми студентами. Вона відвідує тренінги, вивчає бізнес-англійську, представляє Україну на міжнародних заходах і подорожує, щоб відчувати мову у живому середовищі. «Для мене розвиток — це поєднання нових знань, практики та досвіду, який я відразу втілюю в уроках».
ІСТОРІЯ, ЯКА НАДИХАЄ
Особливої гордості додає одна історія: три покоління однієї родини — бабуся, мама і донька — вирішили опанувати англійську після переїзду до Лондона. Через три
нову роботу, а донька без бар’єрів ін-
тегрувалася у школу. «Це доводить: вік чи початковий рівень не мають значення. Головне — правильний підхід і бажання».
ІСТОРІЯ АЛІНИ — ЦЕ ПРИКЛАД ТОГО, ЩО ВИКЛАДАЧ АНГЛІЙСЬКОЇ СЬОГОДНІ Є НЕ ЛИШЕ ПЕДАГОГОМ, А Й МОТИВАТОРОМ, НАСТАВНИКОМ І ПРОВІДНИКОМ
У СВІТ НОВИХ МОЖЛИВОСТЕЙ. ЇЇ МЕТОДИ РУЙНУЮТЬ СТЕРЕОТИПИ
SVITLANA HOLOVATENKO:
“SUPPLY CHAIN IS NOT JUST ABOUT GOODSIT’S ABOUT CREATING VALUE FOR BUSINESS AND PEOPLE”
In times of global challenges, supply chain management defines the resilience and competitiveness of business. It is an area where analytics, technology, strategy, and the human factor converge. In this interview, Svitlana HOLOVATENKO, an expert with many years of experience in supply chain and procurement, shares her professional journey, insights on women’s leadership, innovations, and her vision for the future.
— Ms. Svitlana, please tell us about your professional career: how did you get into supply chain management and what was the key factor that prompted you to choose this particular field?
— My journey in supply chain began more ten years ago. I initially worked in logistics, and then focused on procurement, and today my specialisation combines procurement management with a broader strategic vision of supply chains. For me, it has always been more than just moving goods. Supply chain is the integration of analytics, technology, and business solutions that create added value for both the company and the customer. The desire to merge practice with innovation was the key reason I chose this field.
— How do you perceive your role as a woman leader in a field that has traditionally been considered demanding and highly competitive?
— Indeed, supply chain is often seen as a “male-dominated” field, but I am convinced that the strength of any team lies in the diversity of approaches. Women bring strategic vision, structure, and the ability to build effective communication. As a leader, I see my mission as creating an environment where every team member can realise their potential to the fullest.
— You are recognized as an expert who implements modern solutions and new approaches. Which innovations in supply chain management do you see as the most relevant for Ukraine today?
— Among the key innovations I see are digitalization and process transparency. These include modern eProcurement platforms, ERP/MRP integration, and the use of Power BI for real-time data monitoring. The automation of routine operations and the use of artificial intelligence for demand forecasting and risk management are also highly important. Innovations give businesses the speed and predictability that are essential for moving forward today.
— The global challenges of recent years have demonstrated the importance of supply chain resilience. What difficulties have you personally faced, and how did you manage to overcome them?
— The pandemic, transport disruptions, and geopolitical risks have all tested the resilience of the supply chains. The main challenges were disruptions in international transportation, supplier delays, and rising transport costs. We overcame these through three approaches: diversification of suppliers and routes, digital tools for working with data, and well-established systematic communication with partners and teams. It was precisely team cohesion that allowed us to respond quickly to changes.
— In your opinion, what will supply chain management look like in the next 5–10 years?
— The future of the supply chain lies in an even deeper dive into analytics and automation. Artificial intelligence, digital process twins, and big data-driven forecasting will become the standard. At the same time, resilience and ESG factors are already shaping customer expectations today. Businesses not only supply products, but also take responsibility for their environmental friendliness, speed, and transparency.
