Olya Tsikhanchuk is like a breeze of fresh air: her contagious smile, her honest words, her amazing illustrations and interior design choices...

We discovered her work while browsing on Pinterest and one of her beautiful illustrated family portraits popped up. Since that moment we enjoy following her steps on Instagram and she's a big inspiration for us.

Let's meet Olya!

Ahoy Olya! Welcome to our journal, it’s a pleasure having you here today! Could you please introduce yourself? Where are you from? What do you do?

I am Olya, born in Belarus, raised there mostly, but with an international mindset as I have traveled and studied abroad since I was a little kid. Maybe that is why I moved from Belarus when I was 26, and have been based in Finland ever since, though thinking about my destination. I had been a language teacher for 9 years  before I became a graphic designer and illustrator, the journey that started from art school which I enrolled to in 2016. Besides creating beautiful things, I also like creating adventures: be that traveling alone, organising events for friends, or simply going on treasure hunts with my son. 

We discovered your illustrations while browsing on Pinterest and immediately loved their freshness and boldness. Do you have a creative routine? Some activities that boost your creativity and make you feel inspired?

Thank you! Bright and loud colors are my inner world reflection. I like to combine simplicity of form with the complexity of colors. But I don’t really have a routine or a philosophy, I believe in sitting down and start working, and often I prefer to creating trusting my gut and my eye, if I like it - people will do too, if I have a story behind my art  - people will listen and connect. I am all about creating a positive experience and spreading good vibes with what I do! 

You launched an amazing app called Dress Up that combines two of our passions: our favourite childhood game and some of our favorite fashion brands. How did you came up with the idea?

That is such a cool project! It still needs lots of work, which craves the time. The idea came from my love for sustainable kids fashion brands. I started drawing the garments I liked and wanted to buy for my son, planning his outfits, and then I thought that it would be awesome that many of us could easily create outfits and share, just like we share collages on IG. I believe in this project so much, so let’s hope it can still pick up and be bigger! 

We also love your taste for interiors, such an amazing blend of styles, full of personality! Where does it come from?

Oh! I think it is all about my experience of homes in different countries. Everywhere I lived - I loved some features, some aesthetically, some practically. At my home I need to have beautiful things around me, the environment where I can create with no limits. However, my home office is also a home for my son, my dog and my friends - all the beautiful things must have a purpose. I don’t like to have too many things, so I am trying to buy less, and then I try to buy second hand, or reuse items, give them second life.  I think I am only learning what my “perfect” home is - which is great! Perfection is boring for me - I enjoy the journey of searching for it more =) 

We know you have a soft spot for sustainable, ethical and fun European brands, and we are so happy Don Fisher is among them! What do you like about our universe?

Fun is  important! Strong idea is important! Visual appeal is important! Don Fisher has it all! I love the practicality of the items and the opportunity to use it for many purposes, together with the original and playful look - it is a perfect combo for children and parents.   

Thank you so much for joining us, Olya! It was a pleasure chatting with you (and having your son Alfred as well) and getting to know you and your world a bit more.

You'll find Olya's inspiring work on her new website, her Instagram account, and you can also download her Dress Up App here.