Tell us about your daily routine
It’s hard to describe a fixed schedule, because five days a week I’m filming MasterChef, twice a month we shoot recipes for Instagram, and I also run two restaurants. So I practically don’t have days off. I wake up early every day, plan recipes, look through books and texts, outline my day — and then I’m constantly on the move. I leave home around 8 AM and return around 9–10 PM.
How do you balance work and rest?
To be honest, I don’t really balance it. My life is constant movement, work, and new goals — and I genuinely enjoy it. I don’t rest often. Once a year I try to spend 5–7 days alone, and my real “days off” are only January 1 and 2 with my family. So no, I don’t really have balance.
How do you recover after a busy day?
The only thing that truly restores me is sleep. Everything else is movement — events, meetings, family, work. So sleep is my main form of recovery.
What habits help you stay focused?
The gym helps me a lot. It structures my morning, boosts my energy, and while training I usually plan my day. When I wake up, my schedule lines up in my head, and I try to complete tasks right away once I sit down to do them.
Where do your best ideas come from? What inspires you?
Ideas come anywhere — most often in the car, when I’m thinking or talking on the phone. My mind constantly processes tasks and eventually comes up with solutions. And nature inspires me the most: forests, birds, greenery, any season. Nature is my real way to recharge.
Is creativity more about discipline or chaos?
For me, creativity is discipline. I like planning, outlining, structuring — even if I later end up changing the plan.
A book or podcast you’ve recently enjoyed
I don’t really follow specific books or podcasts. The person I listen to most often is Vitaliy Portnikov. In the evenings I read the news — Ukrainska Pravda and NV.ua.
Your favorite places in Kyiv
I love the bridges and the views of the Dnipro — the space, the water, Trukhaniv Island. I enjoy parks, the botanical garden, and Kyiv in general. As for restaurants, I often visit Chichiko and Kitsunya, places owned by friends where I feel at home. I love the city not only for its beauty, but for the people in it.
Three things you always carry with you
My backpack — always. I’ve been carrying one for 3–4 years. It holds my documents, notebook, and essentials. And of course, my phones.
What matters more when choosing things — style or practicality?
Practicality always comes first: comfort, multifunctionality, usefulness. Only then do I look at how stylish something is.
A time you had to choose between looks and functionality
I never choose one over the other. I always start with functionality, and then pick the most aesthetically pleasing option among the functional ones.