FAQ

What inspires you most?

Mostly nature, but here is a short list of specifics: birds, hiking trails, mushrooms, old books, aesthetic coffee shops, zinnias, old-growth forests, creek swimming, honeybees, wild berries, noisy chickens, poetry, summer thunderstorms, Virginia State parks, old hidden paths, my flock of sheep, dahlias.

Why do you have bilingual printable products on your website?

Offering bilingual products on my website allows me to provide educational resources for both English and Russian speakers. I’ve always aimed to raise my kids bilingual, but when they were little, finding high-quality bilingual materials that matched my preferences was a real challenge.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan. My childhood was quite wonderful, and in fact, I believe my love for nature started in my backyard. I distinctly remember our yard being a wonderland: cherry & apple trees, black currant and raspberry bushes, honeybees buzzing about, a giant apricot tree where I liked to hide with a book, and countless chickens happily busied in the back of the yard. As a child, my dad and I also frequently ventured into the mountains, where he tended his beehives. I loved tagging along with him and my little sister on those trips! They were like full-on adventures!

Where do you live now?

I live in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, a small town on the map surrounded by green pastures and cornfields. My house is right by a pond, and there are all sorts of cool critters living there, like a snapping turtle, a couple of wood ducks, and red-winged blackbirds 🙂 I live about two hours from Washington, D.C., and I enjoy visiting now and then to wander the capital’s bustling streets.

Do you have a teaching degree?

No, but I’ve homeschooled my own children for over 15 years. I’ve also worked with kids professionally since 2015; I have six years of experience in a daycare environment, and for the last four years, I’ve taught weekly cooking classes to high school and middle school students.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Oh, I love spending time in the garden, getting my hands dirty and watching plants grow. Cooking from scratch is another passion of mine; there’s something so satisfying about creating a meal from raw ingredients. Plus, I really enjoy teaching my kids how to cook—it’s a fun activity that brings us together and helps them develop important life skills.