Interview with a star - Victoriya (Vikulya and Lasunka)

We'd like to introduce today our great team member Vika who runs two shops on Etsy: Vikulya and Lasunka


Please tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Victoriya. I was born in Russia and spent most of my life there but then I met my future husband who changed my life. We got married, I moved to Greece and now we have 5 children and we live on Paros Island here. I am paying a lot of attention to our family life but when I have time I love to create. I love to knit, crochet, knit and I love making pretty jewelry items from beads.


How long have you been creating? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
I started to knit when I was 9. My school teacher showed me the basics. About 2 years ago I started to feel that I am ready for something new. So I found out about beaded jewelry and really liked it! With practice came experience so I've started to explore new techniques.


How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?
I am not following a certain style in my work. It is more like a soul creating when you have the idea in mind and trying to recreate it by possible means. It is important to me that my creations would be in harmony with classic standards of beauty.



What items in your shop do you most enjoy making and why?
I have two shops, Vikulya and Lasunka. I am selling hand knit items in my Lasunka shop and beaded jewelry in my Vikula shop. Everything I am making is reflection of my current mood. That's why it is hard for me to say what I like the best. I am putting my soul into my creations. I can say these about any of them, knit items or jewelry.


What are your main sources of inspiration?
My inspiration are my kids, they are my source of joy and positive energy! Sometimes it feels like I've got a wings :) I'd like to fly, I love to create!


Do you use any special techniques or tools?
There are no special tools I am using. My tools are my knitting needles or hook, sometimes a knitting fork. As to the jewelry I am using a beading needle, strong thread and high quality beads.



Do you take custom orders?
All my beaded jewellery pieces are one of a kind. It's hard for me to recreate the same item twice but I can make an item which will look alike. I am much more flexible with my knit items, I am happy to take custom orders for any of my designs.



Where would you like to go with your business?
When my kids will grow up I'd like to open my small shop here on island where I could sell my creations. People always will be able to find some beautiful unique items there!