03/03/2026
Spotlight Interview | Alina Olkhova (Part 1)
We previously shared the work of Alina Olkhova (Instagram: ) – Ukrainian designer, embroidery artist, and cultural entrepreneur who masterfully combines traditional Ukrainian techniques with contemporary design.
Today, we are sharing insights from our interview, highlighting the realities, challenges, and perspectives of women in the CCS 👇
1️⃣ 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 are 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 is also the ongoing challenge of balancing professional activities with family responsibilities.
2️⃣ Do you feel gender barriers in the creative sector in Ukraine?
Considering that, as an artist, I am 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 is a need for more educational programs and mentorship to support women.
3️⃣ How do you balance creativity and personal life?
“Choose a job you love, and you will 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 – something that saves me in this difficult time of war. Mentally, it is 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 have learned to listen to myself, to my inner state, to pause and to seek grounding. What helps me are: family, nature, travel, and friends.
4️⃣ How did you develop your career: through education, self-education, competitions, 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 have 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.”
5️⃣ 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.
