A space for bright emotions: How a couple from Melitopol is reviving their life’s work

A spaceship, chilling horror-themed storylines, and dozens of exciting challenges — these and many other immersive experiences were created by Nadiia Koblova and her husband while living in Melitopol. Before the full-scale war, they had built their own network of escape rooms there.

The couple developed the scenarios themselves and created interactive entertainment spaces for both children and adults. Their escape rooms quickly became popular venues for various events, hosting family celebrations, birthday parties, and even, on one occasion, a marriage proposal.

This year, their business would have marked its tenth anniversary. But because of the war, the family was forced to leave Melitopol, along with the business into which they had invested years of effort, resources, and inspiration.

Nadiia and her husband relocated to Vinnytsia. As they began rebuilding their lives in a new city, they decided to create a new interactive space. Their motivation was to support children who had also been forced to leave their homes. Here, children will have a place to meet, make friends, play together, and grow.

Nadiia’s first steps towards rebuilding her business were made possible through her participation in the Ukrainian Red Cross microgrant support programme Reboot, implemented in the Vinnytsia region with financial support from the Spanish Red Cross.

She successfully completed the selection process and received funding to bring her new goal to life.

“For me, this is more than just a grant — it is faith that I can rebuild my business, help others, and continue giving people the emotions they need so much right now,” Nadiia shares.