Focus is your secret to success!

 A unique story of discovering new strengths in forced migration

Fleeing from war, Ukrainian logistic professional Natalia Horbenko, 44, did not know what to expect. One thing was clear— the war would not end as soon as many had hoped. To adapt to the new reality she needed a plan. Confronting a different culture, legal system, and mentality, she quickly learned an essential rule: if you want to live in London, you have to be active.

Before the invasion, Natalia lived and worked in Kyiv as a business development manager at Hileya, a Ukrainian logistics company specializing in trade. She collaborated with well-known Ukrainian exporters such as Chumak, Lukas, and Kernel. During the Russian offensive, logistics operations continued to support both domestic and international trade. While some factories were destroyed, sunflower oil manufacturers like Radema and Oliyar managed to keep operating. 

Living Through Psychological Stress and Adapting to a New Life

Despite the psychological stress of war and adjusting to a fast-paced life in London, Natalia's thoughts remained focused on Ukraine: "How can I help? How can I be useful here?" The answer was clear—she had to keep working and supporting the soldiers on the front lines by actively donating to the army and expanding international trade in the UK.

"International trade with European countries and the UK is what will save Ukraine’s economic front from collapse," Natalia explained. Her time abroad proved to be productive. After some time, she opened Hileya’s representative office in London and began actively developing global trade for Ukrainian goods across Europe.

Passion for Design

The dream of working in design had always lived within her, waiting for the right moment. During her busy days of work, business meetings, and events, Natalia realized that there would never be a "right moment" to pursue what she truly loved.

Balancing her role as a logistics director from 9 to 5, she dedicated her free time to something she had always dreamed of - sewing. Born and raised in Poltava, she had known about the ancient Reshetylivka white-on-white embroidery technique which her grandmother taught. As she began sketching and sewing her designs, she quickly realized that production abilities in London were limited. To solve the problem she partnered with colleagues in Ukraine to manufacture the clothing in Kyiv and ship them to the UK. "And as a logistics professional, I handle customs clearance myself," she said.

Natalia draws inspiration from ancient Ukrainian myths, history, and folklore but challenges traditional styles by adding a tad of modern twist. Ukrainian embroidered clothing is just one part of how she aims to showcase Ukraine to the world. Her goal is to represent her homeland from as many positive angles as possible.

Film and Production

Immersing herself in London’s energy and vibe Natalia actively attended events, connected with new people, and collaborated with artists and designers. One evening, she met British producer Lucy Vinegerova, and together they began raising funds for documentary films about Ukraine.

"The first film will be about Bucha. The whole world has seen what the Russians have done. Rebuilding Bucha is set to be released in late February," Natalia shared.

Another documentary, "Ecological Consequences of War," aims to amplify Ukrainian voices and shed light on Russia’s environmental war crimes. To achieve this, Natalia and Lucy set out to contact Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy. "They are strong supporters of Ukraine, and through their voices, we can tell the world what is happening," she explained.

Adaptation and Inner Strength

Adjusting to a new reality takes effort. "When you have a career, a home, and stability in Ukraine, life feels perfect and secure. But when you're forced to start over from scratch, it’s incredibly difficult. There is an inner conflict, but at the same time, you have to provide for your children and adapt to a new country. However, Ukrainian women are the driving force of our nation—they are full of energy, persistence, and courage," Natalia said.

Of course, not every day was filled with optimism and success. Ups and downs can shake even the strongest people. "Building a strong psychological foundation within yourself is essential for taking any further action. After that, you can act on your plan."

Without the support of her friends and colleagues, she admits that handling the overwhelming stress and the uncertainty of a new country would have been much harder. Natalia believes that seeking support is completely normal during challenging times.

"Charity organisations, communities, hobbies, training, or networking events—anything that helps you grow and feel like yourself again is valuable."

The language played an important role in her adaptation process. To register a business, participate in networking events without appropriate spoken language. She arrived in London with little English, so the only way for her was to establish a base. 

"Learn from experiences in your field, acquire new skills, collaborate, and unite. These connections will help you find your footing and achieve new heights. This will help you to build your path or start a career in a host country.” 

She does not know all the steps ahead, but In the end, if you know what you want - the right people and opportunities will come along.