— What advice would you give to young Ukrainian women who want to pursue a career in innovation and management?
— First and foremost, don’t be afraid to choose innovative areas. Supply chain currently offers vast opportunities for those who are ready to work with data, technology, and people. Three key traits for success are analytical thinking, flexibility, and communication skills. If you are ready to learn and constantly improve, this field will open perspectives that just a few years ago were hard to imagine.
Acknowledgement from the editors
The editorial staff of the international magazine MILLENIUM CLUB sincerely thanks Ms. Svitlana Holovatenko for her sincerity and profound professional analysis. Your experience and vision are an example for the younger generation and confirmation that women leaders shape modern business culture. We wish you further achievements, bold decisions and new victories that will inspire others to move forward.
час глобальних викликів саме управління ланцюгами постачання
стійкість і конкурентоспроможність бізнесу. Це сфера, де поєднуються аналітика, технології, стратегія й людський фактор.
інновації та бачення майбутнього розповідає експертка
www.linkedin.com/in /svitlana-holovatenko
ПСИХОЛОГІЧНИЙ
«СИТУАЦІЯ»
Повна зала людей: дніпрян, гостей міста,
експертів, журналістів, поціновувачів мистецтва… Абсолютна тиша та затамований подих від очікування. З цього почалась
прем’єра неймовірно унікального, абсолютно інноваційного культурного проєкту «Психологічний театр «Ситуація». Авторка проєкту Людмила АКИМЕНКО
що дуже довго виношувала ідею, аби вона, сформувавшись, увібрала в собі виключно
до цього підготуватись. Більшість з них не дозволяє собі звернутись до експертів по допомогу. Статистика розлучень говорить нам про те, що ми не маємо на сьогодні культуру побудови здорових стосунків, через нерозуміння себе
комунікації, досягнення порозуміння з оточуючими, розкриття внутрішнього
потенціалу.
Окрім того, психологічний театр «Ситуація» має за мету розвивати психологічний напрямок театрального мистецтва. Це абсолютно нова концепція, що може бути ефективно застосована, як інноваційна терапевтична модель. Психологи зазначають, що в деяких життєвих обставинах саме театральні вистави можуть стати єдиним
глядачеві можливість побачити схожу ситуацію зі сторони та зрозуміти, як варто діяти, аби зберегти стосунки,
PREMIERE OF THE YEAR –PSYCHOLOGICAL THEATRE «SITUATION»
A full hall of people: Dnipro residents, guests of the city, experts, journalists, art connoisseurs... There was absolute silence and bated breath from anticipation at the start of the premiere of the incredibly unique, absolutely innovative cultural project «Psychological Theatre «Situation».
The author of the project Lyudmila Akymenko notes that she has been nurturing the idea for a very long time so that, once formed, it would incorporate extremely useful practical advice and the effectiveness of psychological assistance to people through the format of a theatrical performance.
«As a woman who has gone through a long way of her own transformations, I understand that young people who plan to create strong unions do not know how to prepare themselves for this at all. Most of them do not allow themselves to turn to experts for help. Divorce statistics tell us that we do not currently have a culture of building healthy relationships due to a lack of self-understanding and inability to communicate. For a very long time, these questions formed in me the idea of creating a project that through an interactive format would be able to help our nation, help women and men find a common language, create an atmosphere of trust, harmony, understanding and support in families. Thus, years later, the Psychological Theatre «Situation» was born, which we presented to the birthday of our city,» commented Lyudmila Akymenko.
The format of the project includes theatrical productions of a wide variety of situations faced by every person on the planet. Psychological theatre is a special form of influence on a person through creation, because theatrical art is able to perfectly manifest the inner world of
a person and change him or her.We can empower people in the light of creation to take important steps toward change. It is also about improving relationships, establishing communication, achieving understanding with others and revealing inner potential.
