A correspondent from Turmush spoke with the craftswoman.
She was born in 2001 in Tomsk, Russia. Today, she lives and creates in the city of 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 cafes 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 immediately. 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 not just a place of residence for Diana, but a city with which she has connected 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 is a sense of coziness that is so often missing in big cities. In Karakol, what inspires me the most are 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, the image of a dragon— a symbol that, according to her, holds a special place in her heart—can often be found. The dragon located in the center of the city has become a true highlight for her.
“In my works, you can most often find the dragon that stands in the center of the city. I don’t know, I have a special love for it.
My favorite souvenir is a candle in the shape of a dragon's head. The dragon is the heart and highlight 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: on average, it takes about two and a half hours to make one magnet, a candle takes about two days to create, and working on stickers or postcards, including 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 confident that souvenirs play an important role in preserving the image and spirit of the city.
“Time does not stand still, and people's views change. Ordinary magnets with photographs become outdated. Our souvenirs give a fresh perspective to the city and show that there are creative people in it,” she shared.
Customers and tourists are often surprised to learn that the souvenirs are handmade. Many admit that they were missing such items, and some even regret that Diana's works can currently only be found in Karakol—they are sought after in the city of Bishkek as well.
For the master, 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.
“My goal is not to earn money, but to make more and more people fall in love with both the city and its culture, as well as my creativity. I like to realize that my products evoke delight and interest,” she shared.
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. However, there were people who believed in the young masters and gave them a chance—something Diana is still sincerely grateful for.
Today, in her opinion, it is quite possible for a young master to realize themselves in Karakol. Café 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 range, and eventually trying new directions. Her creative dream is to make her works recognizable and available 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 a try.
To young girls who are just thinking about a creative path, Diana advises not to be afraid to start and to implement even the boldest ideas. Criticism is not the end, but just 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.
