Svitlana’s Journey to Combers

Combers Stylist talks about her life-changing journey from war-torn Ukraine to the UK

SVITLANAOn February 24, 2022 at 5:00am my life changed before and after. Before the war between Russian and the Ukraine you live and make plans for the future, but after you don’t know if there will be a future at all.

The first three days we lived in the basement and believed that everything would soon end and we just needed to wait it out. Every day you come to understand that this is all real and going to last a long time. You have to adapt to the new reality.

Two months of existence in a country where there is a war means that you do not sleep at night because of constant shelling, you need to find food because the stores are not working and at the same time you need to be strong for your child. The final decision to leave Ukraine was prompted by yet another missile strike, after which there was no trace left of the building that the missile hit.

On April 13, 2022, I packed my entire life into one suitcase, took my son, said goodbye to my husband, and went to an unknown future. After a short stop in Warsaw, we flew to Birmingham, where our new friends were already waiting for us and took us in at their home. This is how my new life began, where everything changed: from my name, work and language.

I have seen from my own experience that there are many kind people in the world. That is why I believe that kindness will save the world.

Arriving in Taunton, my son and I lived for a whole year with a wonderful Newbury family. For 4 months, my new friends helped me adapt to a new country. My son went to school after one month, he did not speak English at all. After 2 and a half months, my son mastered English and made many new friends.

To improve my English, I attended courses at the Charity Centre. (I want to note that it is wonderful when there are such centres where you can get help on any issue.) When I felt ready to move on I started looking for a job and was very lucky to find a position at Combers Inside Out.  Starting as a lead assistant hairdresser, I spent over a year learning and growing within the Combers Academy refreshment hairdressing course. Now, having graduated, I am proud to step into the role of a stylist.

Being part of this amazing team has not only allowed me to fulfil my dreams but also gain independence and learn new things every day. While the devastation in my homeland and the separation from my husband weigh heavily on my heart, I remain hopeful for a future reunion where we can live together in our own home in England.

I love meeting new people and would love to help you with your hair.  You can read my professional profile and prices here

Svitlana Kacianenko