GIRLS IN THE CITY

Discover the stories of three ukrainian women who have built successful careers and fulfilling lives in london. In honour of international women's day, I am volya has interviewed these inspiring women who share their experiences of living and working in london. During the interview, they showcase ukrainian fashion available at I am volya, and the all-ukrainian crew behind the scenes, with some members of crimean tatar ancestry. Read on to be inspired by these incredible women and learn how they've made their mark in london.

ALISA

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH? 

I have always been a civil servant. I started as a consultant at the president's administration and now work as a diplomat.

WHAT PERSONALITY TRAIT HAVE YOU ADOPTED GROWING UP IN UKRAINE THAT HELPS YOU THE MOST IN YOUR LIFE?

I am a person who values freedom a lot. It gives me the superpower of being responsible for complex projects, pushing them on my own, and enjoying it.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND UKRAINIANS AT WORK?

I think the main difference is in time management — the british stress about completing tasks in a month that ukrainians could easily do in a week. Additionally, british people are much more respectful in their communication.

WHAT ARE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE LIFE IN LONDON?

London feels just right.

WHAT LONDONER HABITS HAVE YOU ADOPTED SINCE MOVING HERE?

I say "Sorry" and "Thank you" at least 100 times a day.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLOTHING AT THE MOMENT?

I feel sooo sexy wearing my ttswtrs bodysuit with one exposed shoulder. When I wear it, I get a lot of compliments.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

You are enough.

WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST FROM BACK HOME?

My loved ones and the food. I miss ukrainian food so much

IRENE

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH? 

I moved to london in 2016 to study sociology and was doing a lot of photography at the time. Oh, and I was absolutely against working in a corporate environment, let alone finance. Well, as london does, it laughed at my plans, and gave me an opportunity to try both! Can’t say it was the easiest transition, but I knew what I wanted to get from this job so I went for it.

WHERE DO YOU WORK NOW?

Since graduating in 2019, I have been working at blackrock where I look after client relationships in the uk's defined contribution pension market. One day I plan to bring my skills and knowledge home to build sustainable financial futures for ukrainians.

WHAT ARE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE LIFE IN LONDON?

Diversity, energy, and pubs.

WHAT PLACE IN LONDON DO YOU MOST ASSOCIATE WITH YOURSELF?

Hackney city farm, a combination of fluffy goats and sheep and the liveliness of london.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Girl, respect your authentic self and defend your boundaries.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLOTHING AT THE MOMENT?

Kseniaschneider jeans are the best!

WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST FROM BACK HOME?

My parents picking me up at the airport when I flew home from london. It's a ritual from our previous reality that I hope to reclaim very soon.

TANIA

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH? 

I started at a small advertising agency in kyiv as a targeting advertising manager, and now I work for one of the global 4 in the brand, marketing, and communications department.

WHAT PERSONALITY TRAIT HAVE YOU ADOPTED GROWING UP IN UKRAINE THAT HELPS YOU THE MOST IN YOUR LIFE?

Independence and the willingness to take responsibility for my life.

YOUR MORNING RITUAL IS…

Facial gymnastics, texting back to my bf, who is currently in Ukraine, checking the news, proper breakfast (eggs on toast with avo and vegs), and coffee.

WHAT ARE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE LIFE IN LONDON?

Dynamic, inclusive, and creative.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLOTHING AT THE MOMENT?

Katia beslik upcycling shirt in blue.

YOUR SECRET PLACE FOR A MIDDAY BREAK IN LONDON?

When working from home, by the thames, on a bench two minutes walk from my flat. When working from the office, a backyard by the office gives a view of tower bridge.

WHAT PLACE IN LONDON DO YOU MOST ASSOCIATE WITH YOURSELF?

Tate modern.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Network more and take public speaking lessons.

WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST FROM BACK HOME?

My people and puppy, our great service, and early mornings at my apartment with a view over Kyiv

TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY VENERA VAITOVA

STYLING ADILE SEIT-ARIF

SET MANAGEMENT ANASTASIIA MEDYNSKA