A young mum who fled the war in Ukraine where constant bombing saw people she knew killed - is giving back to the country who are sheltering her – by easing UK office worker’s stress.
Renowned masseur Yuliia Mokrynska has brought unique techniques and even her own patented liquid to the heart of Oldham to remind folks that “massage is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
And given that one of the special ingredients in that balm is honey, her location is fitting - the borough’s new business hub The Hive!
The 38-year-old has been mentored by good cause Upturn, who has allowed her to set up shop in the town’s busy Spindles shopping and office centre.
This suits Yuliia perfectly as her goal is to make massages as accessible as possible.
She uses natural ingredients in her massage liquids, which largely consists of Ukranian honey.
Her technique is painless and ultra relaxing, and she even ensures that the substance doesn’t get stuck to the skin!
Yuliia said: “The natural stickiness of honey is an essential part of honey massage, as the lifting effect helps stimulate detoxification.
“My liquid is designed to make this process less painful compared to classical honey massage, while preserving its benefits.”
With support from the Growth Hub and the University of Salford, she began to forge her business MYU Massage, and then chose to work with Upturn, after meeting staff and being impressed with their ambition for Oldham.
“Our goal is to support businesses like Yuliia’s to not only become sustainable and profitable but also to contribute some positivity to the community” said Anwar Ali OBE, Managing Director of Upturn.
“Her product and experience will improve physical and mental health in the borough and her perspective, after such traumatic experiences, may open other people’s eyes and inspire them.”
Those closing months in Kiev genuinely had Yuliia frightened for her and her daughter’s lives. She opposes war in any form and believes her service is, “an expression of love.”
Founder of the Calm Ahead charity Jenny Eastwood is one of Yuliia’s recent clients.
She said: “Many people are facing challenges and as we know from the mindfulness sessions we run, they need time for themselves.
“You cannot fill from an empty cup and too often women in particular put their own wellbeing last. Yuliia is part of a movement to change that in Oldham - a borough where people matter.”
With such a richly diverse population, Oldham already feels like home to Yuliia, and a lifetime away from her beloved Ukraine.
“I bought a one-way ticket and decided this was my home. In Ukraine it felt like the walls were no longer my own.
“When I first visited Oldham’s Tommyfield Market, I noticed how friendly people were. I think you will always be happy here if you are kind and do all you can to get on with everyone.”
The Hive offers large and small business space to hold meetings and events and even co-locate in their impressive offices. To learn more about it go to https://hiveoldham.co.uk/about
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