Valeriya Horyayeva is a Ukrainian living in Nelson. Before the war she had fantastic life with her husband. She had her own marketing business and fondly remembers many parties with friends. After the Russian attacks everything changed. Her husband can’t leave the country because of war, her business stopped, her friends now are refugees in Europe.
Valeriya came here with her 4 1/2yr old daughter. They are now building a new life and routine, which she believes is important to stay strong and positive. She is currently looking for a marketing job and spends her spare time helping the Ukrainian community. She likes politics because its hard to be silent and she’s always willing to answer anyones questions about the Russian war in Ukraine, like Nelson’s very own Ukrainian ambassador.
What do you always end up talking to people at parties about?
When I’m at a party and people hear my accent and then ask where I am from and then I answer. We begin to talk about my country and politics, And when the conversation ends it finishes with “I hope war will be finished soon and your husband will be with you”.
If you could change one thing here what would you change?
I escaped from war in Ukraine with my daughter, granny and 2 dogs. And now I can’t have my dogs with me here, who are 12 and 10 years old. Because the procedure is terrible - quarantine for 6 month in European country, expensive flight about $2000 and 10 days quarantine here for $2000 per one pet. It’s huge amount of money to have your pet-family member here. So I’d like to change system of bringing pets here. I didn’t plan to immigrate here, but because of danger I had to. And I’m very thankful for this opportunity, but unfortunately I don’t know how it’s possible to leave your pets with someone, who they don’t know, because of the law. They miss me so much and waiting for me everyday near the door, and I miss them also. I hope that we can change it.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I was phd student and my studying was about microfinancing and maybe I will realise my ideas soon ;)
You can follow Valerie on instagram @valerie.konyk
Valerie photographed at Isel Park