"Of course, this is not easy; we have to readjust, study local laws, rules, customs, speech patterns, and people's behaviour, and much more to better understand the culture and feel comfortable. During [this] half a year, we got used to our new life, many things became clear and not as complicated as it seemed at first glance. But of course, any change takes time," said Vikhliaieva.
For Halina Stepansova, a professional makeup stylist from Kharkov in Northeast Ukraine, work was a constant stream of styling for fashion brands, magazines, and films. Stepansova had worked in the beauty industry for over ten years and was in high demand throughout Ukraine. However, when the war started, Stepansova's work completely halted, and the reality that war was real became impossible to hide from.
Germany has been a source of safety for Ukrainian refugees since the war began. Many have fled to Berlin, the country's capital,