In addition, the psychological theatre «Situation» aims to develop the psychological direction of theatrical art. This is a completely new concept that can be effectively applied as an innovative therapeutic model. Psychologists point out that theatrical performance can be the only way to resolve difficult relationships with others in some life circumstances.
The experts with a psychological specialty reveal the topics of situations, causes and consequences and give practical advices in the project. They take their professional tools and help people see the objectivity of life’s situations. The themes of future performances will consist of real stories, which we expect to receive from you through social networks.
Due to the realities of our lives, not all Ukrainians can turn to a psychologist for help today, because this type of communication foresees openness,
which requires special courage. And this is where a theatrical performance can come to the rescue allowing the viewer to participate in a familiar situation without direct contact with a specialist, but to get the necessary answers. This interactive will give the viewer the opportunity to see a similar situation from the outside and understand how to act in order to preserve the relationship that will be discussed in the play.
The premiere of the first performance of the psychological theatre «The Situation» proved that Ukrainians today desperately need psychological help. The project’s experts answered more than a hundred questions of the guests of the event. Specialists who were presented at the project noted
that the great war further worsened the state of Ukrainians and they should be saved. They repeatedly emphasized that psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, sexologists, neurologists and coaches should consult in any life situation to support mental health. In this way, we will be able to create relationships having a good continuation and giving our nation strong unions and a healthy generation of future Ukrainians. After all, it is for them that we now choose our freedom and independence.
We thank everyone who joined us at the premiere, we are waiting for your comments on social networks and we are preparing for the new performance.
We are waiting for everyone!
szolotaya
AFrom the editors
SVITLANA FESIANOVA: “TO
DREAM IS TO CHOOSE
LIFE”
dream is not just a desire or a fantasy. It is a force that drives you forward, even when the world around you seems hostile or hopeless. For Svitlana Fesianova, dreams became a guide in childhood, inspiration at work, and support during the most difficult trials. Today, she shares her story: from the creation of an art school and dozens of children’s and youth projects to a new stage in her life in psychology and women’s practices.
Interview with Svitlana FESIANOVA — educator, cultural events organiser, psychologist and founder of women’s support programmes.
— Mrs. Svitlana, how did your dream story begin?
— I have always been driven by a dream. As a child, I imagined my school as a place where children would feel unique, talented, and happy. And this dream came true: in 2000, I opened the Khristinivka School of Arts, which I ran for 25 years. At the same time, I organised dozens of celebrations — from children’s birthday parties to largescale city events. It was a life filled with creativity and people.
— You were not only a director, but also a mother of two children. What was important to you in raising them?
— I wanted to raise them differently than we were raised. Times have changed, children have changed, and opportunities have changed too. Now, looking back, I would have given them even more freedom and carefreeness – because children always become like their parents. Therefore, when raising children, it is important to start with understanding yourself.
— You have implemented many projects for children and teenagers. What was the main idea behind these programmes?
— I created spaces for development: leadership camps, trainings, meetings for teenagers and their parents. The main message was always the same: «You take responsibility for your life and make it happy and fulfilled.»
— Four years ago you began a new stage — studying to become a psychologist. Why was this choice decisive?
— At the age of 47, I realised that it is never too late to start something new. I enrolled in psychology, earned a master’s degree, studied Gestalt therapy, family constellations, and crisis counselling. And then I made a difficult decision – to leave the school that had been a part of my life. Because it was time to choose myself. And once again, I was guided by my dreams – to create a space for women’s therapeutic growth.
— Why did women become the focus of your mission?
— During wartime, the burden falls particularly heavily on women. They must be strong, support their children, and create space for their families. They must also care for their husbands who are fighting or returning from the front. That is why I dream that every woman will have her own “Women’s circle,” her own therapist, and the knowledge of how to maintain her own psychological and emotional well-being.
— You know from your own experience what pain and loss are. What gives you the strength to talk about dreams?
— I have experienced betrayal, divorce, moments when it seemed that life had stopped. But I also know that there is life after grief and loss. In the most difficult moments, you only need one thing — support from those around you. Then the desire to live and... dream returns. And dreaming is extremely important. When you dream, you choose life. And life is the greatest value.
