Ukrainian refugee finds stability running art cafe in Henrico
Artist and Ukraine native Tetyana Rudenskykh always planned to be a business owner. Last year, she made that dream a reality by opening the Art Corner on Gaskins Road in Henrico.
The space is curated for the community to enjoy espresso while expressing themselves through art. The cafe offers homemade desserts and art classes for adults and children of all ages.
While sharing her love for art with others is a dream come true, the journey she and her family took to get to Richmond was a nightmare. Four years ago, Rudenskykh and her three boys were living in Ukraine when missiles from Russia were launched.
"I woke up to make milk for my small one, and I stood in front of window and I saw first rocket fall down in front of our building," Rudenskykh said. "It was heavy bombing, heavy attacks and we spent one week underground. It was five kids underground in a small room."
Scared, she fled the country with her children, forced to say goodbye to most of her friends and family.
Fighting through heartbreak, fear and uncertainty, Rudenskykh wanted to find stability for her children. She worked in Slovakia and then Germany before eventually landing in Richmond through a refugee program.
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