I was born and raised in Crimea during the collapse of the Soviet Union, a time filled with political and economic chaos. Growing up under Soviet influence meant living in a society where individuality was discouraged, especially for women. There was a strong expectation to blend in and focus on survival rather than personal fulfillment.
As a child, I was naturally drawn to creativity — music, ballet, and art gave me a sense of freedom in a world that felt heavy and controlled. But those dreams were cut short when government funding for arts programs disappeared. My teenage years were about survival. I witnessed my country fall apart while organized crime, poverty, and fear took over.
Like most girls in my culture, I was taught to suppress my feminine energy. Being beautiful or expressive was seen as dangerous or shameful. I internalized the belief that success meant working hard and blending in — not standing out or owning my power.