The MILLENIUM CLUB editorial team would like to express its sincere gratitude to Svitlana Fesianova for the sincerity and depth of her story. This interview serves as a reminder to everyone that dreams can be a source of strength even when everything around us is falling apart. The ability to dream is the ability to choose life, and therefore to choose light over darkness.
+380938108705, +467764839032
ozh.svetlana@gmail.com
Svitlana Ozharivska
SVITLANA OZHARIVSKA: “THE
DARKEST
TIMES GIVE
BIRTH TO THE GREATEST LIGHT”
There are paths that test a person to the very core of their being. Paths where pain is intertwined with hope, and despair with love. This is the path that Mrs. Svitlana Ozharivska has travelled. A mother of a child with a disability, a woman who has experienced the depths of isolation, fear and inner struggle, she has managed to transform her personal pain into strength. Today, she helps others find support when it seems that the ground beneath their feet has been lost forever.
Is a coach, Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, psychosomatic practitioner, and chair of the Board of “Svitloch Nadiyi,” a parents’ association for children and young people with disabilities.
— Mrs. Svitlana, what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome as the mother of a child with a disability and the head of a non-governmental organisation?
— The hardest obstacle was the feeling of complete isolation. When a child with a disability is born into a family, life is divided into “before” and “after It is a time often marked by fear, pain, and loneliness.. There were moments when it seemed that I had no strength left. But one day I realised that I had a choice: to let this reality break me or to find a source of strength in it. I chose the latter. I started looking for like-minded people, creating a support circle, bringing parents together to overcome challenges together. Today, I see that what once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle has become a point of growth and meaning in my life.
– What principles form the foundation of your work?
— My work is based on three steps: acceptance, awareness, and development.
Acceptance means recognising reality as it is, without embellishment or denial. Awareness is the ability to hear your own needs and boundaries, to restore dialogue with yourself. And development is moving forward, even when external circumstances remain unchanged. It is this triad that helps a person find inner support.
– You combine coaching and psychosomatics. What is the value of this synthesis?
— Coaching is not just a method, but a way of thinking. It teaches us to look at life not through the prism of “why did this happen to me,” but through the question “what can I do now?” It is a philosophy that opens the door to choice and new opportunities. Psychosomatics brings us back to the body — our wise ally. It never deceives us: pain, tension, fatigue are signals that we are ignoring something important. When coaching and psychosomatics come together, a person not only receives a plan of action, but also feels harmony between thoughts, emotions and the body.
– What advice would you give to parents of children with disabilities?
— First and foremost, take care of yourself. This is not selfishness, but a necessity of life. An exhausted father or mother cannot be a real support for a child. Second, do not shut yourself away in loneliness, but seek support from others. And third, remember that you are not just “the parents of a child with a disability.” You are individuals with your own talents, dreams and aspirations. By developing as a person, you give more strength to your child.
And one more thing: even in the darkest circumstances, it is worth looking for meaning. Because it is often in the deepest darkness that light is born.
— What values keep you on this path?
— My values are love, freedom, development, and faith. I know from my own experience that there is always a way out. No story is hopeless, even if at first glance everything seems bleak. My calling is to be there for people when they find it difficult to see their own light.
— What is your wish for readers?
— Don’t be afraid to look inside yourself. The answers are always there. And remember: even the smallest step forward is already a victory.
Acknowledgement from the editors
The MILLENIUM CLUB editorial team would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mrs. Svitlana Оzharivska for her openness and depth of thought. Her story is proof that the greatest strength is born from the greatest trials. And the light she gives to others is an example for each of us.
n today’s world, where beauty has long surpassed the boundaries of mere appearance, platforms that set professional standards and open new horizons for masters are gaining greater significance. One such figure is Maria Uvarova — founder of the International Beauty Award and the World Beauty Championship, events that now unite professionals from all over the globe. In our interview, Maria shares her journey, philosophy, and vision for the future of the beauty industry..
