money 'Fighting for what is right': Ukrainian soap maker tries to help her war-torn home country
PANAMA CITY — Yaroslava Snitsar describes her hometown of Vinnytsia, Ukraine, as a peaceful town full of culture and history.
The owner of Terra Bella Soaps and Such in Panama City said it’s considered one of the country's best cities, with museums, theaters and unique architecture.
“It's my hometown. I grew up on a farm, my first steps were there,” Snitsar said. “And my school, my college, my friends, everything.”
A month ago, her peaceful hometown fell victim to missiles and bombs.
Snitsar is one of many Ukrainian-Americans feeling the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, scared as their hometowns are invaded and torn apart thousands of miles away.
When the Panama City resident learned of the war beginning, she said she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“I started shaking when I realized that it is true,” Snitsar said. “And when ... you see videos and pictures, and all your friends in Ukraine panicking and messaging you what is going on. It was a really disturbing experience.”
She now strives to use her platform and her soap business to educate those around her on the horrors of the war and how to help Ukrainians back home.
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The journey to America and soap making
Snitsar moved to Florida in 2001 with her husband, Wolfgang. They originally planned to move to Germany but decided on the United States because Wolfgang is from Tallahassee.
She could only describe it as a “culture shock,” compared to Ukraine.
“When I came here to America, when you see on shelves, it's everything. People are happy. The kids are smiling,” Snitsar said. “Nobody is crying because mom cannot buy banana yogurt. It was sunny, it's not cold. It's not snowing.”
In Vinnytsia, she grew up in the Soviet Union and was inspired to go into the medical profession.
“I worked as a midwife, as a nurse, as a physiotherapist, physiotherapy or hydrotherapy nurse, had one year of law degree,” Snitsar said. “Stuff like this just normal, typical life. You get up in the morning, go to work, help people with medical needs, come back home.”
Years after settling in Panama City, she tried soap making in 2014, learning from a woman she met on a farm in Cedar Grove.
“She used to make this little gold soap from the milk of goats, and it was fascinating to me,” Snitsar said. “And then I thought, ‘Why not? Why can't I learn it myself?’”
She started Terra Bella Soaps in her free time to make income on the side, spending two years perfecting her soap recipe using local goat's milk and natural ingredients.
Her business has now grown into her main income, building a strong customer base in Bay County by selling at farmers markets and connecting with residents.
She said she’s proud at the progress she has made, citing her customers' support and how they have stuck by her through Hurricane Michael, the pandemic and now as she deals with the turmoil from the war.
“It feels amazing. I feel loved and you understand, you're doing the right thing,” Snitsar said. “And just, it's awesome, the feeling of support and love of your customers. It's amazing.”
War breaks out in hometown
When Snitsar learned her hometown and its military base had been bombed, she said it felt unreal.
“It didn't get hit that much compared to other cities, but we did get damage in structures and our airport is totally destroyed, 100% destroyed,” Snitsar said. “And we have missiles hanging sometimes because they have four to five siren attacks. It's scary.”
The war has been a long time coming, she said.
“The tension between the two nations was as long as I remember myself and as long as I know in history,” Snitsar said. “It was always a tension between two nationalities. And it's disturbing and it's upsetting.”
Family and friends still in Ukraine have told her frightening details about the treatment of the Ukrainian people and how many have lost their lives. It has inspired many to join the military, she said.
“They still fight, we still believe that we’re going to win because we're fighting for what is right,” Snitsar said. “We're fighting in our territory. Our children, even at the age of 11, escaping from home, signed up to be in the military, but just people standing in line to become a part of the military.”
From thousands of miles away, Snitsar said she is trying her best to send whatever money and resources she can to charities in Ukraine. She also is putting out information on social media and trying to spread the word about the war, which she said has gotten her some hateful remarks.
“You put resources, finances, whatever you can and send it back to Ukraine. I just think it isn't enough, so I sent a lot of information regarding Ukraine, the truth,” Snitsar said. “Some people don't take it serious and they laugh in my face, but you know what? Whatever, haters will hate.”
No matter what, she said she has seen immense support and help from her customers and the Bay County community.
“I have customers coming to me, taking my hand and praying with me. It's now not even one customer, it's people who don’t know me, up to five to 10 people who will come to me and ask me how I'm doing, how my people are doing,” Snitsar said. “The support of this community is absolutely mind blowing. I feel loved and feel good.”
While Snitsar feels scared and uncertain about the future and what lays ahead for her home country, she will continue to share resources and educate the public on the truth of the war.
“Do what you can to financially support. Right information, say the truth, exposed to the truth,” Snitsar said. “Many, many people affected, and we must pray for them and just bring spirit, wisdom. This is all we can do.”
To visit Snitsar's website and see her handmade soaps, click here.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City soap maker shares connection to Ukraine, how she's helping
