It’s hard to believe that one year ago Alina Krupa and Artem Martyn were living their best life in Mariupol, Ukraine. They both had jobs in their field of study and were building a burgeoning food business on the side.
That all changed when war broke out in their homeland on Feb. 24, 2022.
The couple relocated to Sudbury last summer after their city was invaded and levelled over nearly 12 weeks by Russian troops.
Now after months of adapting to a new life they are treating Sudburians to their very own Wow Bouquet.
Artem and Alina offer edible bouquets filled with treats like chocolate, fruit, dried fruits, nuts and marshmallows.
The food is wrapped elegantly with balloons or bows and other festive fixings, and then presented like a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Artem and Alina, both 27, met while studying at Mariupol State University where they studied metallurgy together. Both worked at neighbouring factories, but Alina wanted to pursue something in her off time.
“I applied for a loan, took courses and got a licence to work from home in the evenings, so I could share my artistic side that I didn’t get to use at work,” Alina said.
Both admit the transition has been difficult, but they are happy with their new life in Sudbury. They are hopeful they can remain here when their three-year permit expires.
They work other jobs during the day, and make bouquets in the evening when they are not practising their English by taking classes and watching English television.
Artem’s family has relocated to Poland, while Alina’s family opted to stay in their home country despite the Russian invasion.
Artem said the only drawback is that the couple cannot offer delivery as they don’t have a vehicle yet.
“We rely on the bus to get Alina to stores to buy products for the bouquets and get around by bus or by foot until we have enough money saved up for a car,” Artem said.
Pick up is at the couples living quarters on Jean Street in the Donovan.
Alina said the bouquets are time-consuming to prepare and make. She’s gotten really good at her craft and needs about two hours to complete one bouquet with the materials laid out in front of her.
“Ukraine was much easier for shopping. There were markets on every corner. Sudbury requires travel time to markets with our bus passes,” Alina said.
Alina is the brains behind the artistry while Artem manages the website and photography side of things.
You can learn more about Wow Bouquet by visiting their website, WowBouquet.ca. Videos and pictures of their offerings are also located on Facebook and Instagram.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
