Roksolana Bulvarenko is a pastry chef who has proven that even a simple hobby can grow into a successful career. Starting her journey with homemade culinary experiments, she gained recognition in Ukraine and beyond. In this interview, Roksolana shares her story, experience conducting masterclasses, sources of inspiration, and the life philosophy that helps her reach new heights.
I never consciously decided to become a pastry chef. It all happened spontaneously, almost as a twist of fate. During my second maternity leave, I cooked for my sons daily, trying to create something new and exciting to make our routine more vibrant. Baking became my favorite direction because it was both fun and creative.
One evening, I saw an advertisement for a beginner’s pastry masterclass and signed up without a second thought. That decision became a turning point in my life. I became so passionate about pastry making that I started improving my skills daily. I shared my creations on social media, as I was running a small blog at the time. The feedback was phenomenal! It encouraged me to start taking orders.
What was most interesting was how quickly I progressed. Continuous learning, self-improvement, and complete dedication to my work yielded incredible results. Within just two years, I reached a level that allowed me to start teaching. My masterclasses became immensely popular — groups filled up at lightning speed, and people booked spots even without knowing the program. That level of trust and the reputation I built through hard work still inspire me today.
Yes, my experience conducting masterclasses is extensive and incredibly diverse. I’ve had the honor of working with people from all over the world, and each masterclass had its own unique atmosphere.
The atmosphere always depends on the people. In Ukraine, masterclasses are usually very emotional and heartfelt. In the Czech Republic, participants are more focused and attentive, while in the USA, the vibe is open, light, and inspiring. However, one thing unites all these countries — a passionate desire to learn and grow.
Some stories have left an unforgettable mark on my heart. For instance, people have flown in from other countries or traveled from distant cities just to attend my masterclass. They went to great lengths to make it happen, and that means so much to me. I’ll always remember the groups who not only learned but also shared their life stories and even shed tears of joy for being able to attend. When students write to me saying that I’ve changed their lives, it confirms that all my work truly matters.
For me, there’s no clear division between appearance and taste — both are equally important. It’s all about harmony. Every dessert I create is a combination of exquisite flavor and aesthetic presentation. Whether it’s a small mousse cake or a large tiered cake with intricate decorations, I always give 200%.
Ideas for new desserts often come unexpectedly. I can be inspired by a movie, a painting in a museum, or even a random interior detail. Inspiration is always nearby; the key is to notice it. When I see something intriguing, an idea instantly forms in my mind about how to turn it into something delicious and beautiful.
My goal is to promote Ukrainian talent and culture. No matter where I live, I always stay true to this principle. In my work, I often incorporate themes of Ukrainian art. For example, I’ve created cakes inspired by the paintings of Maria Prymachenko or the patterns of traditional Ukrainian attire.
As a teacher, I have a unique opportunity to share my vision on a global scale. My students deeply appreciate this. They are fascinated to learn about our culture through my desserts, which fosters genuine respect for Ukraine.
I always live by the principle: there’s no second chance to live your life. Once you realize this, you start valuing each day. If you have a dream, take the first step — don’t delay. Life is priceless, and it deserves to be filled with realized dreams.
I fear living a banal life, leaving no mark, and not being an example for my children. That’s why I embrace adventure and positive thinking. Believe in yourself and take action!
Yes, I’ve achieved a lot, but I truly believe this is just the beginning. I have ideas that are still in the planning stages. It’s too early to share them, but I promise to surprise you when they’re realized.
I’m a person of adventure. If life doesn’t offer me new adventures, I create them myself. Continuous learning, growth, and bringing my ideas to life are essentials for me. I’m confident that the best is yet to come.
