I am the author of the Goodacity blog, a journalist, and a translator. For 16 years, I have worked in professional journalism, contributing to regional and national publications, both in print and online media. I have written reports, conducted interviews, reviews, articles on cultural, social, and charitable topics, as well as materials in the style of "solution journalism" and communication materials.
My focus is on creating interesting and exclusive content. Journalism, to me, is primarily about human stories, to which I always find the key, empathize with the people I write about, and love all my heroes. Journalism, to me, means telling people about what truly matters to them, informing and inspiring them. It is not just a job, but a way of life, just like for all those who dream, create, and are inspired by it.
So, if you are looking for stories that inspire and motivate, that instill faith and help find meaning while believing in goodness, read my stories on the Goodacity website.
I am a manager of cultural affairs and a project manager with over 14 years of experience at United Thinkers. I have participated in the organization of numerous successful social and charitable projects and have implemented informational campaigns and communication cases.
As a marketing manager, I have been involved in organizing marketing and sociological research, working with media and partners, developing advertising and marketing strategies, as well as planning and implementing advertising campaigns.
I believe in the power of goodness and I am happy that as part of the Goodacity project, I can contribute to its expansion. I believe in the power of words and in the fact that communication can help make the world a better place. I know how, where and when to speak in order to be heard. And when you are heard, you can change the world!
How the warmth of the soul transforms into the warmth of homes
“My name is Yulia, and I rejuvenate old furniture and transform daunting interiors into cosy spaces. I am originally from Crimea, Ukraine. At present, I reside in the scenic town of Sosnytsia (Sosnitsa), in the Chernihiv Region of Ukraine, which fuels my creative passion.”
This narrative explores how compassion with one’s soul can translate into the warmth that fills people’s homes. It goes beyond reconstructing physical structures; it is a story of restoring faith in humanity and the world around us. At its centre is an exceptional woman whose heart serves as a workshop, giving birth to renewal, comfort, and most importantly, hope.
A volunteer in Sosnytsia (Sosnitsa), Ukraine, offers crucial aid for displaced persons.
Yulia Dudyshova, who relocated from Crimea to the Chernihiv Region in 2014, is dedicated to providing comfort to those most in need. She initiated the “Comfort for IDPs” volunteer project, converting abandoned houses into warm, welcoming homes for people who have lost their dwellings due to war.
“Individuals whose homes have been destroyed by the war need more than just a roof over their heads; they crave a new cosy environment. They need something warm, homey, and familiar to give them energy and strength. Creating this environment does not require fortune but rather, most importantly, a big heart,” she firmly believes.
Bringing new life to old treasures
We are sifting through photographs of Yulia’s remarkable creations. Let’s introduce you to some of them: the charming nightstands, Gorpina and Khvenya, the refined gentleman, William the table, the stylish stools, Biba and Boba, and the exquisite beauty, the étagère, Jozel. These names alone speak volumes about the value of these pieces, and their beauty is truly remarkable. It is surprising to think that these items, now so aesthetically pleasing, were once discarded, worn-out furniture before Yulia lovingly revived them, giving them a new lease on life.
In her photos, posts, and videos, you cannot help but notice the abundant inner light and warmth Yulia radiates. The comfort she brings to life cannot be achieved without a similar sense of warmth in one’s soul.
“This is what we call redesign, but simply put – I enjoy giving old items a second chance,” Yulia says with a smile.
“This passion goes back to my childhood, which coincided with the challenging ’90s, marked by financial hardships and widespread scarcity. If you wanted something beautiful at home, you had to craft it yourself!”
How did it all start? Yulia’s journey into design began in her teenage years when she already displayed skills with chisel and woodworking tools. She independently revitalized an old stool at home and transformed discarded doors into the entrance to her childhood room. However, her most active involvement in design emerged during a particularly challenging period in 2011when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, facing a grim prognosis. Given her mother’s love for design, Yulia and her mother would watch various design videos after chemotherapy sessions, translating those ideas into reality. Alongside faith in God and the support of friends, immersing herself in her beloved craft became a form of therapy.
“I suggested, ‘Mom, how about we cut some dried grapevine and make a lampshade out of it?’ It’s been 12 years, and that lampshade remains my mom’s favourite. Fortunately, the dire predictions never came to pass.”
“In our home in Crimea, the walls are adorned with inscriptions we created together: ‘Love,’ ‘Joy,’ ‘Peace,’ representing the core values of our lives.”