MARIA UVAROVA:
“BEAUTY AS A SPACE OF OPPORTUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE”
— Your path in the beauty industry. Tell us, how did your career begin, and how did you manage to build international recognition in this field?
Before entering the beauty industry, I worked as a schoolteacher. Later, while on maternity leave, my mother told me: “Don’t just sit at home — go take a course.” That’s how I unexpectedly found myself in a basic makeup class, which turned out to be a turning point in my life.
After completing the course, I dreamed for a long time of competing in a championship, but fear held me back — what if I didn’t win a prize? Eventually, I took the leap, and to my surprise, I won on my very first attempt. That victory made me realize: I wanted to do more. I wanted to create a platform that would inspire others.
This is how my road to international recognition began — with a dream, a fear, and a first victory that changed everything.
— What makes the International Beauty Award and the World Beauty Championship different from other competitions?
The IBA and WBC are events after which participants don’t just enhance their portfolios — they transform the way they see themselves in the profession. Everything is built on fairness: judges don’t see names, only participant
numbers. No influence, no favoritism — only professional work evaluated against international standards.
But the most important thing is the personal growth each participant experiences. Preparing for the championship is a challenge that pushes you to grow, to learn, to improve. That’s the moment when breakthroughs happen.
Victory opens doors: some winners go on to open schools, others become trainers, and many receive invitations to new countries. It’s a turning point — when you stop doubting yourself and start acting to your full potential.
— How did you manage to make the award and the championship global?
Both the championship and the award have been running for five years, and in that time they have grown into global platforms.
We translated our website and all regulations into 17 languages so that professionals from any country could easily participate.
Among the participants are representatives from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while the judging panel includes leading international experts.
The IBA and WBC are shaping a professional community of a new level — open, modern, and inspiring.
— What does it mean to you
personally to be the organizer of such events, and which achievements do you consider most significant?
I am not just creating competitions — I am creating experiences that participants will remember for a lifetime. The values I embed are respect for the master, ethics, high standards, and transparency.
For me, the greatest achievement is the community that has grown around the project. People from different countries, languages, and cultures — yet all united by the same desire to become better.
— What are your plans for the future development of the IBA and WBC, and how do you see the future of the beauty industry?
Our next major milestone will be our flagship event on November 1 in Barcelona.
It will be a luxury celebration held at the five-star InterContinental Hotel: a grand award ceremony, red carpet, personalized trophies, and a gala dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
The IBA and WBC will continue to evolve as a space where beauty is not only about appearance, but also about confidence, professionalism, and the strength to be yourself. The future belongs to those who dare to think on a grand scale — and we are already on that path.
WE EXPRESS OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO MS. MARIA UVAROVA FOR THIS INSPIRING CONVERSATION. WE ARE CONVINCED THAT HER EXAMPLE WILL SERVE AS A GUIDING LIGHT FOR THOSE WHO STRIVE NOT ONLY TO GROW PROFESSIONALLY BUT ALSO TO OPEN NEW HORIZONS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CRAFT. WE WISH THE IBA AND WBC FURTHER FLOURISHING, ALONG WITH NEW VICTORIES THAT WILL CELEBRATE UKRAINIAN TALENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE.
Elena Sereda
Я люблю експериментувати. Ми малюємо фарбами, створюємо графіку й колажі, поєднуємо різні матеріали, аби дати
людині максимальну свободу. Використовую й спеціальні методи: пісочну терапію, фототерапію, ліплення з тіста. Пісок м’яко вивільняє емоції, фото дозволяє побачити себе під новим кутом, а тісто розслабляє й пробуджує фантазію. Усе це не про техніку заради техніки, а про
процес — про відчуття, відкриття та нові
шоу.
КОРОЛІВСЬКІ ТИТУЛИ ТА ПЕРЕМОГИ
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