News Summary
Viktoriia Gorbachevska, a Ukrainian refugee, has turned her life’s challenges into a successful snack business in Raleigh. After escaping the conflict in Ukraine, she faced many obstacles while resettling but found inspiration in creating healthy snack bars for her family. Her brand, Arti Bar, focuses on nutritious ingredients and has gained popularity in the local community, symbolizing resilience, adaptation, and the power of community support.
Ukrainian Refugee Turns Personal Journey into Successful Snack Business in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina – Viktoriia Gorbachevska, a Ukrainian refugee who escaped her homeland in 2022 amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, has transformed her life challenges into a thriving small business, creating a line of healthy snack bars. Her story highlights resilience, adaptation, and community support in starting anew in the United States.
Escape from Ukraine and Resettlement in Raleigh
Gorbachevska, along with her husband and two young sons, left Ukraine on the first day of the invasion, departing their home at 4 a.m. with only a single backpack. Their journey led them to Raleigh, where they were resettled with aid from the U.S. State Department. A local woman provided temporary accommodation for six months, fostering a sense of community and helping Gorbachevska rebuild trust in her new environment.
Adjusting to Life in North Carolina
The transition to life in North Carolina involved numerous challenges, including learning a new language, understanding new social norms, and familiarizing herself with American grocery shopping habits. Gorbachevska noted her surprise at the abundance of processed foods available compared to her Ukrainian cooking customs, where she prepared all meals from scratch.
Inspiration for a Health-Conscious Snack
Having prioritized nutritious, homemade food for her family, Gorbachevska sought to provide healthier snack options for her sons in her new country. She began creating snack bars using simple, whole ingredients, aligning with her values of good health and nourishment. Her initial products were made in her kitchen with her children’s enjoyment in mind.
The Growth of Arti Bar
The snack bars gained popularity among her sons, friends, and neighbors, sparking her interest in turning her hobby into a small business. Named Arti Bar, her brand focuses on producing wholesome, nutritious snack options. She emphasizes that her business is driven by passion rather than profit, aiming to foster well-being and trust.
Distribution and Community Engagement
Today, Arti Bar’s products are available at various local venues, including farmers’ markets such as North Hills, and retail outlets like NoFo at the Pig, Weaver Street Market, and Hartwell. The brand also reaches several shops in Asheville, increasing its availability for health-conscious consumers in the region.
Community and Future Goals
Gorbachevska expresses deep appreciation for the welcoming nature of the Raleigh community, which has helped her feel at home. Her long-term vision is to build a trustworthy company that positively impacts people’s health and well-being, sharing her passion for wholesome food with others.
Background and Broader Context
Her journey exemplifies how resettled refugees adapt to new environments by leveraging their skills and cultural values. Gorbachevska’s transition from a chef in Ukraine to a small business owner in the U.S. underscores the opportunities afforded through community support and entrepreneurship. Her story illustrates resilience amid adversity, highlighting immigrant contributions to local economies and the importance of health-focused entrepreneurship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Ukrainian Refugee Builds Snack Business in Raleigh
- News Observer: Refugees in North Carolina
- Fox News: North Carolina Republicans Demand Judge’s Firing
- WSOCTV: Casting News in Raleigh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ukrainian Refugees
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
