When the Baranov family left occupied Alchevsk in 2014, their lives were split into “before” and “after.” Their home, familiar places, a stable business — they had to leave everything behind for the sake of safety. But Liliia Baranova did not lose the most important things: faith in herself, the courage to start over, and the inner strength that allows a person to endure even when it seems impossible.
Kramatorsk became a new home for the Baranov family. A city recovering from active hostilities needed development, rebuilding, and people ready to contribute. Liliia managed to see an opportunity where others saw only difficulties.
The first step toward a new life was opening a construction materials store. The demand was enormous — goods sold out daily, the business grew, they acquired their own trucks, and with them came a new idea: to establish a service station for heavy vehicles.
Liliia is an electrical engineer by profession, specializing in automation of production processes. She is not afraid of skepticism. Technology has been part of her life since youth, and she first got behind the wheel at 18. She is used to dealing with complex tasks, acting confidently, and doing her work professionally.
“A woman and trucks? Yes, I’m a professional in this field. I’ve been surrounded by technology all my life. This is my element, and I am confident in my knowledge and skills,” says Liliia.
This confidence became the foundation for a new stage — running a business in a “man’s” field, where Liliia constantly proves that competence has no gender.
In 2024, Liliia applied for a grant under the government program “Vlasna sprava” (Your Own Business) and successfully received funding.
She used the grant funds rationally and strategically. The entrepreneur purchased a universal Redline optical stand for wheel alignment, as well as specialized equipment and professional tools for repairing heavy vehicles.
This allowed her to establish a modern truck service station, which is now actively operating and expanding.
Liliia has already created two new jobs. One of them was taken by Kateryna, who was unemployed — and for her employment, the business owner receives a reimbursement of the single social contribution (USC), continuing effective cooperation with the employment service.
“The support of the employment service helped me get back on my feet more quickly and develop the business I had long dreamed of,” Liliia says.
Liliia and her husband Artur are known in the community not only as entrepreneurs but also as people who do not stay indifferent. They regularly support animal shelters. In winter, they deliver firewood to keep the animals warm and provide food and essential supplies.
“We know what it’s like to lose your home. Let animals at least have a warm and safe one,” Liliia says.
Her help is not simply charity — it is genuine humanity and the understanding that caring for those who cannot protect themselves makes the community stronger.
Who is Liliia Baranova today?
She is a woman who proves every day through her actions that strength lies not in circumstances but in determination.
Liliia is an internally displaced person who rebuilt her life from scratch. She is an entrepreneur successfully working in a complex and predominantly “male” field, a highly qualified specialist implementing modern technologies. She is also a socially responsible employer who creates jobs and supports her community, as well as a volunteer who helps those who need care the most.