Lifestyle Notes - Tanya Kamenieva

We’re excited to introduce our new series — Lifestyle Notes. In it, we’ll be sharing stories of inspiring people from various fields and offering a glimpse into their way of life.

The first feature highlights Tanya Kamenieva, the director of the Shields Ukraine charity foundation. Since March 2022, the organization has been providing critical support to Ukrainian troops on the front lines. In our conversation, we talked about how her journey in charity work began, what drives her to keep going, and how clothing can carry both style and emotional weight.

You’ve worked in various fields — the restaurant industry, social activism, and charity work. What motivated you at each of these stages?

Whatever I was involved in, I was always driven by the idea and the purpose behind it. I love when work energizes and empowers you — when it becomes a space where dreams can take shape.

When did you first feel the desire to dedicate yourself to helping others?

I don’t really feel like I’m dedicating myself to helping others. It feels more like I’m dedicating myself — to myself — by doing what I truly enjoy. It just so happens that I’m genuinely drawn to charity work as a phenomenon.

What was your first charitable project?

I was 22 when my partner and I opened a restaurant in Kharkiv called “Snow on Your Head”. The kitchen team included both people with mental disabilities and those without. I had come across a similar concept abroad, spent a sleepless night thinking about it, and realized — this is what I want to do. I loved the idea of creating a space where there’s room for everyone.

“A good life is made up of choices and courage — and all of it demands great strength from each of us.”

What does a typical day look like for you? And what might seem like a small thing from the outside, but actually takes a lot of strength?

I wake up, take a cold shower, and have the same breakfast every day. Then I grab my dog and head to work. I work, connect with my loved ones, and make time for exercise. A good life is made up of choices and courage — and all of that takes a great deal of strength from each of us.

You work with topics that require a lot of empathy. How do you take care of yourself and your mental well-being? Do you have any personal rituals?

The spaces that call for empathy are often the very ones filled with strength, faith, hope, and inspiration. So I’m not only giving — I’m also receiving. I recharge when I’m surrounded by nature, when I’m reading, going to the sauna, or spending time with friends — simple, universal things that bring most people comfort.

If everyone in the country could do one good deed — what would you suggest?

Be kind to yourself.

How do you decide what to wear in the morning? Do you have a go-to formula for your favorite look?

I have two moods: either I want to dress up, or I want to wear something that won’t tire me out. Sometimes you put on a beautiful outfit and feel great — like a queen — but by the end of the day, you can’t wait to take it off. I like dressing in a way that lets me forget about my clothes, not spend the whole day dreaming of changing — just something simple and effortless.

Is there an item in your wardrobe that holds a story or special emotional significance?

I bought an ALYX bag just a couple of days before the full-scale invasion: a small evening bag with a thick chain. When I was packing a go-bag under shelling that morning, for some reason, I took it with me, even though I left behind many more important things. I thought, “This will be for Victory Day.” Back then, we still had thoughts like that. Now, I don’t like it as much — I could sell it, but I keep it because it’s a piece for that “special day.”