Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Peters
Hi Julia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello everybody! I am Julia, the CEO of “Good Friends 4U”, and here is my story.
I was born in Ukraine, in the beautiful city of Odessa. I became a journalist, and, after finishing university, I started my own sports magazine. The editorial journey was fantastic and very enjoyable, but due to personal reasons, I moved abroad in 2007. Then I lived in England and Austria and, in the end, got an Austrian passport. Still, it wasn’t my final destination, and in 2019, I came to Zurich.
In Switzerland, I became a friendmaker and a networker. By chance, a new city and a new life helped me discover this talent in myself. During two years, I have hosted over 100 events, always with great pleasure and passion. Then the war in Ukraine broke out, and it opened yet another chapter for me. I started a charity foundation “Good Friends for Ukraine” and wrote a book about my own experiences called “Three Little Birds Burning in the Flames of War”.
Last year, I started to think of how to combine all my knowledge and “know-hows”. Events, friends, charity, expats, socializing, foundation… How to be productive and keep doing even more good for others? I remember being at the fitness club when the idea struck like lightning: “I should start a foundation to help people make friends! The one that will function like an actual fitness club, allowing members to come anytime they want, join the group, and do something creative.” I googled my idea, but there was nothing similar to find. The project looked so simple and yet so ambitious at the same time! In other words, it was just right for me!
Five months down the line, and together with a group of like-minded people, we started the “Good Friends 4U” Expat Club. I have an amazing team, and we are willing to make a real positive change in the lives of expats and locals. Refugees will not be forgotten, either. In fact, it doesn’t matter where the person is coming from; all together, we formed a friendly community to do things, to socialize, and to support each other. Separate attention is paid to small businesses and talented artists that need assistance in making their first steps in Zurich.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to the top is never easy and smooth. Every new beginning requires lots of dedication, passion and strength. To bring people together you have to believe in your idea and give all of yourself to make it happen – all day, every day. However, I am very determined, and I infuse my team with enthusiasm. We have great partners, Office LAB Rieterpark Coworking space, who provided for us an amazing location where we can host regular events. I am sure, together we can do a lot!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
“Good Friends 4U” is a non-profit organisation that is committed to charity. We are having great community events for good causes. Our purpose is:
– Socialization of foreigners in Switzerland
– Networking between expats and locals
– Improving foreigners’ German language skills
– Intercultural cooperation
– Helping people make new friends
– Promoting artists and small businesses
Also, we closely work with talented and active people who have refugee status. Our club helps them integrate, find friends, and make good contacts.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favourite books are those that help me recharge my batteries when I am not working; however, they are not business-related. I prefer novels by Stephen King, Terry Pratchett, and most of classic science fiction (you name it!).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.good-friends.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodfriends4u
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zurich.friends
Image Credits
Margarita Battalova (https://art-photography-m.com)
Nadiia Denysova (https://www.instagram.com/denysovaphoto)