Katya Krenina shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Katya, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day in my life right now begins with a quiet morning. At 7 am my husband brings me my morning coffee, a small ritual that grounds me for the day. I note things I am grateful for, say a few prayers and affirmations and get ready for the day. After breakfast I dive into studio work: sketching, zooming, writing, preparing orders. After a short drive to the post office I take a lunch break and go for a stroll outside my studio, usually looking for interesting plants, fallen leaves, pine cones, and little found treasures for inspiration. I miss walking my wheaten terrier Buddy, who passed away recently. He always kept me company as I worked. In the afternoon I usually work on my newest collection, inspiration and mood boards, talk to my production partners, tidy the workspace and prep for next day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays my days are fully dedicated to teaching art at a local college. Weekends bring a slowing of pace, more time with friends and family, unwinding.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an illustrator and textile artist originally from Lviv, Ukraine. After studying textiles and weaving in Lviv, I moved to USA, continued my education at Syracuse University in the illustration field and worked as a freelance book illustrator bringing stories to life.
Although I Illustrated books for many years, my passion for fabrics and fiber arts always held me captive. Silk&Soul, my brand of silk accessories and clothing, was born, merging my storytelling spirit with a deep love for textile art.
Our first collection was featured at New York (February9th, 2024) and Paris Fashion Weeks (September 28th, 20024. Each garment unveiled on the runway was a canvas that told a unique story woven with vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and intricate patterns. Silk&Soul is a brand committed to ethical and sustainable practices, creating wearable art that respects the environment and celebrates the craftsmanship behind each piece.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My early practice of drawing everywhere, including our newly painted apartment walls was supported and encouraged by my parents. They saw the spark in me before I could name it. They offered steady belief, quiet encouragement, and hands that guided me toward possibility, treating every doodle as a sign of potential. Their faith wasn’t loud; it was constant—soft words of encouragement, a safe space to experiment, and a belief that my curiosity deserved room to grow. That support gave me permission to explore, fail, and keep going.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the value of depth over surface. It showed me how fragile plans can be, and how crucial it is to stay adaptable when outcomes don’t come easy. I learned empathy—how other people carry unseen burdens—and how much stronger collaboration becomes when you acknowledge pain rather than pretend it doesn’t exist. Suffering also clarified what truly matters: integrity, consistency, and the daily discipline of showing up, even when results aren’t flashy. In short, it revealed that meaningful success isn’t just what you achieve, but how you respond, learn, and endure along the way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the fashion industry tells itself is that luxury must chase perpetual novelty to stay relevant. In reality, a focus on enduring silhouettes, heirloom-quality details, and classic color palettes can reinforce brand value and minimize waist. To me, accessories offer a smarter path: they refresh wardrobes with minimal waste and showcase durability and craftsmanship with less material. I believe that true value lies in longevity, creativity, and versatility, rather than constant newness. Accessories like silk scarves have limitless possibilities. They can transform, elevate and unify a wardrobe, they are amazing tools for self-expression and individual style.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Being at peace begins with knowing my daughter and husband are healthy and doing well, a steady heartbeat I carry into the studio. There, I slow time as I paint and draw, letting colors breathe across silk and paper. Each silk scarf carries a story that unfolds in this sunlit studio space. Creativity moves as a gentle current—painting, drawing, and weaving stories into wearable fragments of quiet beauty, rooted in the moment and ready to be worn.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.silkandsoul.co; wolfandbadger.com
- Instagram: @ksilksoul
Image Credits
Photography: Juliette Zig
Models: Aleksandra Banashkevich, Catrina Roman
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
