– Where did you live before coming to Austin and what did you do?
I was born in Odessa, in a city with its own broad soul and culture. I graduated from the Odessa Academy of Civil Engineering, the Institute of Architecture. At the same time I was interested in children’s psychology.
– How did you get to Austin?
My husband and I used to live in New York but I quickly realized that it was not my city. I absolutely did not know what to do there and how to open up. It lacked nature, heart, and sincerity. Google told us that there were two wonderful cities, Austin and Portland. No wonder that being from Odessa, the city drenched in the sun’s rays, we chose hot Austin. And it was not a mistake. Literally from the first days of our life in this city, we met many open and good-natured people. This is how Austin conquered me!
– Please tell us about your work.
Recently I opened a Russian home daycare the “Lion”, a place where the best of Soviet and American traditions of preschool child care will be combined. A real fusion! In general, I would like to create an atmosphere where children will be motivated and have lots of opportunities to develop their interests and personalities.
I also deal with my family and everyday life, probably not very romantic, someone might think. But for me it is a great step in personal growth. Different and interesting people live with me and I am learning to accept their light and dark sides, like the Moon. It’s important for me to learn to accept and love.
Of course, I would not have been able to cope with such a task on my own, because all of us have our limitations, if I do not have a source of strength.
After three years of living in Austin, to my surprise, I discovered the Russian Orthodox Church. Having come one day to an Easter service, I felt the joy, splendor and thrill of this holiday. On this day, I found God Who was waiting for me.
– What cultural characteristics and habits from your pre-American life do you support?
At home, we try to cook homemade food and have dinner together. It is important for us to preserve family values when the father is the head of the family. We also love to spend time with each other.
– Please tell us about your hobbies.
I love to cook Ukrainian and Russian dishes! I’m ready to compete for the best borscht.
Charity is also an important part of my life, but so far it is in the hobby section. Recently, with Zina Semyonova, as part of the Maslenitsa holiday, we managed to organize the confectionery products sale to support medical needs of Tasya Larionova. We did not expect such a success. People showed their interest and happily snapped up cakes and pancakes. All this became possible only thanks to the pastry chefs, who prepared baked goods for sale for collection free of charge.
– How would you like to help the Russian-speaking community?
I have always wanted to open my own business that will benefit others. Probably I dreamed about it since my childhood. I always wanted to find ways to help elderly people or orphans. These were dreams, but the idea remained. At this point of my life it became possible for me to create my own projects that do not take my attention away from the family. These projects are related to parenting.
This is how the Walk from Malyshandia was born. This is a place where parents with children can spend time outdoors freely and free of charge. Unfortunately, such an important element of childhood is disappearing. I am happy to return this tradition and there is a response to it! Austin is home to a lot of people who love nature and the city provides us with an incredible number of creeks and parks, thanks to which children have a place to play, fool around and climb.
I hope in the future we will be able to open another group where mothers can share the sorrows and joys of motherhood, recharge with energy and knowledge that will bring positive results.
Contact information:
Ania Kutiavina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/445761893450459
Tel. 917-714-1465
Interviewer: Viktoria Romanova
Editor: Olga Falkowski
Publisher: Russian Cultural Center