A joyful mother of four, founder and owner of the ILive healthy food lounge cafe chain, founder of the School of Excellence Liliya Oliynyk, Mrs. Universal Woman of the Year 2016, Mom of the Year 2017. We had a conversation with this incredible woman to find out how she manages it all.
Liliya, being a mother of four, how do you manage to be successful in business and maintain harmony in your family?
Behind the apparent simplicity lies a tremendous amount of work. I always know what I want and what needs to be done. Of course, I set goals for the day, month, and year. On one hand, I am very organized and straightforward, good at managing time, and on the other hand, flexible and gentle. If things don’t go as planned, I see it as an opportunity for improvement.
Experience and boundless love help me balance business and family care. The love for my children and my business is crucial. Without it, I wouldn’t cope.
Your experience as a mother is truly impressive! How do you raise your children?
My main principle is not to “raise” anyone. You need to lead and do everything the way you want your children to lead and do. Prohibitions and morals won’t change anything, only your example will. And, of course, with love.
The most important talent of a mother is to create an atmosphere of love and creativity at home, where children will find it interesting to grow and develop. It’s crucial to demonstrate not only how to enjoy each day but also how to deal with challenging situations. Every day can be a little celebration, and the mother only shows the way, not lives the children’s lives. How we spend time with them is more important than how much time. Communication from a position of equality and honest evaluation, knowing what is good or bad, all within the realm of unconditional love.
In your opinion, what is a modern mom?
Modern moms are true magicians! They have mastered the art of balancing motherhood and self-expression in public and creative life in a way that skillfully takes care of their inner harmony, health, and inner fulfillment. Even in different situations, they appear confident, calm, and well-groomed, keeping their family and children, love and respect, acceptance, and gratitude at the center of their priorities. They don’t shift responsibility for everything that happens onto others.
Perhaps, this is the result of the experience of previous generations combined with modern opportunities, creating the most harmonious and enchanting mothers. At least, that’s the kind of women I encounter in my life.
You look absolutely stunning. How do you manage to keep yourself strong?
The most important thing is the state of happiness and harmony within, but of course, healthy eating and exercise are irreplaceable. I prefer berries, fruits, vegetables, greens, and seeds over any other food. Whenever possible, I try to swim, dance, rollerblade, and engage in my favorite yoga.
Share your main rules of style and beauty.
The primary rule is the fusion of two feminine states – harmony and love. In such a state, a woman radiates regardless of other factors or indicators. Just think of being in love or the long-awaited pregnancy – the changes happening in a woman are hard to miss (smiles).
However, some observations about beauties have led me to the following conclusions:
• Good taste develops with age.
• It’s better to adhere to your own style than follow general fashion trends.
• Women have no flaws, only unique features.
• The strength of beauty lies in uniqueness.
• A woman is beautiful when she is confident.
• Playing your own role is much more challenging but also more interesting.
• Natural beauty is valued through all ages; fashion comes and goes.
• It’s essential to look good for your age, not necessarily young.
• Often, external appearance is just a reflection of the internal.
You actively advocate for healthy eating. But what about sweets? It’s always such a temptation.
To “forget” about regular candies, sweet fruits, dried fruits, and nuts come to the rescue. The key is to have them in sight all the time, especially in front of children. Nowadays, there’s a vast selection of natural candies, marshmallows, or carob – a natural chocolate substitute. All sweets can be made at home. Moreover, it’s a great leisure activity for both you and the kids. It’s interesting, tasty, and very healthy.
What does your day start with?
My day kicks off no later than 6 am with gratitude for this beautiful world, greeting the sun, prayer, exercises, and a glass of water. Then, I whip up breakfast for the kids, birds, cats, and dogs. Once the kids head off to school, I head to work. If it’s a weekend, we happily run barefoot in the snow or dew, gather berries, or pick fresh greens right from the garden.
Do you sometimes allow yourself to be imperfect?
Certainly, I am who I am. Sometimes better, sometimes worse. But that’s no reason to stop; on the contrary, it’s a motivation to make myself and the lives of those around me even brighter, happier, and more fulfilling.
What can’t you imagine your life without?
I can’t imagine my life without this wonderful world, people, children, parents, beautiful nature, my beloved work, and country. Everything around me inspires and makes me happy.
How do you relax from your responsibilities?
I find so much joy in both my family and work that I can’t imagine relaxation without them. We love nature and staying active – traveling, going to the movies, playing badminton or soccer, swimming, and biking or rollerblading. For me, the best way to relax is engaging in diverse activities or creative pursuits. My hobbies, such as herbs, rocks, books, and gardening, make my life absolutely interesting.
What’s your formula for success?
Success is engaging in something you love, benefiting others, living each moment consciously, and being in love with everything and grateful for everything that surrounds us.
Interview conducted by Michelle Armand.