Venera, born in 1975 in Kant, told a Turmush correspondent about her husband. "Andrey is 53 years old. He graduated from the Polytechnic University and currently works as an engineer in Bishkek. My husband is my support, a reliable and kind person. Throughout our years together, we have gone through many trials, but next to him, I always feel confidence and warmth. He is a caring father and a gentle grandfather who loves our family. We have four children: a daughter, Irina, and three sons — Dmitry, Danil, and Yaroslav, as well as three grandchildren," Venera shared.
The couple met through mutual friends in Kant, initially communicating and then starting to date. "We dated for about two years before we decided to tie our fates in 1995. Our wedding took place in a cozy atmosphere with close friends, family, and neighbors. There was music, dancing, and Tatar treats on the table — it was truly fun and heartfelt," Venera recalled.
She also talked about the brightest moments of her life. "The most joyful moments are associated with the birth of our children, family celebrations, and trips together. Once, at a celebration, our children surprised us — they dressed up, sang, and joked. We laughed until we cried. Since then, we have had a tradition of preparing surprises for each other every year. The main thing in a family is mutual understanding, respect, and patience. It is important not just to love but also to be able to listen to each other and support one another in difficult times. Family is a constant labor of the soul and heart. I would advise young people not to rush with grievances and to cherish every minute spent together," she added.
The Stepanovs prepared for the "Three Generations" competition for about a week. "It was very engaging because the rehearsals brought the whole family together — both the older and younger generations. We reminisced about family traditions, old songs, and looked at photographs together. This helped us view our relationships in a new light and brought us even closer. We took second place and showcased our talents in the creative nomination by performing a song and a skit about family values," Venera said.
She is also passionate about cultural activities and actively participates in the work of the Tatar Cultural Center "Duslyk." "My husband always supports me in all my endeavors. We both strive to benefit people and preserve our culture and traditions. In the future, we plan to develop family projects, travel more, and spend time with our children and grandchildren," Stepanova concluded.
