From New Beginnings to “Sweet Mango Memories”

How Olya found creative confidence through an Ice Cream Design project

When Olya 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, Olya 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

During her maternity leave, Olya 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 Olya didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Late-night sketches and a flavor full of feeling

Even with a newborn at home, Olya 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,” Olya 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 Olya, 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,” Olya said. “If I can do it, anyone can. You don’t have to wait for perfect conditions, just follow what excites you.”

Why co-creation matters

Olya’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,” Olya said, “everyone benefits.”

Today, Olya 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 Olya?

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.