Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roksolana Lebid. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Roksolana, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Throughout my journey, I’ve dabbled in various professions: from serving tables as a waitress and mixing drinks as a bartender, to crafting fashion illustrations and assisting in dental offices. I’ve managed daycares, captured moments as a professional photographer, and expressed myself through writing. My creative spirit has always driven me to bring my ideas to life. With time, I’ve grown more self-assured, and my current role brings me immense fulfillment.
The pandemic introduced me to the world of photography, and I instantly fell in love. Within just a few months, it transitioned into my full-time career, allowing me the flexibility to spend more quality time with my daughter. I am dedicated to giving my all in every endeavor I pursue. Constantly seeking new possibilities, I recently published my first book, which allowed me to explore my imagination and brought me great joy. I am confident that life will continue to unveil new opportunities, and I am ready to embrace them. I believe that the journey of self-discovery knows no bounds, and I aim to savor every moment. I find happiness in my work, which positively influences my personal life and achievements.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
From a young age, I’ve always felt a bit different, like I had this vast world inside me just waiting to be explored. My imagination knew no bounds, and I was always eager to try new things. I was born in a small town in Ukraine, raised solely by my mother as I never had a father. Life took a difficult turn when I was 10 years old, and my mom made the decision to move to Europe in search of better work opportunities. That meant leaving me behind with my grandparents for 2.5 years before I was finally reunited with her in a quaint Italian town. Those adolescent years were a whirlwind of emotions – incredible highs and scary lows, but they were all valuable life lessons. Adjusting to a new language and lifestyle from scratch wasn’t easy, but my desire to build the life I envisioned for myself drove me forward. I pursued my passion for fashion design, graduating from a renowned art institute and landing a job as an illustrator for a handbag company. That same year I met my husband – it was love at first sight, and we married a year later. When he was offered a chance to move us to New York City, we jumped at it, even though it meant starting over from nothing. I took a job as a dental assistant to make ends meet, while he worked in a supermarket. Through it all, our dreams kept us motivated. Five years later, we welcomed our daughter, and my world shifted once again. I took time off to care for her, then found a job at a daycare where she attended.
The pandemic hit, and my creative spirit yearned for an outlet. I picked up a professional camera and began capturing photos of my daughter. It didn’t take long for photography to become a full-time career that allowed me to express my creativity freely and spend more quality time with my family. And now, a major life event has inspired me to write unleashing my imagination.
Capturing the world through my lens has become my life’s passion. As a photographer, I have the privilege of freezing time, preserving precious moments that bring joy and timeless memories to those I photograph. This creative pursuit ignites a powerful sense of purpose within me, inspiring me to constantly expand my horizons and explore new artistic avenues. One such avenue has been the art of writing. Penning my debut novel, “Luna and the City of Shadows,” has opened a new door for self-discovery. The protagonist’s journey of personal growth and overcoming life’s tumultuous challenges mirrors my own experiences, fears, and emotions. Channeling these sentiments onto the page has been a cathartic process, boosting my self-confidence and the belief that we are capable of far more than we often imagine. Embracing this newfound belief has been transformative. I now know that with unwavering self-belief and determination, the rewards of our efforts will eventually manifest, often in ways we cannot foresee. This realization has imbued my work, both behind the camera and the pen, with a renewed sense of passion and purpose. I’m in love with the life I’ve created, one that allows me to share my unique artistic vision with the world and, in doing so, uplift the lives of others. This is the true essence of my calling.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my experiences, I believe the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey were innovation, self-assurance, and flexibility. Additionally, the unwavering support from my loved ones has been instrumental.
My husband has been a constant source of encouragement, backing me in all my endeavors, past and present. I’m also incredibly fortunate to have a circle of remarkable friends who have been there for me through thick and thin.
If I were to offer any advice, it would be to have unwavering faith in yourself and to never surrender, no matter the challenges you face. The path may not always be smooth, but if you keep your sights set on the ultimate goal and pursue it with determination, you can overcome the obstacles. Ultimately, the key is to embrace your creativity, trust in your abilities, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. With the backing of your cherished support system, you can navigate the journey and achieve your aspirations.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Life is a constant journey filled with obstacles and daily challenges. Navigating through these hurdles may not always be easy, but it is essential to persevere. I cannot emphasize this enough – we must push ourselves to the fullest and even exceed our own expectations. Giving up is never an option; we must keep fighting, no matter the circumstances. The world can sometimes feel like a battlefield, and surrendering would only lead to our demise. My own personal struggle is attracting more clients or potential buyers. Despite hours and days of posting, promoting, and investing in advertisements, the results are often disappointing. This can be demoralizing, and it’s natural to question whether I’m doing something wrong or not enough. However, I firmly believe that not everything we desire will come to us immediately. Patience and persistence are the keys to success. While the road ahead may not be smooth, I am confident that our unwavering efforts will be rewarded in the end. We must never lose sight of our goals and continue to push forward, no matter the challenges that arise. Obstacles are an inevitable part of life, but it is our ability to overcome them that defines us. With determination, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to our aspirations, we can emerge victorious, even in the face of the most formidable challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lunaandthecityofshadows.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roksolanany.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxie.swan1990
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/roksolana-lebid-photography-brooklyn-3
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