Born July, 25^th 1974 in Borshchiv, Ternopil region (Western Ukraine) in the family of a lawyer and a top government official. Finished High school with a gold medal (all “A” grades) and graduated from Chernivtsi State University (Foreign Languages Dept.) with summa cum laude.

Worked for a few big introductory companies , such as “Anastasia” and “European Connections” as an interpreter till 1996 when started an own marriage agency.

As a true Leo (by horoscope) strive to invest maximum efforts into everything be it studies, work, friendships, relationships with people .

Married to Oleg Ikonnikov, a faithful partner in life and business . Together for 19 years, raising son Daniel (born in 2004).

One of my good friends, a former warrior, now a civilian employed in the noble field of building experimental homes for Eskimos in the Arctic, came up with this description of my personality. Hopefully it doesn’t sound too sugary-sweet. Well, Andrew might be partial since we developed a close friendship after his visit.

“To truly understand what makes up this magnanimous spirit residing behind the engaging smile and beautiful female form we must dissect the many individual facets she possesses. First I must warn you, do not to be lured into any stereotype about her radiant blonde hair, below the locks of gold and warm flesh rests a razor sharp intellect that misses nothing and analyses everything to the benefit of her chosen clients. Make no mistake, you have been chosen from the masses of potential would be suitors for her Ukrainian girls. It’s not about the money, she is a true patriot with yellow and blue blood flowing through her veins. Her vision is synergistic with insatiable dedication to ensuring a successful and enduring match between those in her charge. You are embarking on a journey set on a path that could result in a never ending fairy tale for the fortunate few of sincere purpose and true heart. The underlying wisdom to be shared is straight forward but transcendent. Her simple truths will illuminate the most effective ways to navigate the relationship obstacles that expectedly lay ahead. Listen close to her objective opinions and advice as they are a refined product of tangible value developed through years of experience in the field you have failed to master. That is why you are here, the reason you have traveled so far away from your home land in search of the elusive relationship equivalent to a fairy tale unicorn. You have a chance to not only find the treasure at the end of the rainbow but take home the manifestation of your efforts. Are you worthy? Svetlana thinks so or you would not be invited into her private world”.

Beautiful words, actually… When I read them, I blush. But I also feel the urge to be even a better person (if it’s possible to be better , ha ha Back on a serious note – I am not perfect. But I always invest my heart and soul into my work. You have to understand that this business has long ago ceased to be business only for our family, it became our life. I and husband Oleg talk about our clients when we clean our apartment , or cook together, or have dinner. You are always with us, we discuss your problems, agree or disagree with your choices, actions, behavior.

We are this small “mom-and-pop” company where you are the centre of our attention and get personalized approach. You are not lost in the crowd of other customers.

And the methods I lead my business are also unconventional and different. I will not meet you at the office with a big album of ladies’ photos and you will not go through the pages checking out the girls’ legs ,butts and faces like you are picking an actress for a swim suit commercial. You have to agree that it’s a quite humiliating process and if any of these girls could see it – I would never be able to invite her for a date with you. Yes, I will still show you photos (since everything starts with the physical attraction), but we will go through them in my netbook , and we will be drinking juice, tea or coffee. And the atmosphere will be relaxed and not uptight. It will not be like a “meat market”, I respect the feelings of both ladies and guys.

Most of my clients have been to my home and I have cooked borshch and other dishes of Ukrainian cuisine for them. I think it’s only fair – if you pay for my dinner at the restaurant (when we are on a date with a girl and you need translation), I want to treat you too. Another thing – I don’t sit quietly in the corner during dinners and open my mouth for translation only. I chat with the lady in Ukrainian, we laugh, take photos. Some guys may think that it’s not professional and I am wasting their precious time. But let me assure you: it’s all done for your benefit. I know what I am doing. The tension is gone, lady is relaxed, she starts telling me openly about her real feelings for you. This way I find out if she’s just having a good time and trying to run away from her routine or she’s truly serious about you.

You could be a “meal ticket” only, and not only for dinner, but in a long run. My task is find out that. I can help you find out all these things, but only if you trust me 100%. When I sense your trust, I feel responsible for you. You are like my “child” and I would not let anyone hurt you. But if you are wrong about someone or something – be prepared to hear a healthy dose of criticism I will not be silent only because you are a client who has paid. I try to be impartial and share the view from aside with both a guy and a lady.

Some of my clients who we have travelled with to other cities and countries have seen me without makeup , with wet hair, in my T-shirt and sweat pants. From a businesswoman, matchmaker, interpreter I gradually transform into your friend. One of my good buddies (who I still have to find a lady.. .”chick”as he says … our mission hasn’t been successful so far due to many reasons. I will dwell on them in one of my chapters here. It’ll be an interesting story since this particular friend is a doctor-psychiatrist :)) so this friend teased me about pre-pre-cream, pre-cream, cream, after-cream He was a witness how long it usually takes me to get out of the bathroom Long story short, I’m a human being with flaws, I’m woman who can also be late for the meeting with you because I couldn’t decide on a dress to wear. But I care about you. I will go to the church to pray and cry with you (Mike, do you remember?), I will get drunk with you I will cuss.

Like I’ve already said – I’m not a conservative businesswoman in a suit You are welcome into my world.