In the heart of Dnipro, eastern Ukraine, there’s a bakery where the aroma of freshly baked bread intertwines with stories of resilience and new beginnings. Hanna Honcharenko, the baker behind this tale of triumph over adversity, has woven threads of loss, hope, and determination into each loaf she bakes.
Before the turmoil of war disrupted her peaceful life in Horlivka, Donetsk region, Hanna was a dedicated doctor raising a family with her husband. The outbreak of fighting forced them to flee to Toretsk under Ukrainian government control. Hanna shared her initial struggles,
“The first few months, I felt completely lost.”
However, fate intervened when she stumbled upon an entrepreneurship course advertisement that sparked a new beginning.
Inspired by memories of making crêpes for her loved ones, Hanna embarked on a journey that led to the creation of her bakery. Despite early setbacks in mastering baking skills, she persevered with unwavering faith. Reflecting on her journey to becoming a baker, she mused,
“I knew that one day it would work.”
The turning point came when she acquired a grant from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2019 to purchase a vital industrial oven—a symbol of resilience that survived shelling during wartime. The oven became more than just equipment; it embodied survival and continuity amidst chaos.
With each relocation due to conflict escalation—most recently settling in Dnipro—Hanna’s commitment remained unshaken. Her family rallied together to rebuild their bakery from scratch every time they had to move. Each member played a crucial role: from baking alongside Hanna to managing daily operations and renovating the premises.
Today, Hanna oversees two bustling bakeries in Dnipro—one managed by her son—with an expanded menu featuring over 20 varieties of bread and pastries. Her speciality—the Donbas poppy seed roll—has become a local favorite known for its generous filling. Recalling the overwhelming response to this signature pastry, she humbly remarked with pride,
” We always have queues for it.”
Beyond crafting delicious treats, Hanna’s bakery serves as more than just a place for culinary delights—it is a haven for community bonding during tumultuous times. Welcoming both displaced individuals and locals seeking solace amid uncertainty has transformed her enterprise into a beacon of warmth and support.
As testimonials poured in from customers who found comfort within her bakery’s walls during trying times,Hanna envisioned expanding not just business but also extending opportunities by hiring families seeking stability amidst upheaval.
” Family is a pillar of support,”
she emphasized passionately,
” You can’t rely on anyone like you can rely on your family.”
Amid ongoing challenges posed by conflict and economic instability,IOM’s steadfast support has been instrumental in empowering entrepreneurs like Hanna across Ukraine.According to IOM reports,since Russia’s invasion began,IOM has assisted over 1,800 micro-businesses through grants ensuring their resilience amidst adversities.
Despite lingering uncertainties and fears triggered by recurrent attacks,Hanna remains resolute,” When it’s loud at night,it’s quiet in the morning.But we open anyway.Someone has to keep life going.”Her dedication echoes not only through the aroma wafting from her ovens but also through the unwavering spirit encapsulated within each loaf—a testament to perseverance rising above all odds.
