“When I first picked up a pair of scissors, I got goosebumps”: Olha’s story as a participant in the Reboot programme

For more than 15 years, Olha dreamed of becoming a hairdresser. But life kept forcing her to put that dream on hold. First, there was her job as an engineer at an energy company and a lack of time and resources. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the outbreak of the full-scale war. Due to constant shelling and security risks, Olha was forced to leave her hometown of Zaporizhzhia and relocate to Cherkasy.

It was in her new city that Olha finally allowed herself to pursue what she had long dreamed of. Today, she is a participant in the Ukrainian Red Cross’s “Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities” programme in Cherkasy.

As part of the hairdressing course, she is learning modern haircutting techniques, gaining hands-on experience, and gradually discovering a profession she has long wanted to pursue.

“When I first picked up a pair of scissors and gave someone a haircut, I got goosebumps. But the models were incredibly supportive and understanding of us beginners. That gave me confidence in my skills and in myself,” Olha says.

Today, Olha plans to continue developing her skills in the hairdressing profession, attend additional training courses, and keep improving her expertise. She is particularly interested in barbering.

“I don’t want to stop. There is always something new to learn in this profession, so I want to keep developing. Maybe one day I’ll find a job in a salon. And as for starting my own business — who knows? Anything is possible.”