Aleksandra Volkova: From War-Torn Ukraine to London’s PR Star
Aleksandra Volkova is not just an entrepreneur. She’s a storyteller, a connector, and a survivor. With over 16 years of experience in PR, events, modelling, and influencer marketing, she has built a powerful name in the industry. Today, she stands at the intersection of fashion, culture, and community—an inspiring figure who journeyed from a war-affected city in Ukraine to the vibrant heart of London’s fashion and creative scene.
A Passion for People, Style, and Storytelling
Aleksandra’s career began with a deep love for creativity and people. In 2008, she launched her own agency in Ukraine focused on events and modelling. Over the years, she successfully organized more than 500 events and collaborated with over 300 models. She became a pioneer in southern Ukraine’s fashion scene, launching a platform that nurtured young designers and creators.
But her work was never just about glam and glitter. It was about amplifying fresh voices, fostering emerging talent, and putting Ukrainian creativity on the map. Her agency became a respected hub for innovation, authenticity, and bold ideas in fashion.
A Sudden Twist: War and Loss
In 2022, everything changed.
The war in Ukraine forced Aleksandra to leave her home in Mykolaiv. She had to walk away from everything she had built over 14 years—her agency, her clients, her community. Like many others, she arrived in London with little more than a suitcase and uncertainty. But what she brought with her was something far more powerful: courage.
Aleksandra could have faded into the background. Instead, she chose to rise again. She knew starting over in a new country would be tough—but what she didn’t expect was how quickly she would rebuild not just her life, but her purpose.
Rebuilding Dreams in London
London brought opportunity—but also real challenges. Aleksandra initially worked at a modelling and talent agency, but despite her years of experience, she faced rejection after rejection. Employers overlooked her skills, focusing on her accent, her background, and her foreign qualifications.
But Aleksandra is not the type to give up. When doors didn’t open, she built her own.
In late 2022, she launched the UA in UK Community—a vibrant, supportive network for Ukrainian creatives living in the UK. Her mission was simple yet powerful: to help Ukrainians like her connect, collaborate, and thrive in their new environment.
What began as a small project quickly became a movement. From fashion designers and artists to musicians and entrepreneurs, UA in UK became a home for talent displaced by war but driven by purpose.
Leading with Heart and Hustle
Aleksandra’s new agency in London gained momentum fast. She went on to organize over 100 successful events in less than two years. Her agency now works with more than 90 models and collaborates with renowned fashion brands, beauty houses, and cultural institutions.
From London Fashion Week to business panels and creative showcases, Aleksandra has created spaces where Ukrainian voices are seen and heard. Her events don’t just promote fashion—they promote resilience, identity, and hope.
She also played a key role in spotlighting Ukrainian designers on global stages, helping them access new markets and rebuild their brands abroad.
Achievements That Inspire
Aleksandra’s journey is marked by meaningful milestones. Her community has hosted over 150 events, many of them free and open to the public. She’s connected hundreds of professionals and built a network that now supports thousands of Ukrainians in the UK and beyond.
She has been featured in global media for her work and recognized with awards celebrating refugee entrepreneurship and cultural innovation.
Her strength lies in more than her success—it lies in her ability to lead with empathy, vision, and determination.
A Vision Bigger Than Fashion
Aleksandra’s long-term dream is to build a Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London—a space that extends beyond fashion to include cinema, theatre, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. It would serve as a cultural hub where creativity and identity merge, empowering both established and emerging talents.
She believes culture is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together—and she’s on a mission to build a bridge between Ukraine and the UK through art, heritage, and human connection.
Life Today: Busy, Bright, and Purposeful
Today, Aleksandra balances her time between managing her agency, hosting community events, recruiting models, and building partnerships. She’s always on the move, with an energy that fuels those around her.
She mentors young creatives, supports new arrivals in adapting to life in the UK, and continues to grow her agency in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
Through it all, she stays grounded, focused, and grateful—driven by the belief that true success lies in the value you create for others.
Why Her Story Matters
Aleksandra’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. She shows us that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, purpose, and the courage to start again.
She’s not just building a brand. She’s building a legacy. One that celebrates culture, empowers communities, and proves that even in the darkest moments, light always finds a way.
Do follow her on Instagram
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative soul, or someone facing your own uphill climb, Aleksandra’s story is a reminder: you don’t need perfect conditions to succeed. You need belief, boldness, and a heart that never gives up.
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