A Turmush correspondent spoke with the artisan.
She was born in 2001 in Tomsk, Russia. Today, she lives and creates in Karakol, which has become a source of inspiration and a point of creative growth for her.
By profession, Diana is a designer. In her free time, she also works as an SMM specialist in one of the coffee shops in Karakol. However, creating souvenirs—bright, modern, and filled with meaning—holds a special place in her life.
The idea to engage in the souvenir business did not come right away. Diana's husband is originally from Karakol. However, the couple met in Russia, in Tomsk. "After getting married, we visited Karakol a couple of times for vacation, where we encountered a lack of original and modern souvenirs. A couple of years later, we finally moved to Kyrgyzstan and thought about creating bright and beautiful souvenirs ourselves," she shared.
The city of Karakol has become for Diana not just a place of residence but a city with which she has linked her creativity. She is attracted by the proximity of the mountains, the "soulful" food, the calm rhythm of life, and the sense of coziness that is often lacking in megacities. However, she names people as her main source of inspiration. "I love this city because the mountains are always nearby, the food has soul, the rhythm of life is calm, and there's a sense of coziness that is so often missing in big cities. In Karakol, what inspires me the most is the people. It is a place where different countries meet, and everyone understands each other with warmth, even if they speak different languages," she shared.
In Diana's works, one can often find the image of a dragon—a symbol that, according to her, holds a special place in her heart. The dragon located in the center of the city has become a true gem of Karakol for her.
My favorite souvenir is a candle in the shape of a dragon's head. The dragon is the heart and gem of the city," she says.
Different materials are used to create the products, but most often it is plaster and felt. The manufacturing process requires a lot of time and patience: it takes about two and a half hours on average to make one magnet, a candle takes about two days, and working on stickers or postcards, considering printing, can take up to two and a half weeks.
Ideas often change during the work process—the sketch may be one thing, but the finished product acquires new details and character.
Diana is convinced that souvenirs play an important role in preserving the image and spirit of the city.
Customers and tourists are often surprised to learn that the souvenirs are handmade. Many admit that these are the kinds of things they were missing, and some even regretfully note that Diana's works can currently only be found in Karakol—they are sought after in the city of Bishkek as well.
For the artisan, it is especially pleasant to realize that her products are going to different cities and countries. At the same time, Diana notes that her goal is not so much to earn money as to make people fall in love with Karakol.
The path to recognition has not always been easy. At the initial stage, Diana and her husband started with simple magnets. Two years ago, when they approached one of the souvenir shops, they faced harsh criticism and rejection. These words hurt deeply and shook their confidence for a long time. Nevertheless, there were people who believed in the young artisans and gave them a chance—something Diana is still sincerely grateful for.
Today, in her opinion, it is quite possible for a young artisan to realize themselves in Karakol. Coffee shop and small establishment owners are eager to support local authors and help them find their audience.
Diana plans to continue developing her business, expanding her product range, and eventually trying new directions. Her creative dream is to achieve recognition for her works so that they can be found in any part of the city. She also does not rule out participating in republican and international projects, although she admits that it is a bit intimidating—but it is worth trying.
To young girls who are just considering a creative path, Diana advises not to be afraid to start and to implement even the boldest ideas. Criticism is not the end, but merely a part of the journey. There will always be those who will appreciate talent and potential. "The main thing is to take risks, try, and believe in yourself," she said.
