Yulia's Konarieva Story: A Ukrainian Journey to Canada

My Life BEFORE

Before the war, I lived a completely different life. I was an artist, a teacher, living in a world of colour and creativity. I loved making coffee in the morning, listening to my favourite music, and planning my day, which seemed endless. My life was filled with small joys: walks through familiar streets, the smell of freshly baked bread from the bakery near home, warm evening talks with loved ones. It was safety, familiarity, comfort — the kind of life that feels eternal, until one day, everything changes.

When Everything Changed

The war came suddenly, like a cold breath down my back. For a long time, I couldn’t believe it was really happening. It felt like my home, my habits, my favourite paintings — my entire life — was cracking under the sound of explosions. The decision to leave was the hardest one I’ve ever made. How can you leave your parents, friends, and the city that you grew up in? Packing my suitcase felt like putting pieces of my heart inside. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to the feeling of home, knowing that when you return, nothing will be the same.

My Journey

My journey to Canada was long and exhausting. Days of uncertainty, living out of a suitcase, constantly asking: 'What’s next?' The help of strangers became a real miracle — people reached out when I needed it most. The first days in Canada were mixed: I felt gratitude, confusion, and even guilt — that I was safe here, while my loved ones were still home, living with fear. But at the same time, I felt relief: my children could sleep peacefully, without sirens. And in that moment, that was the greatest happiness.

My Life Now and My Dreams

Today, I’ve been living in Canada for over two years. I have permanent residency. I founded my own coffee brand, HUTSUL Coffee Factory, and opened a café, Hutsul Space, where I introduce people to Ukrainian coffee culture. For me, this is not just a business, but a way to preserve and share a piece of Ukraine here, in this new country.

I’m returning to art again, because it has always been my inner home. I want to build not only a business in Canada but also a cultural space that brings together Ukrainians and Canadians and showcases our unique heritage.

My message to Canadians: thank you for supporting Ukrainians during this difficult time. We feel your kindness and solidarity.

And to Ukrainians I say: even far from home, we can preserve our roots and create new stories.

A letter to my future self:

'You made an important step to give your children a safe life. Don’t forget where you came from, and always hold on to your strength to create something new. Remember that your story is not only about loss, but also about new opportunities. You will be able to build a home here — one where the Ukrainian language is spoken, where the air smells like coffee from the Carpathians, and where creativity lives.'

By Yulia Konarieva.