Natalia Solomanova

36 years old, Tailor

“If things are very hard, give yourself a week to feel sad and cry. Then pull yourself together, remember that everyone is a guest in your life, and rely only on yourself” — Natalia, 36, is a Russian woman, and when she decided to tie her life to an Armenian, she already knew about Armenian history and hardships. She consciously decided to marry the son of a nation that has much suffering, rich history, and centuries-old culture.

At first, when Natalia found herself in Armenia, she had to deal with linguistic and cultural differences, but, according to her, she didn’t feel like a stranger in the Armenian community and quickly integrated into it. Natalia has a very subtle sense of humor, when asked when she started sewing she said that since childhood, when she sewed clothes for her cat and dolls. Fortunately, her favorite childhood hobby became a profession and a way to secure her future.

I love Armenians very much. It was very hard for me to see Armenians in this difficult situation. During the Armenian war I witnessed how many young men died, how Armenian mothers suffered and how many Armenian women became hopeless widows. Every morning I asked God to stop the war and this suffering.

My husband lost many relatives during the war, I tried to be by his side, to comfort him and give him hope, because we have a little boy for whom we had to be strong and to overcome all calamities.

It was very difficult for me to find a job, as the only language I understood and could speak was Russian. When I heard about “Sewing Hope for Armenia” I decided to apply, though I doubted I would be hired, but luckily I got the job.