During the latter years of my studies, as the Covid pandemic took hold, I began working at an advertising agency. Simultaneously, I started exploring the craft of chain jewelry. My first piece was an outfit created for a party, and the positive reception led me to delve deeper into the medium. I invested earnings from advertising into this new venture. I began to exhibit at local markets and collaborate with photographers. My Instagram account, if you scroll back to the start, holds many early examples of this. In August, I took a trip to Georgia as a respite. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, mobilization was announced in Russia. I made the difficult choice to remain in Georgia. This is where my path as an artist truly began. Emigration is always a complex experience, but to be in a new country, starting from the ground up, with limited financial resources (having invested my savings back home) was particularly challenging. I then made the decision to shift my social media to English, which also presented a learning curve for me. I engaged a language tutor, as my English skills were basic at best. I found sources for materials and started designing new pieces. Working with my hands was a powerful way to manage stress. The environment in Georgia was incredibly inspirational – surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes. My designs rapidly progressed, moving to more complex chain work and integrating crystals. I was able to exhibit in markets and was invited to participate in a local fashion show.