Arriving in Ireland almost two years ago with just a few suitcases and some precious family photographs between them, Ukrainian couple Galyna, 56, and Vlad, 38, faced the challenge of finding their feet together in a strange environment. Back home in Ukraine before the war, Vlad, who was exempted from military conscription due to a serious health condition, worked in data collection and web development, Galyna was a fashion stylist, running her own style and beauty school. They enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle they tell Mary O’Brien, owning their own home and travelling frequently.
Here in Ireland, while coming to grips with a different culture and learning a new language, Galyna and Vlad share a positive outlook on life. While many would see the two decades between them as a barrier, they view their greatest wealth as each other. “Each challenge has only strengthened our relationship,” says Vlad.
After the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Vlad and Galyna found themselves in occupied territory. When they finally had the opportunity to leave the Kherson region, the only remaining route was through Russia. They made it to Ireland at the end of April 2023 with the intention of being located somewhere close to Galyna’s daughter and grandchildren, who live in Scotland.
Today the couple are working on launching a new business together: A digital agency that will draw on both their talents, incorporating Vlad’s experience in IT to create AI-driven solutions for businesses and Galyna’s expertise in fashion and art photography to create visual content. “Our shared dream is to build startups that can genuinely improve people’s lives,” they share passionately.
In the meantime, Galyna has been putting her creative talents to use making miniature houses to cope with the loss of her own home and past life.
“One day I felt an urge to create a miniature house and place a happy little doll inside – one without worries or fears,” she shares.
One afternoon, a neighbour, walking by, saw her crafting and enquired what she was doing.
“I’m building a house, ” she replied.
“It’s too small,” he remarked. “But it’s mine,” she said.
Life has knocked Galyna down on more than one occasion but she never fails to get back up.
In 1986, a few months after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Galyna, who had married at 17 for love, gave birth to a daughter who fell very ill a few weeks later. Her husband, a paramedic, had volunteered in the clean-up at Chernobyl. At the time, the dangers of radiation weren’t fully understood. After two months in intensive care, the infant was taken away for an intravenous procedure and Galyna never saw her again. Later, she learned that her daughter had suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency, caused by prenatal radiation exposure. The tragedy plunged Galyna into deep depression for a year and a half until the birth of her second daughter eventually helped her find the strength to live again. However, happiness was short-lived. A divorce was followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union, plunging the country into chaos.
“People were left without jobs or money, shops stood empty, and even basic necessities were scarce. Communities survived through mutual support,” shares Galyna.
“Children’s toys and sweets were unimaginable luxuries…sometimes even food was hard to come by,” she continues.
Humour became a lifeline, one that has helped Galyna navigate many challenges in life.
Fascinated with fashion since childhood, Galyna’s creativity also proved invaluable. Able to knit and sew, she crafted clothes for herself and her daughter. “My little girl was always the best-dressed child in kindergarten and school,” she shares proudly.
Positive energy has a way of attracting positive outcomes. During their short time in West Cork, Vlad and Galyna have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who have opened up their homes and their hearts to them. The couple were relying on lifts to the bus stop and shops and then someone gifted them a car. The editor of a local arts magazine helped organise a solo exhibition of Galyna’s fashion and art photography. Firewood, bread and pastries, a secondhand sewing machine, an oven, support for their business idea….gifts appear as if out of nowhere leading to life-changing opportunities and friendships.
“It is impossible to name everyone who has supported us, and words cannot fully express our gratitude,” says Galyna. “These people didn’t just help us adapt – they became part of our lives, part of our story.”
Vlad and Galyna’s story began in 2005 when they met at a nightclub in Ukraine. Vlad was celebrating his 19th birthday with friends and, Galyna, 37 at the time, was sitting just behind him. After sparking up a conversation, they discovered a shared interest in Eastern philosophy, and romance blossomed. A few months later however Galyna, who had two children, ended the relationship, as she didn’t see a future with Vlad, who was still a university student.
While they remained in touch, their paths diverged. Vlad went on to marry in 2009 but his marriage ended in divorce three years later. Then, in 2013, a chance encounter with someone who looked just like Galyna prompted him to make contact with her again and within months of reconnecting they were living together. They married in 2014.
Now while Vlad focuses on improving his English and advancing his skills in artificial intelligence; Galyna, as well as making tiny houses, keeps busy creating jewellery from natural found materials, sewing clothing and bags and organising creative photoshoots. She loves rooting around in charity shops, finding unique items to upcycle and has helped to style the window at the St Vincent de Paul shop in Skibbereen. She has also joined a local spinning club, finding friendship, as well as an outlet for her creative energy.
The couple are actively engaged in learning and self-development courses and make the effort to participate in various community activities to support their integration into Irish culture.
While they like to keep busy and have different daily commitments, Vlad and Galyna always make time for each other and like to share breakfast and dinner together every day at their home near Schull, discussing various topics ranging from the war in Ukraine and politics to philosophy, quantum physics or business ideas. Now that they have a car they enjoy exploring West Cork together.
While their future may be uncertain, the couple remain optimistic: Their hope is that the war in Ukraine will end one day in the not-too-distant future with a just peace and they will get to see their home again. But for now they are committed to engaging with the West Cork community and working together to bring their business ideas to life.
