What challenges did you face as a young immigrant building a career in one of the toughest industries and cities in the world?
One big thing I noticed is how conservative a lot of big companies can be. I love doing creative, bold, and modern shoots, but sometimes they prefer very safe and traditional content, which can feel a bit limiting.
Another challenge was learning patience. I’m used to working really fast, diving into projects completely, and turning things around on short timelines. Here, the pace is slower—you can wait weeks for an email or go through endless steps for approvals and edits. It was tough at first, but I’ve learned to be more patient and trust the process.
And, of course, there’s the nonstop networking. It’s the only way to build connections and find work here. As an introvert, that can be a bit draining—it’s hard to always be ‘on’ and ready to socialize. But I’ve learned to push through it, and it’s been worth it because it’s helped me meet amazing people and get great opportunities.

What does your role as a producer entail, and what are some of the key responsibilities that come with it?
As a producer, I’m like the mother and father of the project. My role involves overseeing every detail to ensure everything runs smoothly—from negotiating agreements with brands and models to organizing call sheets, permits, presentations, coffee breaks, post-production schedules, and meeting deadlines.

At the same time, there’s a strong creative side to it. I’m deeply involved in creating the mood, bringing storytelling to life, and aligning with the client’s vision to ensure the final result matches what we set out to achieve. It’s a role that requires a balance of strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and artistry—I’m responsible for the project’s success while also being the creative force behind it and ensuring everyone feels supported throughout the process.

Can you tell us about the experience of producing the recent Vanguard Magazine cover? What made that project special?
Oh, I can’t wait to see the Vanguard Magazine cover in stores. Every editorial shoot is special to me because it’s a chance to create and bring a vision to reality.
For this project, I had an idea of showcasing powerful, empowered women, and I felt that the TWA Hotel—with its stunning, strong architectural design—was the perfect location to set the tone. Our beautiful model, Brook, with her striking eyes and presence, really went together with the vision.
What truly made this project special, though, was the team. My favorite photographer, Tina Sokolovska, who always supports my ideas and turns them into magic; Yulia, our stylist, who brought the mood to life through the wardrobe; and Dosha, who created such a stunning look for the model. A project is only as good as the people behind it, and I’m so grateful for this dream team.
I also want to thank the Vanguard team for being so supportive throughout the process.

You’ve worked on shoots for top brands like Vogue, Marie Claire, and Beauty Blender. What’s the secret to consistently delivering at such a high level?
There’s no big secret—it all comes down to self-organization, multitasking, and staying committed to the result. The rhythm of these high-level shoots is intense and challenging: managing multiple processes at once, handling tight deadlines, lack of sleep, and those 6 AM flights. What keeps me going is not letting my ‘tired inner child’ take over. No matter how exhausting it gets, I always prioritize delivering the best results and taking full responsibility for every detail. It’s about staying focused, organized, and ready to bring your best, no matter the circumstances.

How has living and working in New York shaped your career and ambitions?
New York is a place where the sky’s the limit—what might have seemed like a distant goal before, like a Vogue cover, now feels achievable. In New York, dreams and goals just keep expanding, and your list gets bigger and bigger.
At the same time, the city teaches you balance and focus. In such a fast-paced industry, you learn to prioritize what’s truly important—appreciating your time, understanding its value, and recognizing the importance of your team, not just the end results or big ideas.
At the same time, New York has reminded me to nurture my creative side. Between the deadlines and responsibilities, it’s essential to find time for projects that inspire me personally, to keep that creative fire alive. I’ve found that the balance between purpose and passion is what makes this city so transformative. It pushes you to dream bigger, work harder, and still find joy in the process.

How did you become a partner at 917 Agency, and what makes this agency unique?
In my first week when I moved to New York, I met Tina Sokolovska, the founder of 917 Agency. I had so much respect for her fearlessness, her drive, and the fire she had as a woman who not only dreamed big but took real action to make those dreams happen. Tina just started running the agency. I wanted to support her ideas, and we started working together 24/7. I’m incredibly grateful that Tina recognized my dedication and engagement, and that trust led us to become partners, running the agency together.

What makes 917 Agency unique is how deeply we care about our clients. We don’t just deliver work—we see our clients as partners and invest ourselves fully into their brand stories. We aim to create work that has meaning, going beyond their expectations to make every project even stronger.

We’re proud of what we do. With our Ukrainian attitude and character, we thrive under short timelines and always deliver results of the highest quality. We’re flexible, hands-on, and passionate about achieving exceptional outcomes, proving that we’re just as capable—if not more so—than larger production companies. Our flexibility, dedication, and focus on excellence are what set us apart.

You’re passionate about empowering women in production. What steps do you think the industry needs to take to support more women leaders?
First of all, the industry needs to trust women. Even today, when people think of a production house, the image that often comes to mind is a group of men in a laid-back office setting. It’s time to change that narrative and recognize that women are equally powerful, capable, and innovative in this field.
To achieve this, it’s important for women to support one another—giving each other opportunities, collaborating, and lifting each other up. Creating platforms to showcase talented women, such as exhibitions, communities, or initiatives that highlight female DPs, directors, photographers, and producers, can make a huge impact.The more we highlight women’s successes and talents in these roles, the more we’ll inspire and empower the next generation to step into leadership positions. It’s about breaking stereotypes, building networks, and fostering an environment where women feel confident, valued, and seen.

How do you balance the high-pressure demands of your work with staying creative and inspired?
Balancing the pressure with creativity is all about finding moments to recharge and reconnect. Even in the busiest times, I make space for simple things like a walk, a book, or exploring art. Sometimes it’s hard, cause my brain is always in a work mood but I’m always trying to change focus.

What’s next for you and 917 Agency? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
There’s so much to look forward to! We’re working on some exciting collaborations with new brands that are allowing us to push boundaries creatively. We also have plans to expand our team and take on larger projects while staying true to our values.