Ukrainian fashion designer in KC speaks on recent Russian attacks, KC-based humanitarian nonprofit for Ukraine

She has been an artist since she was a child in Ukraine. Her grandfather owned a book of ballet photos, and she dreamed of being a ballerina.

“I think the reason I wanted to be a ballerina is because of their costumes,” Meyer said.

Meyer said she’d sketch leotards, tights and ballet shoes.

“I think my grandfather would always say, ‘Oh, that’s beautiful,’” she said. “And I think when you get the reward, you start kind of working harder and harder.”

She received her education in Ukraine.

“I see things different than other people; I kind of rotate shapes in my head a little bit,” she said.

Many of her classmates and friends are still in Ukraine. Meyer tried to help some of her friends leave her home country amid the war, but she said some have returned because they have sons who could be mandated to serve in Ukraine's military.