She speaks several languages, lives between cultures, builds a new life in Norway, raises a daughter, develops creative projects, and proves by her own example: a woman’s true strength lies in the ability to change while remaining true to herself. She shared her inspiring story exclusively with the readers of the international Business Woman magazine.
Anna Romanenko is a translator, philologist, vocalist, host of cultural events, mother, volunteer, and co-founder of the musical duo RomAnna & SkySun. Her story is a journey from the Ukrainian town of Romny to international cultural projects in Norway, from a childhood dream of music to creating events that bring people together.
Anna, if you could describe your path in a single sentence, what would it be?
My path is the story of a person who has always followed her heart, even when life offered completely different scenarios.
I was born in Ukraine, in the town of Romny, Sumy region. By education, I am a translator and philologist of English and German. But since childhood, there has been a second language in my life — music.
I have always felt that the stage, creativity, and communication with people are what fill me with energy.
You received a serious degree in the humanities, yet your life took a creative path. Why?
Probably because a true calling cannot be hidden, even behind the best diploma.
At one time, I chose a more practical profession. I thought: a diploma is necessary, and I can always sing. But life showed a beautiful irony — I never worked in my specialty, while music stayed with me forever.
Even during my studies, I took an active part in the creative life of the university: I performed, participated in contests and festivals, and also helped other students discover their talents as a mentor for creative projects.
Today I understand: every experience was needed to shape me into who I am now.
When did music become not just a hobby, but a part of your professional story?
I have been practicing vocals since childhood, participating in contests and festivals. Already in the 10th grade, I began performing at private and public events — weddings, corporate parties, and cultural occasions.
For me, the stage has always been a meeting place with people. It is not only about the voice — it is about emotion, atmosphere, and the ability to give someone a moment they will remember.
There are many international pages in your life. What was your journey to China like for you?
China became a major stage of development for me.
In 2018, I lived there and worked as an English teacher. It was a unique experience — a new culture, a different mentality, new people.
But even far away from Ukraine, I continued to pursue music. I performed for Chinese and international audiences and became convinced that art truly knows no borders.
Your love story is also connected to music. How was the duo RomAnna & SkySun born?
Music became our first bridge.
We met online in 2019 thanks to our shared love for music. Despite growing up in different countries and cultural environments, we were immediately united by creativity, shared values, and a special feeling for music.
Back then, I didn’t know that a casual acquaintance would grow into a true love story. Today, we have been together for over six years, are raising a daughter, and are developing joint creative projects.
Together we created the duo RomAnna & SkySun. For us, music is not just creativity. It is a way to speak about values, support, and unity.
Alexander is originally from Russia, but after the start of the full-scale war, he openly supports Ukraine and Ukrainian culture, taking part in cultural events of the Ukrainian community in Norway. He performs Ukrainian songs and the national anthem of Ukraine at public events in Oslo.
How did the full-scale invasion change your life?
The war forced us to start a new chapter.
Before that, we lived in Kyiv. In parallel with creativity, I worked in client service and quality control, which taught me how to work with people, organize processes, and see the needs of different audiences.
First, we moved to Poland, and in 2023 — to Norway.
The new country became a great challenge, but at the same time, it provided an opportunity to see how much strength lies within a person when they start all over again.
You started creating cultural events in Norway very quickly. Why was this important?
Because people need a sense of home.
Less than a month after moving, we organized a large concert dedicated to the Independence Day of Ukraine in Norway. It was attended by about 150 people.
That was a special moment. We realized that even far away from Ukraine, you can create a space where people feel warmth, support, and unity.
Today you combine many roles: mother, professional, artist, organizer. How do you manage it?
I think the secret is not to do everything perfectly. The secret is understanding why you are doing it.
In July 2024, I became a mother — I gave birth to my daughter, Nicole. Motherhood changed my perspective on life.
Now, every step I take has one more meaning — to show my daughter by my own example that dreams have no borders.
What was your path of integration in Norway like?
For me, it was very important not just to live in a new country, but to become a part of it.
One of the significant steps on the path of integration was successfully passing the state language exam in Norwegian at the B2 level.
Currently, I work as a vicar (substitute teacher) in a kindergarten. This is a conscious choice, as my daughter also attends the kindergarten. Thanks to this job, I better understand the Norwegian pre-school education system, the culture, and the daily life of the country that has become our home.
What role does volunteering play in your life?
For me, volunteering is about humanity.
Together with my husband, we actively help organize cultural events, concerts, and gatherings for the Ukrainian community in Norway. We also volunteer for the Red Cross, helping families from different corners of the world integrate more easily into Norwegian society through joint activities, excursions, meetings, and cultural initiatives.
It is important to me that people who find themselves far from home feel that they are not alone.
You are also developing your career as a cultural event host. Which events have become especially important?
Every event has its own story.
Among the special ones is the “Duo with a Star” concert featuring Iryna Bilyk, as well as other cultural events of the Ukrainian and international communities in Norway.
My goal is to create events that leave behind not just memories, but a sense of belonging.
What is your biggest dream today?
My dream is to create large-scale cultural projects, concerts, and events that bring people together.
I want Ukrainian culture to resound globally, and for people to find support, inspiration, and a connection to their home through creativity.
What values serve as your internal compass?
Family. Creativity. Development. Mutual support. Unity.
I believe that every person has their own melody. Mine is about the courage to change, not losing oneself, and creating goodness around.
Anna Romanenko is a woman who doesn’t just adapt to a new world. She creates her own space within it — a space of music, culture, and human warmth.
Read also: Music That Shapes the Future: Charity, Culture, and the Power of International Unity in Switzerland
Author: Inessa Kryvenko
Photo: from the heroine’s archive