INTERVIEW: "From Escaping The Russia/Ukraine War To Modeling At Accra Fashion Week" Meet Survivor Karyna Quaye

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On a sunny afternoon in Accra, Nana Tamakloe, founder of FashionGHANA, sat down with the elegant and vibrant Karyna Quaye at Cloud9ine, one of the city’s most chic rooftop lounges. The air buzzed with gentle Afrobeat melodies as the two sipped on chilled hibiscus cocktails and shared a platter of fried yam bites with tangy dipping sauces. Karyna, a striking beauty of Ghanaian-Ukrainian heritage, radiated a mix of grace and resilience. Now five months into her second time in Ghana, this model and mother of a three-year-old daughter was ready to share her extraordinary journey—from her modeling days in Ukraine to navigating life through war, and finally returning to her “second motherland.” With a diploma in psychology and years of modeling experience under her belt, Karyna exuded wisdom, creativity, and a passion for forging a meaningful path in Ghana’s flourishing fashion industry.

The two engaged in dialogue for our interview as below.

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FashionGHANA.com: What’s the feeling like moving from Ukraine to Ghana?
Karyna: My journey is quite unique because Ghana wasn’t my first stop after leaving Ukraine. My first destination was China, where I worked as a model and later pursued university studies. When the war began, I was back in Ukraine but soon got a second modeling contract in China, which allowed me to leave. It was a difficult transition, but I managed.
Eventually, I decided to move to Ghana because it’s my second motherland. I felt it was the right time to return, and when I arrived, I finally felt at peace—safe, happy, and truly at home.

FashionGHANA.com: Tell us about Ukraine before the war and how it was when you left.
Karyna: Ukraine before the war was a beautiful and peaceful country, rich in art and culture. If you’ve ever heard of the Soviet Union, you’d know that about 80% of its artistic talents came from Ukraine. Sadly, that beauty and peace were disrupted when the war started.

FashionGHANA.com: You were caught in the middle of the war. Kindly share some of that experience.
Karyna: When the war started, I had just returned to my mother’s house after a modeling contract in China. Everything changed so quickly, and we were terrified, often losing hope of escaping alive. Every time the siren alarms went off, we’d rush to air raid shelters. For months, we lived in constant fear.

The war turned my home into a nightmare. My city, Sloviansk, became unrecognizable. We’d hear constant gunshots and bombs. Our homes shook, windows shattered, and bombs destroyed entire neighborhoods. Despite the chaos, the citizens united like one big family, supporting each other through those dark times.

FashionGHANA.com: How did you manage to escape the war?
Karyna: When the war reached my region, the city was locked down—no one could leave, and no one could enter. Electricity and water were cut off, and there were even rumors that the water supply had been poisoned. Every day, we lived in fear as bombs exploded and tanks roamed the streets.

After about a month, we received news that we could evacuate to other cities by bus or car. Many people tried to escape, taking only the essentials. Unfortunately, not everyone survived, as some buses and cars were hit by bombs.

I was fortunate to secure a bus ticket to Donetsk, where I stayed with family friends for a few months. Eventually, I received a modeling contract in China, which allowed me to leave Ukraine. But even now, loud sounds or fireworks can still trigger memories of that terrible time.

FashionGHANA.com: How do people in Ukraine feel about the war? Do they side with their government?
Karyna: The people of Ukraine believe in the strength of our government and army. They pray every day for peace and an end to the war.

FashionGHANA.com: What was your life as a model in Ukraine like before the war?
Karyna: Before the war, I worked with K2, a modeling agency in Kyiv. I participated in numerous shoots, runway shows, and contests. I also collaborated with renowned Ukrainian magazines like *Cosmopolitan* and *Woman*. It was a productive and exciting time for me.

FashionGHANA.com: Were you a full-time model?
Karyna: Yes, I was a full-time model for a few years. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience. Some days, I had to wake up at midnight for early-morning castings or shows, and sometimes I’d have multiple jobs in one day. It was hectic, but it helped me grow.
Now, I prefer a more balanced schedule, working just a few days a week.

Ever since escaping the war in Ukraine, Karyna would visit China and sooner later Ghana of where she has now found comfort. Contrary to her experience in Ukraine, Ghana is the 2nd safest country on the continent and also safer the USA and Canada. Her exuberating experience is making her seek her own accommodation here and possibly a 2nd home or permanent stay. We continue discussion with her, her experience after walking on the phenomenal Accra Fashion Week.

FashionGHANA.com: How do you find modeling in Ghana?
Karyna: I discovered the modeling scene in Ghana through Instagram, and I like it a lot.

FashionGHANA.com: Name three things you love about Ghana.
Karyna: I love the peaceful people, the delicious food, and the endless summer!

FashionGHANA.com: What was it like to be part of Accra Fashion Week?
Karyna: Being part of Accra Fashion Week was such an exciting experience. I met so many talented creatives who showcased Ghana’s rich culture. It opened my eyes to a different side of Ghana and its fashion industry.

FashionGHANA.com: Have you participated in fashion weeks in Ukraine? How would you compare the experiences?
Karyna: Yes, I’ve been part of Ukrainian Fashion Week. It was also a wonderful experience. The main difference lies in the cultural elements—styles, clothing, and accessories. But both shows share the same passion for celebrating creativity and love for their respective motherlands.

FashionGHANA.com: Who were your favorite designers?
Karyna: My favorite designers of Accra week were drapedbypalm, Bella Fasso, Terry Thobani, House of Trose and Myra Walles. I was happy to walk for them, and I love the way they represent Africa culture on their designs.

FashionGHANA.com: Do you think there’s a market for Ghanaian fashion in Ukraine?
Karyna: Absolutely! Ghanaian fashion has the potential to be popular in Ukraine. People there appreciate vibrant, colorful prints and high-quality textiles, which Ghana excels at. With time and collaboration between both countries, I believe Ghanaian fashion could make a strong impact in Ukraine.
When Ukraine becomes safe again, I’d love to introduce Ghanaian fashion culture there and across Europe. The world needs to see the beauty of Ghanaian fashion!

FashionGHANA.com: What’s the way forward for you now in Ghana?
Karyna: As someone who is half-Ghanaian, I want to make a name for myself here. I’m looking forward to collaborating with local designers, photographers, and creatives. I believe that with hard work, I can become a prominent figure in Ghana’s fashion industry.

FashionGHANA.com: Do you plan to return to Ukraine if the war ceases?
Karyna: Of course, I’ll return to visit my relatives and friends when Ukraine is safe again. But my future is here in Ghana—I plan to stay and build my life in my second motherland.

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