Over the years of her creative career, Lyubava Greshnova has become one of the most famous Ukrainian actresses, whose works successfully resonate equally with theater and cinema audiences. Yet, behind the professional achievements stands something much bigger—daily discipline, the courage to start new projects, her own production company, love for her family, and the ability to stay true to herself regardless of the circumstances.
Exclusively for Business Woman International magazine, theater and film actress Lyubava Greshnova spoke about her creative journey, her own production company, life off-stage, the balance between profession and family, and shared the principles that help her stay strong even in the most difficult times. This is a candid conversation about discipline, inner freedom, love for one’s craft, and a woman’s right to be real rather than perfect.
— You have been working successfully in cinema and theater for many years. Looking back, what do you consider the most important thing in your creative journey today?
— To be honest, I can’t name just one thing. First and foremost, it’s the ability not to give up. In a creative profession, there are many moments when you want to throw up your hands. And most often, this happens precisely when you are as close as possible to your goal.
I always repeat a simple phrase to my son: “Keep trying until it works.” I lived the same way. I tried, I made mistakes, I waited, I worked—and at some point, exactly what I had dreamed of for so long happened.
Another big achievement I consider is that my husband and I created our own production company. Today, we create theatrical projects ourselves, touring Ukraine and the world. This is a completely different level of responsibility. It’s one thing when you are invited, and a completely different thing when you create a product you believe in yourself and no longer depend on other people’s decisions.
— Behind your smile, a great inner strength is always felt. What helps you not to lose yourself even in difficult periods?
— First of all, my son. He is my greatest energy, my light. I love children very much, and even after the hardest day, it is children’s sincerity that brings me back to life.
And also—discipline. It was discipline that helped me get through very difficult periods, including depression. Over time, I realized: there is no magic pill. There are only daily small actions that gradually bring you back to yourself.
Sports, a routine, responsibility to yourself—all this works much better than waiting for things to get easier on their own one day.
— What is Lyubava Greshnova like off-stage and off the film set?
— Actually, a very simple person. And all my close ones will confirm this.
I don’t like pathos, glamour, or the need to meet someone’s expectations. In everyday life, I feel comfortable walking around in sportswear, sitting on the grass, and communicating with people without any conventionalities.
I find it much more interesting to talk not only with colleagues but with completely different people—neighbors, casual passers-by, people from other countries. I love listening to stories, getting to know cultures, seeing life as it is.
It is this simplicity that fulfills me the most.
— Did you ever have to choose between your career and personal life?
— No. And I very consciously built my life so that I would never face such a choice.
It was always strange to me why a woman is offered to choose between family and profession at all. We all give birth to children, have families, work, and realize ourselves. Why should an actress live by different rules?
For me, balance is a completely natural thing. You work, realize your projects, and then return home to your closest people. One does not contradict the other.
— You inspire many women by your example. What does it mean for you today to be strong and at the same time happy?
— Now I want to say something completely different to women.
We live in a time when every Ukrainian woman is already strong. We don’t need to prove it to ourselves or anyone else every day.
It seems to me that we demand too much of ourselves. We want to be perfect mothers, professionals, wives, athletes, beautiful, productive… But right now, it is very important to allow yourself to be just a human being.
Allow yourself to get tired sometimes. To be weak for a moment. To rest. To be lazy. To enjoy the little things.
Especially after the trials that Ukraine is going through.
I am convinced that today the most important thing is to take care of your mental health and not to set unattainable demands for yourself.
— What are you working on right now? What premieres should we expect in the near future?
— A very busy theater season is ahead. As early as this autumn, several premieres will take place at once.
I am especially looking forward to the screenings of the play Everything is Possible—this is one of my favorite works. Audiences will also see the plays Voices of Olympus and Bravo, Julia, where we perform together with Olha Sumska.
In addition to the theater, a premiere of an international Polish film about Ukrainians, in which I took part, is expected this autumn. Work is also underway on several new Ukrainian film projects, but I cannot reveal the details just yet.
— If you could address yourself at the beginning of your creative path today, what would you say? And what do you want to wish to women who are just gathering the courage to realize their dream?
— I would give two very practical pieces of advice to my younger self.
Firstly, to start doing sports systematically much earlier. It came into my life only after thirty, and today I understand how important it is not only for physical health but also for psychological resilience.
Secondly—to study English every day. Not to put it off “for later.” This opens up a huge number of opportunities in any profession.
And to women, I want to say a simple thing.
Do not turn a dream into a source of constant anxiety. It should not be a deadline or a pressure.
A real dream is a light. If, closing your eyes, you feel warmth from it, then it is exactly what is worth pursuing.
And most importantly—don’t give up. Just keep making small steps. It is they that lead to great victories one day.
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Photo: from the heroines archive