Since Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hundreds of thousands of Ukraines have been seeking asylum in the United States. After being forced to stay at home, behind the career and loved ones, many people came from the hope and determination of re -start.
For IEVGEN POTYKUN and HANNA BOIARSKA, and their three sons, the transition is full of uncertainty-until the unexpected lifestyle appears in the form of a small bicycle store in Boulder in Colorado, not only provides them, but also can rebuild opportunities for rebuilding opportunities They lost their safety and peaceful life.
“We have never imagined to leave [Ukraine] forever. “
(II source: Levgen Potyku and Hanna Boiarska))
Potykun and Boiarska successfully lived and worked near Kyiv in the mid -1930s in Ukraine. Potykun sells high -end carpets, while Boiarska manages shopping malls. Before the war began, neither of them rode a bicycle.
“After the war began, there was a problem with drinking gasoline, so I started to work in a bicycle,” Potykun said. “I ride a few days with a friend every week, and may be 10 miles each time, so I have some experience in bicycles, but not like I am now the bicycle shop owner.”
With the increase of the strength of the war, Pattykun and Boiarska worry about the safety of children.
By Biden government Joint Ukraine ProgramThe couple and their three sons (now they are 4 years old, five and 11 years old) to go to Luoji Mountain in mid -2022. They provided asylum centers to a generous couple, and they opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees.
Boiarska said: “When we leave Ukraine, this is not a decision to move to the United States permanently.” “We think this will be a summer vacation-have the opportunity to leave the war and be safe for our children for a few months until the situation. We love Ukraine. Life; this is a great country, we never think about keeping it forever. “
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Boiarska and her three little boys arrived in the United States first, and Potkun stayed in Ukraine for another six months to end some family companies.
Boiarska struggled with limited English skills, and only with naked necessities in its suitcase, turned to the NextDoor application to donate to the community and donations for the necessity.
It is Chuck and Laura Anken, and it is Free folding and electric bicyclesHe saw Boiarska’s nextdoor post, and proposed to bring Boiarska and his son to aim at shopping. Here, the family gets clothes, cooking utensils and groceries.
Boiarska said: “I told Chuck and Laura that we need friends, people chat with them and spend time with them.” “The first few months of the United States was so isolated; we really wanted friends. Become like our parents. “
The initial temporary escape has been extended for two years, which has led to Poykun and Boiska to make a decision to change their lives. As the war broke out, it will be permanently in the United States. Moreover, as ANKENYS retires, the Ukrainian couple is involved in taking over free folding and electric bicycles to ensure their livelihoods and new homes.
(II source: Levgen Potyku and Hanna Boiarska))
At the beginning of their friendship, Akenenes invited Portken and Boska to visit the bicycle store to chat and practice their English. However, Akenenes quickly discovered that the Ukraine couple had a repair bicycle, interacting with customers and managing the ins and outs of small enterprises.
In early 2024, Ankenes provided a unique opportunity to Potykun and Boiarska: they did not sell free folding and electric bicycles to some unknown buyers, but proposed to gradually transfer the ownership, so that the Ukrainian couple could take over the company. And ensure that the company and store companies and the business of the store. The future of husband and wife. “It was originally a small gesture that became a very big gesture,” Chuck Ankeny said through public broadcasting in Colorado. “This is indeed because of the potential I see [Potykun and Boiarska]Essence “
At that time, Potykun and Boiarska fixed up some part -time jobs, which provided some independence and allowed them to rent a house north of Boulder. However, have the opportunity to do what you like-owning and management business-great, unable to pass, they go all out.
“I know the operation of business operations, so this is very helpful-[the bike shop] It is just a different product from the products I have managed before. “Boiarska said.” There is Ivegen, his hands are very good, so we work well together. “
The couple spent almost 2024 years of learning from Chuck Ankeny to learn bicycle machinery. The hardest part? Remember the name of each bicycle component.
Petken said: “I will retain a notebook with the name of bicycle parts on one side of Ukraine, and on the other hand, it is retained in English.” “When we learn from chuck, we spend some time to understand what people are talking about when They will explain what problems with bicycles have. But now, we say, “Bring it, we will repair it. “We can repair anything almost on any bicycle.”
Freedom
(II source: Levgen Potyku and Hanna Boiarska))
On any given working day, you will find Putihon and Boiarska in their sunlight and enthusiastic bicycle shops. Windows proudly shows several Brompton models (they are official Brompton retailers).
Although the name of the store is free Folding and electric bicyclesThe couple are rotating their services to include all bicycles. Highway bicycles, gravel bicycles, mountain bicycles, horizontal bicycles-if there are two (or sometimes three) wheels, they will be carried out on it.
Now that they have decided to make the US permanent residence in the United States, the couple will immerse themselves in the vibrant cycling community in Bold.
“Bicycles can change your life, we can prove this,” Boiarska said. “On the weekend, we use cargo bicycles to ride on the town. Sometimes we even go to work. I really like all this-cycling bicycles, operating this business and community.”
Even if you don’t need to repair a bicycle, Potykun will encourage you to stand still and look around.
“We are glad to chat with community members and let them spend time in our store.” “Come on, become our friends.”
