Author's Story

In 2014 I had to leave the occupied Crimea and move to the Vinnytsia region, where my parents stayed. I have a 13-year-old daughter. In 2015, I got a job in the cultural center as a clerk, passed the exams and began my studies at a higher educational institution in the city of Vinnytsia, majoring in document studies. I studied, worked, lived and raised my child. In 2021, after the law of the liquidation of districts and unification of communities came into force, I lost my job because my institution was closed. For about a year now I have been unemployed. This is what made me turn my hobby into an income. There is no work in the city for me at all.

Since 2018 I have been sewing New Year's stuffed toys from soft felt, making decorations for Easter, St. Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc. Last year, a relative who works in a kindergarten asked me to make an educational book for the kids. I thoroughly and deeply studied this topic. For several weeks I have been watching videos, photos of craftsmen, and reading their blogs. To be honest, I fell in love with this craft. I like working with felt, and above all, I like when children play with such toys.

Children are EVERYTHING for us and everything should be the best for them.

Things were going well until this February. I wouldn't say very well, but I had enough. Since the war started until May, I did not sell a single book. At first, there was shock and fear, then stupor, and then life in stress, well, like for everyone else in our country. In the last two months, I sold only a few felt books and maybe a dozen search-and-find books for kids. I transfer 10% of all sales either to the Armed Forces of Ukraine or to public organizations that help animals.

I understand that these are difficult times for Ukraine and people do not buy books now. There are more opportunities for selling them abroad. A book costs not that much, people spend much more on unnecessary things, like alcohol or cigarettes.

 I am waiting for positive changes and I want children to enjoy my work. It is so nice when a child learns something new, smiles and laughs. It is the best anti-stress, because it hurts a lot when children suffer.

Thank you for reading till the end💕

Katerina, 43, Vinnytsia region