“In March 2014, I made my way to the Chernihiv region in Ukraine. Arriving in Sosnytsia (a town in Ukraine), I was greeted by frigid cold, with temperatures plunging to minus 30 degrees Celsius – a starkly contrasting Crimea’s warmth. Yet, the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings and the warm-hearted locals captured my heart, compelling me to make this place my home.”
Gradually settling into her new life, Yulia took up a managerial role at a local publication in Chernihiv while nurturing her passion for redesigning furniture. Her journey began with restoring an old discarded shelf, showcasing her flair for restoration. Worn chairs, a table, and a nearly dilapidated sideboard all underwent a transformation under her hands. Her crowning achievement involved transforming a long-neglected house, vacant for 17 years, into a charming studio. Encouraged by a friend, she ventured into the digital world, starting an Instagram account to display her masterpieces not for likes and online fame but as a personal journey of creativity and expression.
February 2022 brought the war, casting a shadow over Sosnytsia, which remained under occupation until April. Despite the hardships, the community united, supporting each other in both good and bad times. As the town transitioned from occupation, it became a haven for internally displaced persons fleeing other war-torn regions of Ukraine. Witnessing the struggle of her friends among the displaced, Yulia was moved to help transform their rented home, which was in a dire state. Her ambition went beyond furniture; she aimed to revitalize the entire interior using resourcefulness and minimal funds.
Unleashing her creativity, Yulia embarked on audacious and innovative projects, such a wallpapering and varnishing floors, giving new life to old items, and even handcrafting a chandelier from egg cartons. The transformation was so profound that when ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos were posted on Instagram, many followers were in disbelief, unable to recognize it as the same space. The entire process costed only three thousand hryvnias, demonstrating that in times of war, extravagant renovations were impractical, but resourceful touches significantly brightened the space, uplifting the spirits of all involved.
Their success testified to the power of community and ingenuity. An incredible team of friends, each bringing their unique skills to the table, worked tirelessly. In just one month, their collaborative efforts transformed not just one, but two rooms.
Aid for the displaced – the "Comfort for IDPs" project
Once Julia finished setting up a home for her friends, she felt a strong desire to extend her help further. This was the genesis of the “Comfort for IDPs” project. It aims to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) – on a volunteer basis, to make living spaces cosy for those who are in dire need – especially for displaced individuals and those whose homes were destroyed in the war.
“The story of an elderly couple from Izyum, a city in Ukraine, deeply moved me. Escaping their home during relentless shelling, they thought they’d only be gone for ‘three days’. Days turned into months. Later, they found out their home no longer existed. They stayed in various places before finally moving to Sosnytsia, a town in Ukraine, starting anew at 60. They were given an old house by relatives, a place unoccupied for many years. They were so humble – they asked for nothing, despite the house lacking basic amenities like water or a refrigerator, and having to sleep on sofas gnawed by mice. Upon encountering them, it became clear to me that I wanted to offer my assistance. Particularly because they didn’t just sit back but had already started improving their living conditions. My followers encouraged me to open a fundraising campaign to support this couple – and thanks to the efforts of many wonderful people, we succeeded!”
The project has seen a surge in applications with a significant number of individuals from Chernihiv’s border areas in Ukraine, reocating to the community in Sosnytsia. These people are fleeing daily bombings, seeking refuge, and needing assistance in settling into their new environment.
“It fills me with joy to see kindness proliferating and my project inspiring others. It has gained followers including a young female subscribers wrote to me, expressing their desire to help create comfortable homes. Recently, I’ve been approached by multiple families from Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, seeking assistance. In response, these young women have taken on the task of refurbishing their homes! As the Bible says: ‘Do not withhold good from those who need it, when it is in your power to act.’ It’s truly heartening to witness so many compassionate and empathetic people in the world!”
“When you give something to people and see the joy in their eyes, happiness wells up inside you. I am a person of faith, I live by the belief that it’s far more fulfilling to give than to receive,” says Ms. Julia.
“I don’t wish for kindness to be a boomerang returning to me. Instead, I desire it to be a relay of love and benevolence, where people realize that in giving, they are valuable and aiding others. Each one of us can be a part of this chain of goodness.”
Photo before:
Photo after:
Photos by Nataliia Vashchenko and from the archive of Yulia Dudysheva.