Olesya Smirnova
Olesya is originally from Belarus. She graduated as a mechanical engineer, but spent most of her life working as a journalist for one of the country's most popular portals. In 2021, her circumstances changed dramatically - the family moved to Gdansk, and her previous profession was no longer possible. Today, Olesya is a freelance interior designer who helps Russian-speaking migrants navigate the Polish renovation and finishing materials market.
Olesya is originally from Belarus. She trained as a mechanical engineer, but spent most of her career working as a journalist at one of the country's most popular portals. In 2021, her circumstances changed dramatically—her family moved to Gdansk, and her previous profession was no longer possible. Today, Olesya is a freelance interior designer who helps Russian-speaking migrants navigate the Polish renovation and finishing materials market.
Contents:
The Beginning
Born and educated in Belarus, Olesya studied at a technical university and received a degree in mechanical engineering in materials science. But her career path took a different turn: she worked as a journalist for many years, covering construction, renovation, interior design, and landscape design. She interviewed celebrities, architects, foremen, and ordinary people who did their own renovations.
"I wrote numerous articles about construction, design, and trends. I was constantly communicating with designers, builders, and experts. In fact, I was already deeply immersed in this field."
After moving to Poland, continuing a career as a journalist proved impossible—perfect knowledge of Polish was required, and working for the Belarusian or Russian markets made no sense for financial and legal reasons. It was necessary to look for a new profession.
"I had an engineering base, spatial thinking and vast experience communicating with builders"
The solution, according to Olesya, came by itself: a technical base, experience in analyzing materials, developed spatial thinking and a deep understanding of the processes of repair and design - all this was already in her baggage. All that remained was to formally strengthen her skills and enter the profession professionally.
What an interior designer does every day
The work of a designer turned out to be much broader than many imagine. This includes constantly analyzing new materials, technologies, and trends, reading professional literature, and studying the results of major international exhibitions.
"You have to keep your finger on the pulse all the time. I read a lot, study new products, attend master classes and thematic events. And in my work, I make drawings, visualizations, go to measurements, meet with clients, and help choose materials and furniture."
For migrants who are buying housing in a new country, such support is not just a service, but often psychological help. Olesya helps you navigate the selection of Polish stores, explains the differences in materials and standards, and suggests what is really worth buying and what is not.
Why did you choose Skillbox?
Before the training, Olesya had not tried free courses - she immediately understood that the structure and depth of the program are important.
"Of all the online courses, I liked the Skillbox program the most. It was complete, without fluff and unnecessary lessons. I already had some familiarity and a clear understanding of what I needed to study—the program perfectly aligned with my goals."
The bonus course on design history was especially important. It helped me piece together the puzzle: who shapes trends, why some trends become iconic, how designers create and reimagine visual solutions.
"Every designer should take this course. It develops taste, understanding of context, and visual acuity."
A separate plus was the strong teaching staff - among the experts were famous designers, participants in TV projects, and top specialists from Elle Decoration. And the opportunity to ask questions in a closed chat even after completing the training.
First steps in the profession: don't rush, but immerse yourself
Olesya did not strive to enter the market as quickly as possible - it was important for her to master the profession thoroughly. She now works as a freelancer with Russian-speaking clients in Poland.
"Many migrants are simply at a loss when it comes to understanding how much they need to buy, choose, and where to go. The standards here are different, the materials are different. Sometimes even the doors are designed differently than at home." I help people figure things out and feel calmer."
For her, being a designer isn't just about aesthetics, but also about supporting people who find themselves in a new country.
Olesya is currently actively improving her Polish and plans to get a job in an office as a designer or draftsman.
Projects to be proud of
Despite the fact that Olesya is formally a newbie (less than two years of experience), she already has a solid portfolio:
- Food court cafe design;
- Two- and three-story house designs;
- One- and two-level apartments;
- Participation in real estate auctions in Gdynia as an invited designer from a construction company.
Which skills from the course were most useful?
According to Olesya, almost everything. Especially knowledge of Archicad, which is difficult to do without in daily work.
"The course explains the basics very well: color, ergonomics, style. They show examples and explain why the solutions work. Taste is formed - over time, you begin to see what good design is and why it is so."
An important part of the training were the lessons on interaction with clients and contractors - something that usually comes only with experience.
Advice for those just entering the profession
The path of a novice designer is rarely straight. Olesya is confident that the best start is working as an intern or assistant for an experienced specialist.
"Find your mentor. Someone who will help, advise, and inspire. And love what you do—then everything will be easier and more enjoyable. That's what happened to me. I found a wonderful mentor who believed in me and taught me a lot. This is a huge success and a great support."
Master interior design at Skillbox
Learn professional programs for drawings and visualization, learn how to maintain project documentation and communicate with clients and contractors, and be able to manage turnkey projects.
Learn more about the course