– Hello, Luba. Please tell us about yourself.
I was born in a very beautiful city in St. Petersburg. In my first year at the institute, I met my future husband, who came to St. Petersburg on an exchange program to learn Russian. After graduating from college, being already married, I moved to Texas. I never dreamed about America, and I had imagined Texas to be completely different.
– Tell us about your work. What were the difficulties? What interesting cases do you remember?
I have been working as a photographer for over 10 years. Even before moving to the USA, I had my own photography studio. I tried myself in different directions, but after the birth of my first child, I began to specialize in photography of newborns, older children, and families. I adore babies and I am very glad when I am trusted with a most precious miracle, which was born only a week ago. Difficulties? Photographers always have a lot of competition, like young specialists who are ready to work for free 🙂 But I maintain good relationships with many photographers, I am always ready to share my experience and take pictures of each other.
– What do you like most about Austin?
From St. Petersburg, I immediately came to Tyler, a small town with a population of 100 thousand people. It was a culture shock, and I was ready to escape from there to any big city. The choice fell on Austin, and I’m glad I ended up here. I met a lot of good people and fell in love with the city center, which vaguely resembles Peter and the Neva.
– How do you participate in the life of the Russian-speaking community?
I have been working in a Russian school for three years now, teaching handicrafts, and teaching the kids the Russian language.
– What event in the life of the community in recent years excited you the most?
I love all the holidays that are organized here. We always go to pancake week, to performances in the Russian school, New Year. Children are delighted with Santa Claus and still remember the Queen of Lentils.
– What do you do and are interested in besides this?
I love everything related to creativity. I draw, knit, sew, embroider, weave mandalas, draw with henna, sculpt from polymer clay. Sometimes I organize master classes. I spend a lot of time in the garden, there is always something to transplant and water. I love to cook and always prefer healthy dishes.
– What else would you like to tell us about yourself?
I have three children, a 6 year old, a 4 years old, and a 1.5 year old. They were born at home, they do not go to school, but are homeschooled. I like to watch how they develop in different ways, learn at their own pace and learn what interests them. We love to chat and read books. They speak two languages perfectly. We are always happy to make new friends.
– What are your wishes for Russian speakers in Austin in the future?
I hope that we will meet more often and support each other in difficult times. I am very glad that Russian online groups always respond to requests for help, share information and things.
– What would you like Americans to learn about Russian culture, traditions, holidays?
Unfortunately, knowing and understanding are two different things. Even if you know about a fierce winter, it’s not the same as living for 4 months in a fur coat and felt boots 🙂 Here my American husband lived in Russia from birth, and knows everything from the inside. So we need to interview him about traditions.
Contact information:
Luba Cain
(903) 681-6242
E-mail: Contact e-mail
Interviewer: Olga Kravchenko
Publisher: Russian Cultural Center