“Ample Lutsk Gave Me a Second Wind”: The Story of Zhanna Zlatkovska, Who Escaped Occupation and Built Her Own Business in Lutsk

The war has changed the lives of thousands of Ukrainians, forcing many to leave their homes and start over. But even in new, unfamiliar cities, stories of inspiration emerge. One of them is the story of Zhanna Zlatkovska, an internally displaced person who, after moving to Lutsk, not only found peace but also discovered the strength to start her own business. Thanks to her participation in the Ample Lutsk project, she was able to fulfill a long-held dream – to make natural marshmallows and marmalade that are already winning the hearts of Lutsk residents. 

— Ms. Zhanna, please tell us how your story began. How did you end up in Lutsk, and what inspired you to join the Ample Lutsk project? 

— It all started when our city was occupied. That was probably the scariest period of my life. You wake up – and you don’t know if you’ll see your home or your loved ones tomorrow. One day, it became clear that staying was too dangerous. We had to leave. 

I left everything – my belongings, my job, my memories, my usual life. All that remained was a small suitcase and the belief that somewhere ahead there would be a place where I could find peace. That’s how I ended up in Lutsk. Here, I was pleasantly surprised by the people – open, kind, always ready to help. I joined a group for internally displaced persons, and it was there that I saw an announcement about recruitment for the Ample Lutsk project. 

I remember thinking for a long time: can I do this? Will I have the strength and motivation? But something inside me whispered: “Try.” And I decided to give it a chance. Now I can say – that decision changed my life. 

— What surprised you most during the training within the project? Did your understanding of entrepreneurship change? 

— Yes, it changed completely. Before Ample Lutsk, I saw running a business as more of a hobby – you make something, sell it, feel happy. But during the first lectures, I realized that business is something entirely different. It’s planning, analysis, finance, strategy, marketing, communication, logistics – all in one. And most importantly – it’s not magic, it’s daily hard work. 

We learned to think like entrepreneurs. We analyzed mistakes, calculated budgets, and developed promotion strategies. At the same time, we received incredible moral support. Every training felt like a breath of fresh air. I started to understand that I could create something of my own – even from scratch. 

Ample Lutsk opened my eyes to how many opportunities are around us. You just need to stop being afraid to take the first step. 

— Do you remember the moment when you felt: this is it – I’m not just learning; I’m actually building my own business? 

— Yes, that moment stuck with me. Back in 2020, during the pandemic, I tried making marshmallows – mostly for my soul, to distract myself from the news. But I didn’t keep it up for long. Now, after taking part in the project, everything fell into place. I learned to see potential in this, to understand my customers, to recognize people’s needs. My business began to grow step by step. I got my first orders, feedback, and connections. And I realized: I can truly be an entrepreneur. 

— Tell us more about your sweets. What exactly do you make, and what makes your products special? 

— My business is homemade, hand-crafted marshmallows and marmalade. I make different shapes and flavors, create gift sets, and even floral compositions made of marshmallows. I always say that my marshmallows can be eaten without guilt. Everything is natural: fruits, berries, egg whites, a bit of sugar – and no chemicals. I strictly avoid sugar substitutes because they do more harm than regular sugar. My sweets are low in calories, so they’re suitable for children and for those who follow a diet. 

The taste is another story. I love experimenting, creating new combinations. And I also love making marshmallow bouquets. They look magical – like real flowers, only sweet. A perfect gift for a birthday or just a thoughtful gesture. Homemade marshmallows are nothing like store-bought ones. They’re soft, airy, with a delicate texture. And when you see people taste them and smile – you know your work is not in vain. 

— You pay attention to eco-friendliness in your production. How does that show in your work? 

— Yes, I consider it an important part of my business. Almost all ingredients are natural, so there’s practically no waste. I use fruits and berries entirely – nothing goes to waste. I’m not chasing mass production. Each batch is small, fresh, and made with love. 

— What did participation in the project give you in terms of personal growth? 

— In short – I found myself again. The project became a form of recovery for me. After everything that happened, I had lost the sense of stability, safety, and confidence. Ample Lutsk gave me back my faith in myself and my inner peace. I realized that even in a new city, with no connections, you can build something of your own. I learned not to be afraid to ask for help, to accept advice, to open up to new things. And most importantly – I learned to appreciate small steps forward. This project gave me a second wind. I felt that I was living, growing, and had a purpose. And that’s priceless. 

— What would you say to people who are now on the verge of change but are still hesitant? Especially to those who are also displaced persons or veterans? 

— I would say – just try. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it won’t come. Start small, with something you love. Mistakes will happen – that’s normal. But every mistake teaches you something. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are more willing to support you than you might think. I’ve seen this myself. There’s a phrase I heard during Ample Lutsk that really inspired me: “If you ask for support – you’ll receive support. If you ask for criticism – you’ll get criticism. Everything you radiate comes back to you.” And it’s true. So you need to radiate faith and the desire to act. Because the world always responds in kind. 

— And finally: how can people support you today? 

— The best support is simply to try my products. When people order, write “this is incredibly delicious,” share their impressions – it gives me strength and faith that I’m on the right path. I invite everyone to try my homemade marshmallows and marmalade by Zhanna Zlatkovska. For me, it’s a way to share a piece of what I found thanks to Ample Lutsk. 

Zhanna’s story is about how you can find yourself again. How something new – fragile but genuine – can emerge from the ruins of an old life. 

Ample Lutsk became a doorway for her into a new reality, one filled with dreams and a future. 
Because even when life falls apart into pieces – you can always put it back together again. 

Interviewer: Iryna Hryshchuk 

Interviewee: Zhanna Zlatkovska