Ukraine refugee opens a beauty salon in Andover town centre

Before fleeing to England with her family in February, Rymma Khoroshko owned her own beauty salon where she previously lived in Ukraine — the city of Severodonetsk, which Russian forces are now in full control of. 

Ahead of settling in England, Rymma explained that she had everything she ever could of wanted in Ukraine - a cosy house and her favourite job, which she was progressing in after finishing her studies.

However, on February 26 when Rymma was staying with her parents she explained that the "Russian world came" and everything that she loved collapsed before her eyes.

With the help of her sponsors and Harriet Asher, who previously ran a fundraiser to help Ukrainians to safety, Rymma was able to move to safety in Stockbridge where she now lives with her family and Fiona, her well-travelled dog. 

After obtaining her accreditation to be able to work in the UK, Rymma made her dreams a reality and opened her salon — Ukrainian Beauty Permanent Make-Up. 

She said: "I am very happy to be here and to have opened my own salon, it means a lot to me - doing this job is the best part of my life. 

"Before coming to England, me and my family spent time in basements without light, without water, listening to the sound of explosions. So, to be here today means the world to me."

At Rymma's salon, she offers various beauty treatments including - tinting and eyebrow lamination, eyelash lift and tint, permanent makeup such as eyeliner and more.

READ MORE: Andover pharmacy opening hours over New Year 

Rymma working in her beauty salon in Andover. (Image: Rymma Khoroshko)

Sally Milligan, who has been friends with Rymma since she moved to Stockbridge, said: "I think it's brilliant that she is doing this, she's an extremely beautiful, talented woman and it's not easy to get up and going when your home country is being torn apart."

The Ukrainian Beauty Permanent Make-Up salon is located on the first floor of 12 High Street, Andover, SP10 1NX. 

For more information contact the salon via 07442088111 on WhatsApp, or follow rimmakhoroshko_pmu on Instagram.