The Journey I Never Expected
How an unexpected turn in life led me to create Sweet Moments
Creating Zefir wasn’t something I planned. It began during one of the difficult chapters of my life, and it changed my life in ways I never expected
My life looked completely different.
I have a Master’s degree in Rhythmic Gymnastics and spent many years working as a teacher and personal trainer. Before that, I worked as a professional dancer for almost ten years, travelling throughout Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, as well as performing on cruise ships.
Although fitness was my career, I had always loved beautiful things. I enjoyed decorating parties, creating elegant tables and paying attention to the little details that make a celebration feel special.
At the time, I never imagined those interests would become something much bigger.
I have a Master’s degree in Rhythmic Gymnastics and spent many years working as a teacher and personal trainer. Before that, I worked as a professional dancer for almost ten years, travelling throughout Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, as well as performing on cruise ships.
Although fitness was my career, I had always loved beautiful things. I enjoyed decorating parties, creating elegant tables and paying attention to the little details that make a celebration feel special.
At the time, I never imagined those interests would become something much bigger.
Difficult time
Everything Changed
In 2024, my family’s life changed overnight.
My mum suffered a devastating brain haemorrhage following surgery and was placed into a medically induced coma. The doctors couldn’t tell us whether she would survive. At the same time, my dad was admitted to the same hospital after becoming seriously unwell from the stress.
Suddenly, everything stopped.
While my husband stayed in the UK looking after our children, I remained in Belarus with my mum. She needed constant care, and our days were spent between hospitals and rehabilitation centres.
It was one of the most difficult periods of my life.
In 2024, my family’s life changed overnight.
My mum suffered a devastating brain haemorrhage following surgery and was placed into a medically induced coma. The doctors couldn’t tell us whether she would survive. At the same time, my dad was admitted to the same hospital after becoming seriously unwell from the stress.
Suddenly, everything stopped.
While my husband stayed in the UK looking after our children, I remained in Belarus with my mum. She needed constant care, and our days were spent between hospitals and rehabilitation centres.
It was one of the most difficult periods of my life.
Finding Something Beautiful
During those long days in hospital, I often found myself scrolling through Instagram simply to distract my mind for a few moments.
One day I came across videos of beautiful edible zefir flowers.
I couldn’t stop watching them.
There was something peaceful about creating beauty from something so simple.
Without thinking too much about it, I enrolled in my very first course.
At that point, I wasn’t planning to start a business or teach others. I simply needed something creative that gave my mind a place to rest.
During those long days in hospital, I often found myself scrolling through Instagram simply to distract my mind for a few moments.
One day I came across videos of beautiful edible zefir flowers.
I couldn’t stop watching them.
There was something peaceful about creating beauty from something so simple.
Without thinking too much about it, I enrolled in my very first course.
At that point, I wasn’t planning to start a business or teach others. I simply needed something creative that gave my mind a place to rest.
One of my favourite arrangements
Starting From Zero
When I eventually returned to Jersey, I began practising.
The truth is, I had absolutely no baking experience.
Coming from a fitness background, I had never made cakes or desserts. If I wanted something sweet, I simply bought it.
Everything seemed to go wrong.
The mixture set too quickly.
Flowers collapsed halfway through.
Sometimes I wanted to give up.
But every morning I found myself trying again.
Little by little, things began to improve.
I continued learning, joined more courses and spent countless hours practising different techniques. Every flower taught me something new.
As I continued learning, I realised that creating the flowers was only part of the journey. I also wanted to learn how to photograph them, create videos and share my work online. Little by little, I kept adding new skills, and I’m still learning today. I think that’s one of the most exciting parts of any creative journey.
When I eventually returned to Jersey, I began practising.
The truth is, I had absolutely no baking experience.
Coming from a fitness background, I had never made cakes or desserts. If I wanted something sweet, I simply bought it.
Everything seemed to go wrong.
The mixture set too quickly.
Flowers collapsed halfway through.
Sometimes I wanted to give up.
But every morning I found myself trying again.
Little by little, things began to improve.
I continued learning, joined more courses and spent countless hours practising different techniques. Every flower taught me something new.
As I continued learning, I realised that creating the flowers was only part of the journey. I also wanted to learn how to photograph them, create videos and share my work online. Little by little, I kept adding new skills, and I’m still learning today. I think that’s one of the most exciting parts of any creative journey.
A New Direction
After everything my family had been through, I realised I wasn’t ready to return to fitness.
For years, my job had been motivating other people to become stronger versions of themselves.
But after watching my mum fight for her life, I needed time to rebuild myself too.
Creating zefir flowers became much more than learning a new skill.
It became my therapy.
It gave me purpose during a time when I desperately needed one.
Sweet Moments
Slowly, people began asking where they could buy my flowers.
Then they started asking if I could teach them.
That’s how Sweet Moments was born.
Not from a business plan.
Not from a lifelong dream.
But from one of the hardest chapters of my life.
Today I’m creating an online course to share everything I’ve learned, hoping it inspires others to discover the same joy and creativity that zefir flowers brought into my life.
As our family begins a new chapter by moving to Montenegro, closer to my mum and family, Sweet Moments is beginning a new chapter too.
Thank you for being here and for being part of my journey.
I can’t wait to share it with you.
— Natalia
After everything my family had been through, I realised I wasn’t ready to return to fitness.
For years, my job had been motivating other people to become stronger versions of themselves.
But after watching my mum fight for her life, I needed time to rebuild myself too.
Creating zefir flowers became much more than learning a new skill.
It became my therapy.
It gave me purpose during a time when I desperately needed one.
Sweet Moments
Slowly, people began asking where they could buy my flowers.
Then they started asking if I could teach them.
That’s how Sweet Moments was born.
Not from a business plan.
Not from a lifelong dream.
But from one of the hardest chapters of my life.
Today I’m creating an online course to share everything I’ve learned, hoping it inspires others to discover the same joy and creativity that zefir flowers brought into my life.
As our family begins a new chapter by moving to Montenegro, closer to my mum and family, Sweet Moments is beginning a new chapter too.
Thank you for being here and for being part of my journey.
I can’t wait to share it with you.
— Natalia