By: Alva Ree
Alva Ree: Good afternoon, Sarah. Thank you for joining us today. Your journey from Donetsk to Manhattan’s 5th Avenue is genuinely inspiring. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced along the way?
Sarah Akhtyrska: Thank you for having me. Yes, my journey has been marked by numerous challenges, particularly the onset of war in Donetsk at 2014, Ukraine. As a thriving entrepreneur, the conflict forced me to flee with my family to Kyiv, where I had to rebuild my life and business from scratch amidst the turmoil.
Alva Ree: That must have been incredibly difficult. How did you find the strength to persevere during such trying times?
Sarah Akhtyrska: It was challenging, but my determination and resilience kept me going. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, I refused to succumb to despair. I focused on channeling my energy into rebuilding my beauty salon in Kyiv, providing a sanctuary of beauty and self-care amidst the conflict.
Alva Ree: Your resilience is genuinely remarkable. What led you to decide to move to the United States?
Sarah Akhtyrska: As the conflict escalated in Kyiv, I realized that seeking refuge in the United States was the best option for my family’s safety and future. With courage and determination, we embarked on a new chapter in our lives, determined to turn adversity into opportunity. We had a challenging path – we fled because of the war and entered America using a humanitarian password through Mexico, but I’m glad that we were able to do it and we are together now.
Alva Ree: And now, you’ve achieved success on 5th Avenue with your beauty salon A-SKY. Can you tell us about your journey to establishing your business in Manhattan?
Photo Courtesy: A-SKY Studio/a_sky_studio
Sarah Akhtyrska: Opening a salon on 5th Avenue was a dream come true for me. Alongside my husband, we wasted no time pursuing our passion for beauty and entrepreneurship. Despite our daunting challenges, we remained steadfast in our commitment to our roots and proudly showcased Ukrainian products in our salon.
Alva Ree: Your story is truly inspiring, Sarah. What message do you hope to convey to others facing similar challenges?
Sarah Akhtyrska: Thank you. My message to others is simple: never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. With resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in yourself, anything is possible. I hope my story serves as a reminder that adversity can be overcome and success can be achieved, even in the face of the most significant challenges.
Alva Ree: Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us, Sarah. Your resilience and determination are truly admirable.
Sarah Akhtyrska: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my story.
Building on the remarkable story of Sarah Akhtyrska, it’s essential to delve deeper into the transformative challenges and victories she encountered. After settling in the United States, Sarah faced the daunting task of navigating a new culture and business landscape vastly different from Ukraine. Her entrepreneurial spirit, honed from years of overcoming adversity, propelled her forward. Sarah immersed herself in understanding the nuances of the American beauty industry, leveraging her unique perspective and expertise to carve out a niche for her salon.
The establishment of A-SKY studio on 5th Avenue marked a significant milestone in Sarah’s journey. This achievement was not just about opening another beauty salon; it was a testament to her resilience and ability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar territories. A-SKY quickly distinguished itself by offering a blend of traditional Ukrainian beauty treatments and modern aesthetics, attracting a diverse clientele fascinated by Sarah’s story and her commitment to excellence.
In reflecting on Sarah Akhtyrska’s journey, it’s clear that her story is one of incredible transformation, driven by an unyielding spirit and a deep-seated belief in the possibility of a better future. Her success on 5th Avenue is not merely a personal triumph but a beacon of hope and inspiration for many facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Sarah’s life underscores the power of resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
