News Summary
A Ukrainian refugee, Viktoriia Gorbachevska, has turned her cooking skills into a growing business in Raleigh, North Carolina. After fleeing war, she began making nutritious snack bars that quickly gained popularity in her community. Gorbachevska launched Arti Bar, focusing on healthy alternatives for families. Her journey from refugee to entrepreneur showcases her resilience and dedication to providing wholesome food options while embracing her cultural heritage.
Ukrainian Refugee Turns Family Tradition into Growing Business in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina – A Ukrainian refugee has transformed her traditional cooking skills and desire for healthier food options into a small but expanding business. Viktoriia Gorbachevska, who fled Ukraine in 2022 amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, has developed a line of nutritious snack bars that are now available at various local markets and stores across the area.
Escape from War and Arrival in North Carolina
Gorbachevska and her family—her husband and two young sons—left their homeland with only a single backpack as they fled the violence and turmoil of Ukraine. Their journey brought them to the United States, where they were resettled in Raleigh through support from the U.S. State Department. During the initial six months, a local resident generously offered her home to the family, providing stability as they adapted to their new environment.
Adjusting to Life in a New Country
Relocating to North Carolina required Gorbachevska to learn a new language, navigate unfamiliar rules and customs, and adjust to different food options. Coming from a background where she cooked everything from scratch using fresh ingredients grown by her father, she was surprised by the widespread availability of processed foods in American grocery stores. This realization motivated her to find healthier alternatives for her children.
From Traditional Cooking to Healthy Snacks
To ensure her family ate nutritious snacks, Gorbachevska began making homemade snack bars using simple, whole ingredients. These bars quickly gained popularity among her sons, who enjoyed their taste, prompting friends and neighbors to request them regularly. This community interest encouraged her to consider turning her home cooking into a small business.
Founding of Arti Bar
Gorbachevska established Arti Bar, a business dedicated to providing healthy snack options rooted in her passion for good food and wellbeing. She emphasizes that her business is driven by passion rather than profit, with a focus on offering trustworthy, wholesome products that benefit the community. Her goal is to give people access to healthier choices and build a brand based on trust and quality.
Availability and Community Reception
Her products are now sold at several local venues, including farmers’ markets at North Hills and shops such as NoFo at the Pig, Weaver Street Market, Hartwell, and various stores in Asheville. Gorbachevska appreciates the supportive community in Raleigh, stating that the warmth and kindness she experienced have made her feel at home.
Future Aspirations
Gorbachevska’s main ambition is to expand her small business and serve as a reliable source of healthy food options for her community. She envisions building a company that prioritizes trust, community engagement, and healthy living, all while sharing her cultural heritage through her products. Her journey from a refugee fleeing war to a small business owner shows her resilience and dedication to providing nutritious choices for families in her new home.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: Ukrainian Refugee Builds Snack Business in Raleigh
- News Observer: Local Political News
- NC Newsline: Ukrainian Refugees in Limbo
- Google Search: Ukrainian Refugees in North Carolina
- Fox News: NC Republicans Demand Firing of Judge
- Wikipedia: Ukrainian Refugees
- Spectrum Local News: Ukrainian Cultural Center Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Refugee
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.
