Тetyana Kardanova’s story of achievements and success began with numerous challenges. Divorce, raising children on her own, financial difficulties… All this could break even the strongest person. But our heroine didn’t give up. Her dream of a better future for her children became the driving force that led to her outstanding achievements. Today, Mrs. Tetyana owns a chain of kindergartens called “DyvoZavryk” and is confidently entering the international market. This is a story of inspiration, confidence and a role model.

– Mrs. Tetyana, you have gone from a girl who felt like an “ugly duckling” to a strong, successful woman who has become a role model for her children and an inspiration to many people. Please tell us about this journey.
– My story is a story of fortitude, entrepreneurial intuition and maternal love. I went from being a single mother in difficult life circumstances to a successful owner of a chain of kindergartens.
My childhood was full of difficulties. Poverty, constant comparisons with others, bullying – all this left its mark on my soul. The fears and complexes I experienced were a natural reaction to those circumstances. But I was always supported by my grandmother Tetyana, a doctor by profession, a strong and successful woman. She became a real role model for me. Our conversations were my personal treasure that helped me overcome difficulties.
Dreams from childhood turned into a driving force. The desire of the «ugly duckling» to become beautiful, confident and financially independent became my main motivation. I obtained two pedagogical educations, which formed discipline and hard work ability in me. And children’s concerts became the first steps towards entrepreneurship.
My children’s complexes became an impetus for achieving success, because I wanted to create a better future for my children.
– Tetyana, was opening your own kindergarten a turning point in your life? Was it a business decision or a vocation?
– My childhood was spent amid the ringing children’s voices and the smell of chalk and paints. My mother, an educator by vocation, opened the magical world of childhood for me. I have seen her eyes shone when she told children stories, sang songs or played with them. I observed how much patience and creativity is needed to organize a children’s party, and how important it is to be ready for any surprises.
Looking at my mother, I decided that this was not for me. After all, an educator is not just a profession; it is a vocation that requires complete dedication.
And yet fate ordered otherwise. The girl, who dreamed of a different profession, eventually became a pedagogue, like her mother. And you know, it’s incredible how life sometimes brings surprises. I am convinced that I ended up where I was most needed.
– You did not just become a pedagogue, but created a network of private kindergartens «DivoZavryk». This shows your entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create something special. Life has prepared many trials: divorce, raising children independently, economic crises and war. Each of these events could have become an obstacle, but thanks to your strong character and ambition, you turned them into opportunities for development.
– Yes, my path was really not easy. The pandemic and the war made serious adjustments in the field of educational business. But I not only saved my kindergartens, but also was able to adapt to new conditions, remaining true to my values. This shows strength of spirit, flexibility and dedication to my work.
When the war broke into our lives, everything changed. Fear, uncertainty, destruction… But even in these dark times, I knew I had to act. I felt that I could contribute to the victory of good over evil.
For me, my kindergarten has always been not just a business, but a place where children feel happy and safe. With the beginning of war, I realised that this oasis of calm was becoming even more necessary. Many military families found themselves in difficult circumstances: their parents were at the front and their children needed care and attention.
I made a decision to open the doors of one of my kindergartens for children of military personnel and internally displaced persons. Looking into the joyful eyes of children, I felt that I was doing an important thing.
At the same time, I decided to create new jobs. In our country, many people lost their jobs because of the war. So I invited them to join my team, opening up opportunities for earnings and professional growth.
But my activities are not limited to kindergarten. Together with the team, we are engaged in charity work: we help homeless animals, hold charity fairs to collect fodder. In kindergartens, teachers conduct kindness classes that teach children a humane attitude towards animals. The «DyvoZavryk» network even became a participant in the National Record of Ukraine for «The largest number of kindness classes.»
– Your charity work proves that you are not only a businesswoman, but also a person with a big heart.
– The children of our network support the morale of our defenders with creative works and amulets made by themselves. We sincerely believe that this gives our soldiers strength and faith in victory.
«DivoZavryk» does good deeds that help in the most difficult times. My experience has shown that even in the most difficult conditions it is possible to do good and change the world for the better. I proved to myself that even in hopeless situations you can find the strength to change. The past does not determine the future, it only hardens the character.
