Yana and Oksana’s dream comes true in Uusikaupunki

Yana Bukhtii speaks with focus. She apologizes for her limited Finnish skills – unnecessarily. In just over three years, she has picked up the language well, even including a few local dialect words.

“At first, we thought we would be able to return to Ukraine quickly,” she says. “But soon we realized that it wouldn’t be possible.”

Gradually, the uncertainty of the first months began to take shape. Yana and her spouse started learning the language, and their six-year-old son began preschool. After a year of studying Finnish, Yana was offered the opportunity to train as a cook at Novida. She seized the chance with enthusiasm.

“I really enjoyed studying,” Yana says. “The teachers were amazing, and everyone was very understanding that we didn’t yet know the language very well. I also really like that the studies include a lot of practical training. I learn best by doing.”

Oksana Orlova has followed a very similar path. The two women met at Novida, and quickly found common ground. Now the friends are on the brink of a new dream: they opened the Café Zakun Ranta summer café on May Day Eve.

– “I already dreamed of having my own café in Ukraine, and I believed my studies would take me closer to that dream.

Our family had a small tourism-related business where we rented out seaside accommodation. So I’m used to working closely with people, and I enjoy offering food and hospitality,” Yana explains.

The café was bustling during its opening week. There was a huge amount of work to get everything ready before opening the doors. Fortunately, they have had helping hands supporting them both in practical matters and in navigating bureaucracy.

“We’ve received great support from Esa Kerkola at the business development center,” Yana says gratefully. “Oksana and I knew what we wanted, but not how to make it happen in practice. With Esa’s help, things have moved forward quickly.”

The new café entrepreneurs want to bring something new to Uusikaupunki

The new café entrepreneurs want to bring something new to Uusikaupunki – a combination of Finnish and Ukrainian flavors in an idyllic seaside setting. Open throughout the summer, the café offers a great opportunity to test which ideas work and which may still need fine-tuning.

In the longer term, Yana and Oksana are already dreaming of opening a permanent restaurant in the center of Uusikaupunki.

“We both plan to stay in Finland and in Uusikaupunki. This is a very beautiful, peaceful, and pleasant place to live,” Yana says.

Both families have also settled into the relaxed atmosphere of the coastal town. The children attend school at the still brand-new Wintteri campus and have made friends.

“Here, children can grow up safely, and we don’t have to be afraid for them. They truly have the freedom to choose what they want to do in life. That feels good.”

What Yana and Oksana miss most about Ukraine are their loved ones, many of whom they haven’t seen for years. For now, they stay in touch by phone.

“We try to call every day, but sometimes the longing becomes very strong,” Yana says. “Fortunately, people in Uusikaupunki have been kind and understanding toward us from the very beginning. That has made settling in much easier.”

Now, the friends are able to bring a small piece of Ukraine to Uusikaupunki through their café. They promise that Zakun Ranta will offer something new for Finns and something familiar for Ukrainians.

“Of course, we are very nervous,” they admit. “But above all, we want visitors to feel as welcome at our café as we have felt since moving here. Finland already feels like our second home.”