We recently connected with Liz Diachenko and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For the longest I can remember, art has always been a part of who I am today. Growing up in a family with diverse artistic backgrounds and influences, my journey towards pursuing a creative path professionally was shaped by a combination of my parents’ aspirations and the rich musical heritage of my Ukrainian roots. While my father hoped for me to excel in sports, my mother’s side of the family strongly believed in the power of music.

With my grandma being a piano teacher and my grandpa having toured as a guitarist in the ’70s, music was deeply ingrained in our family. It was only natural that I was encouraged, or rather “forced,” to learn an instrument while also attending ballet classes. I embraced the piano, but as I entered middle school, I had to make choices due to time constraints. Ballet, unfortunately, had to take a back seat, but it was during this time that I discovered my new passion for singing and forming a band.

Joining my school’s vocalist group, which eventually transformed into a band, allowed me to express myself creatively and explore my musical abilities. We even participated in talent shows, and those experiences were incredibly fulfilling. Expressing my personality through music became my artistic outlet during those formative years.

At the age of 14, a significant change occurred in my life when I moved to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. This transition exposed me to new perspectives and broadened my creative horizons. It was in this vibrant city that I developed a keen interest in fashion, despite some rather outrageous outfit choices I made at the time. Embracing my individuality and experimenting with fashion became another form of creative expression for me. Fortunately, our culture values self-expression and dressing up, so I never faced judgment for my unique style choices.

Through these experiences, I realized that creativity was an intrinsic part of who I am and that pursuing a creative path professionally would enable me to combine my passions and talents in music, fashion, and self-expression. The joy I felt in those moments of artistic exploration and the support I received from my family and cultural environment solidified my determination to follow this path. It became clear to me that a creative career was not only a personal calling but also an opportunity to celebrate my heritage and contribute to the world of arts and culture.

Liz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello! It’s a pleasure to introduce myself and share my story. I am a young fashion designer and small business owner. In 2018, I came to America on a tennis scholarship, and after completing my undergraduate degree in BA Fashion Design, I pursued a Master’s in Business Administration.

As someone who grew up watching my father’s entrepreneurial journey, which started with reselling vehicles and eventually led to a successful book business in Ukraine, I’ve always been inspired to create something of my own. Starting my own brand has been a long-held aspiration for me, not driven primarily by monetary ambitions, but rather by the desire to have a platform where I can offer my skills and services while making a positive impact.

My brand focuses on creating handmade and unique fashion items. I have a passion for sewing and take pride in crafting unique and personalized pieces that reflect my customers’ individuality. Occasionally, I incorporate screen printing into my designs, and I also collaborate with my mom, who excels in crocheting and knitting, to bring additional textures and elements to my creations.

One aspect that sets my brand apart is its emphasis on sustainability. I genuinely care about the environment and aim to make conscious choices to reflect that in my production process. I prioritize sourcing recyclable materials and fabrics, and I make use of leftover materials to reduce waste. Being a small brand grants me the freedom and flexibility to prioritize sustainability, and I am dedicated to upholding these values as my business grows.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and connect with local creatives here in Nashville. Building a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for art and design is incredibly inspiring to me. Constantly, I am fortunate enough to engage with talented artists, photographers, stylists, and other creative professionals who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to collaborative projects. This sense of community fuels my creativity and drives me to push the boundaries of my craft. Together, we inspire and motivate each other, fostering a supportive environment where ideas flourish and innovation thrives. Being a part of this vibrant creative community in Nashville is truly a privilege, and I am grateful for the continuous inspiration it provides for my work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One significant chapter in my journey that truly exemplifies my resilience occurred when I first moved to America in 2018. It was a time of immense change and adaptation for me. I made the decision to attend a private, Christian school, which held firm values and expectations. Little did I know that this choice would pose a unique challenge to my artistic expression and personal identity.

Upon arriving at the school, I quickly realized that my self-expression through fashion was met with disapproval and judgment. The clothes that made me happy and allowed me to express my individuality were often met with scrutiny and a sense of shame. I felt the pressure to conform, to blend in with the crowd and adhere to the same wardrobe choices as everyone else. For the first two years of college, I suppressed my true artistic self and wore what I believed was expected of me. It was a deeply dissatisfying experience, as I felt disconnected from my authentic identity.

However, the turning point came towards the end of my sophomore year when I began to face serious mental health issues. It was during this challenging period that I sought therapy and started to recognize the importance of staying true to myself. Through therapy, I began to learn that I did not need to force myself to conform or sacrifice my artistic expression for the sake of fitting in. I discovered that my true friends and loved ones would accept and love me for who I am, regardless of what I wore or what hobbies I pursued.

Embracing this newfound perspective was not an easy process for someone like me, who has always been sensitive to the opinions of others. Overcoming the fear of judgment and letting go of the need for validation was a gradual and difficult journey. However, I firmly believe that it was through these struggles that I developed resilience and a deeper understanding of my own artistic and mental well-being.

Today, I stand firm in my authenticity, both artistically and mentally. I have learned to prioritize my own happiness and creative expression without being hindered by external expectations or judgments. The challenges I faced during those early years in America shaped me into a stronger and more resilient individual. They propelled me to stay true to myself, both artistically and in every aspect of my life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Hmm… I would say, the most rewarding part of being an artist or creative is simply being able to express myself and connect with others through my work. It’s liberating to have a medium where I can authentically communicate my thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. And in today’s connected world, it’s amazing how art brings like-minded individuals together. Through my creative journey, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people in Los Angeles and beyond, who share my passions and inspire me. It’s a reminder of how art transcends boundaries and creates a sense of community that’s truly special.

Contact Info:

• Website: lovesickclothes.com
• Instagram: @lovesickclothesco | @diachenkoooo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-ick/