– Tetyana, who are the people who support you in your activity?
– This is my team of like-minded people: family, friends and colleagues.
My children are modern, creative young people who inspire me to learn new tools to develop my own brand and remain a modern mum. Friends are a source of inspiration, advice and support. And my team is a team of people who share my values.
I am not afraid to hire young specialists and pass on my knowledge to them. It is important for me to prepare a new generation of practicing educators ready to meet the challenges of today.
– Your story today already goes beyond the borders of Ukraine.
– Yes, the war divided my family into three parts, scattering us in different parts of the world. My daughter ended up in Ecuador, my son in Canada, and I stayed in Ukraine. It would seem that such disunity should have been paralysing, but on the contrary, it became a powerful stimulus for development.
Today I am working on a project to create an international kindergarten in Ecuador.
– Why Ecuador?
– To answer with humour: Tetyana does not look for easy ways! Opening a kindergarten in Latin America is a new, ambitious stage in my life. My many years of experience in the education business gained in Ukraine have become a solid foundation for new achievements. I see great potential in combining the best practices of Ukrainian and Latin American pedagogy.
It will be a modern, innovative educational space where children will be able to develop harmoniously in an atmosphere of love, respect and mutual understanding.
– You are not just exporting the Ukrainian model of preschool education, but creating an international brand!
– Yes, working on an international project encouraged me to learn Spanish. Every new phrase I learn is a small victory over myself. After all, getting out of the comfort zone in adulthood is not an easy task.
Learning Spanish has become for me not only a means of communication, but also a bridge connecting me to another culture, traditions and values.
This situation confirmed my belief that age is just a number. A woman, regardless of her age, has the right to happiness, development and fulfilment of her dreams. I strive to become an example for other women, showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, you can find the strength to change and move forward.
I urge women not to stop at what they have achieved, but to constantly develop and improve. I believe that my story will inspire many people. After all, even in the most difficult times, you can always find the strength to make your dreams come true.
– What do you think readers can take away from your experience?
– Here are some important principles that I have learnt from my life:

• Do not be afraid of your fears – they can become your best allies.
• Believe in yourself – each of us has the potential to achieve great things.
• Appreciate your family – the support of loved ones is the most important resource.
• Kindness and compassion – charity clearly demonstrates how business can be combined with philanthropy.
• Mentoring and team development – being a mentor who helps young professionals to unlock their potential is an important aspect of leadership.
• Work on yourself – key to success is self-development and continuous improvement.
  – Tetyana, what is your professional identity?
  – My professional identity is that of an expert in systematising the education business and building strong teams.
  – Is it important for you as an education business owner to have a personal brand?
  – I will quote the words of a famous entrepreneur, founder of the online store Amazon.com, Jeffrey Preston, better known as Jeff Bezos: “An entrepreneur’s personal brand is an invisible asset that works for you 24/7, even when you’re sleeping.”
  In today’s world, a personal brand is not only a trend, but also an effective strategy implemented by the leaders of the most successful companies. CEOs become the face of their businesses, building trust and a strong image. This helps them attract customers, partners and talented employees.
  Why don’t we, as heads of educational institutions, apply the same principles to the development of our own kindergartens or centres? The manager’s expertise and a sincere story about the institution create trust among parents. A strong brand makes you an ambassador of values, helps you stand out among competitors and evokes an emotional response.
  Building a personal brand is an important component of success. It is necessary to act now.
  – Tetyana, what, in your opinion, are the three key principles of creating a strong personal brand?
  – Sincerity and transparency, humanisation of leadership and support of values. Your brand is a reflection of your beliefs, ideas and actions. People want to see that you not only say the right words, but also put them into practice.
  A personal brand opens up huge opportunities for business development and personal growth of the owner.
  My story is a story about the power of the human spirit, the importance of mutual support and the fact that even in the most difficult times you can find the strength to help others.
  My personal journey is like an unpredictable river, which sometimes takes us completely differently from where we planned. But just these unexpected turns make life rich and interesting.