Interviewing Tetiana Samoilenko, artist at AmberSunArt
Showcasing like-minded business owners who love gemstones and appreciate great design!
Here’s Tetiana
From AmberSunArt
Tell me a little about your business and what its purpose is
My name is Tatiana Samoilenko, and I am an artist from Ukraine. I see the purpose of my art as filling the world with beauty. I believe that if you surround yourself with beauty, use beautiful things that are pleasing to the eye, and wear accessories made with inspiration and passion, it makes life better. At least, for me, it does.
For the past few years, my main object of passion has been gemstones. I seek to reproduce their beauty in oil and watercolour paintings. Then, I like to use these paintings as the basis for many other products and accessories, such as art prints on canvas and paper, scarves, bags, pouches, and even pillows.
I love making things sparkle with the brilliance of diamonds and offering them to those who share my passion for gems.
Where did your passion for your business come from?
Ever since I was a little girl, I looked up to my mom's example — she was a skilled dressmaker and sewed custom-made clothes. And I watched the magic of creating precious pieces that were incredibly fitting for her clients. I was also surrounded by expensive fabrics — precious natural silk, thick velvet, and gliding chiffon, which were rare in those days. It was an example of constant self-improvement and growth, patience, and careful handwork that I adopted and applied to my artwork.
And, as I said, I am incredibly inspired by gemstones. Faceted, shining, beckoning with depth. Resistant to fading and aging. They have eternal, undeniable beauty. Minerals that have been created by nature in the bowels of the earth and polished to lustre by man.
How have you adapted your business to the current climate?
It was challenging from the beginning. I started seriously pursuing my art as a business after having three children in the family. I had to work during the nights after they finally fell asleep, and I had a bit of free time. The help and support of my family during this time are hard to overestimate. They helped me find strength and grow my self-confidence.
As the children grew up, it became easier to devote more time to painting and business development. New ideas came up, I found partners to implement them. In Ukraine, many people are trying to develop their businesses, there is a good choice of contractors, as well as fast and cheap logistics. The cost of fabrication and printing in Ukraine is relatively low, allowing me to reduce production costs and remain competitive in my niche.
Russia's war in Ukraine knocked the ground out from under me. At first, it was hard even to breathe, let alone paint. Although when we had to leave our home, I still managed to take some painting tools. And then drawing allowed me to take my mind off what was going on, to stop reading the news endlessly, and gave me the opportunity to support my family.
I'm still happy to think I have the most beautiful job in the world.
What top three tips would you give to someone looking to start their own business right now?
Find the things you love to do and figure out how those things could make someone's life better.
Think about it, could you do it for a long time? Wouldn't it get boring? Even when you have a tough day?
Don't wait for the perfect time to start. Just start now, and the sooner you work your 10,000 hours, the better you will master your skills.
Do you have a favourite beauty product/find?
Regarding beauty, I stick to a daily routine. Washing, toning, serum, moisturising. I also love decorative cosmetics — I enjoy colouring my eyes and drawing eyeliners. It improves my mood and gives me confidence. Usually, I emphasise my eyes and use colourless balm on my lips. But for the occasion, red lipstick is a great option.
What’s your secret recipe, ingredient or drink?
Definitely coffee.
Aeropress at home, espresso at the cafe. Cappuccino when I want to warm up, Viennese coffee for the occasion. Decaf for when it's already dark outside.
“Ok, but first coffee” might be my motto.
How would you describe your style?
What I value most is the combination of beauty and convenience. I try to strike a balance between romantic style — with long flared skirts, luxurious fabrics, and comfort. I wear low-running shoes with quick and energetic steps. I prefer lightweight outerwear that does not squeeze my shoulders or restrict my movements. Of course, I am sometimes tempted by high heels, but they spend most of their time in boxes. It's not easy to keep up with three boys in heels, especially when they run in different directions
What kind of jewellery do you wear? Do you have a jewellery wish list?
I have two of the most important rings. The first is a gold engagement ring my husband put on my finger 15 years ago. The ring used to have a pattern engraved on it, but now it's smooth. It has been polished out since I work a lot with my hands.
The second one is a 4-carat diamond ring that I bought on my own with the money I saved from selling my paintings. It was a landmark purchase, with which I wanted to mark for myself that a mother of three on maternity leave, an artist, can also be successful. It so happened that I didn't wear the ring for a year — it didn't seem appropriate to wash dishes in diamonds. But when the war started, I realized we shouldn't put such things off. There are many things we might not have time for. Now I wear a diamond ring without taking it off.
On my wish list, I have a pendant with pear-shaped tourmaline Paraiba surrounded by diamonds.
Well as you know Tetiana, I LOVE your paintings which will soon be pride of place in my Villa and I’m going to save up for one of your painted handbags - perhaps I’ll commission one featuring one of my gemstones!
To my fellow gem lovers - please check out Tetiana’s Etsy store, and if you’re after a real treat, why not see if she can paint one of your own gemstones in oil - wouldn’t THAT be something!!
Tetiana, I hope you and yours stay safe and you can return to your home in Ukraine soon. xxx
Tetiana Samoilenko, an artist and an owner of AmberSunArt
Email: tetiana.samoilenko@gmail.com
Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmberSunArt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersunart
