This year, Ukraine marks 35 years of the Restoration of Independence. Over this time, a whole generation has grown alongside the country—the very people who define its character today. They build businesses, shape culture, raise children, defend the nation, make tough decisions, navigate crises, and start anew. They are no longer searching for themselves—they know who they are.
In the “BLOOM” special project, the BACKSTAGE beauty chain explores not age, status, or profession, but the precise moment a person finds their inner footing. The moment they stop proving themselves to others and begin living in harmony with who they are. When experience becomes strength, and confidence becomes second nature.
We asked heroes across generations and professions—military personnel, artists, entrepreneurs, medics, and public figures—simple yet profound questions: “What does it truly mean to be grown-up?”, “At what point did you feel you became yourself?”, and “What does that very ‘bloom’ mean to you?”
Voices of modern maturity: what our heroes are saying
Darya Tregubova (TV presenter, actress, director)
“Independence starts with something very simple: not waiting for someone else to step in and turn your country into what you want to see. Independence is the right to be yourself and the responsibility for what you do with your freedom. We reach this 35th anniversary with a vital realization: we are not a young nation—we already know, understand, and can do everything.”
Roman Trokhymets (Veteran, “Azov” Regiment volunteer, 3rd Separate Assault Brigade sniper)
“Prime strength is when the struggle against something difficult becomes something clear. For our independence, this is a very short lifespan, but at the same time, the concentration of experience we gain during this time is almost unprecedented. The sole source of power in Ukraine is the people. And in tough times, they are capable of taking to the streets and demanding clarity in communication. That is true inner independence—expressing it through an active civic stance.”
Irena Karpa (Writer, singer)
“The feeling of being in your prime is about your current age. It is so important to stop yourself at any point in life and say: ‘I’m loving this—and I still want more.’ Officially, youth lasts until 45, so at 35, Ukraine is still very young, hipster, experimental, and cool. My independence comes from responsibility: being able to rely on myself, but being strong enough to accept help from others, too.”
Yevhenii Skobenko (PhD in Medicine, Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon, Head of the Department of Restorative and Reconstructive Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the State Scientific Institution “Center for Innovation of Medical Technologies of the NAS of Ukraine”)
“For me, ‘prime of life’ is when a person reaches a level of professional knowledge and skill that they can fully put into practice. It is when, relying on your own experience, you make the choice that will be best for your patient. Throughout my entire professional journey, I have watched us advance in technology. We are not catching up with European countries—we have already reached that same high standard alongside them.”
Karina Dubinina (Founder of the Backstage salon chain in Kyiv and London, owner of Backstage Academy, co-owner of Blade Runner)
“We know exactly what we don’t want—and that in itself is a massive step toward understanding what we truly need. 35 is a time of separation from past beliefs and even former values. Despite all the circumstances and terrible events happening in our country, I see a gradual shift that will ultimately lead to a great victory. And within this movement, I constantly feel that very same bloom.”
The “BLOOM” special project is a reminder that true strength matures through challenges, and independence begins with the inner freedom inside each of us.