From New Beginnings to “Sweet Mango Memories”

How Olga found creative confidence through an Ice Cream Design project

When Olga Shevchenko moved from Ukraine to the Netherlands with her husband and young daughter — and later while expecting her second child — she, like many newcomers, had to rebuild her life from the ground up.

She brought with her a Master’s degree in Transportation and over nine years of experience as an Operational Manager at one of the largest forwarding companies in Ukraine. In that role, she specialized in organizing overseas shipments and working closely with international shipping and trading companies.

But there was another side of her too — a creative side. Alongside her logistics career, Olga always found joy in painting. Over time, that passion led her to explore digital design, taking on freelance projects for local businesses.

A creative spark reignited

Olga at the Sweet Mango Memories launch in Amsterdam.

During her maternity leave, Olga found more space to nurture that creative energy. She dove deeper into design, rekindling a connection to her artistic roots. That personal growth path eventually led her to the Delitelabs entrepreneurship program — where she developed a creative project that opened new doors.

One of those doors? A chance to join Ben & Jerry’s international Ice Cream Design Challenge and Olga didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Late-night sketches and a flavor full of feeling

Even with a newborn at home, Olga poured herself into the process. Working during quiet evenings, she sketched ideas inspired by a new ice cream flavor. Her older daughter — a big fan of mangoes — became her unofficial creative director.

The result? “Sweet Mango Memories” — a packaging concept full of vibrant visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and deep personal meaning.

“Starting a new life in a new country can feel overwhelming,” Olga said. “But sometimes, sweet memories from the past help you feel strong, hopeful, and inspired.”

Her design featured four figures from different cultures — symbolizing how newcomers can find connection and community, even in unfamiliar places.

More than just design — it was about confidence

For Olga, this wasn’t just a creative exercise.

“The feedback I received from the Ben & Jerry’s team helped me improve and believe in my skills again,” she shared. “I had just given birth — my second daughter was only one month old. My older daughter helped too. She’d look at my sketches in the morning. Now she’s waiting to find the ice cream in the stores!”

What mattered most was showing her daughters that it’s possible to follow your interests — even when life is uncertain.

“There are no excuses.”“I did this project when one daughter was just two years old, and the other was a newborn,” Olga said. “If I can do it, anyone can. You don’t have to wait for perfect conditions, just follow what excites you.”

Olga at the UP Collective entrepreneurship program, along with other participants.

Why co-creation matters

Olga’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people are given the chance to contribute. Newcomers often bring deep expertise, creativity, and resilience. They just need a place to apply it.

“When companies welcome new people and new perspectives,” Olga said, “everyone benefits.”

Today, Olga is back in the logistics world, working at an international commodity trading corporation — while still holding space for her creative pursuits. She’s proud of the journey, and grateful to Delitelabs and Ben & Jerry’s for the opportunities that helped her grow.

Through it all, she didn’t just design an ice cream package — she shared a story of hope, identity, and belonging.

Want to connect with Olga?

You can find her on LinkedIn. She’s open to being a part of creative design projects that make a positive impact, especially those that help people feel included and inspired. Want to learn more about the project?

After completing UP Collective entrepreneurship program, 13 refugee entrepreneurs joined  Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Challenge to co-create Sweet Mango Memories.

Through mentoring and training, participants combined their diverse skills to create this mission-driven ice cream. 

Part of the proceeds will support the next generation of refugee-led companies through training programs and microfinance. Discover more: https://www.benjerry.nl/smaken/sweet-mango-memories-origineel-ijs https://www.up-collective.com/sweetmangomemories