Olia Hercules, a Ukrainian chef, social media influencer, and food writer, was born on May 7, 1984, in Kakhovka, Ukraine. She spent her childhood in Ukraine until the age of twelve when her family relocated to Cyprus. Her father was an entrepreneur, and her mother worked as a hotel manager. Olia has a brother and later went on to have three sons of her own.
After completing high school in Cyprus, Olia moved to the UK to attend the University of Warwick. There, she studied Italian language and International Relations. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a career in journalism and obtained a Master's degree. However, in 2008, Olia made a bold decision to pivot her career path and follow her dream of becoming a chef.
In 2010, Olia enrolled in a course at Leith's School of Food and Wine to kickstart her culinary journey. Armed with a passion for cooking and a desire to celebrate her Ukrainian heritage through food, she embarked on a new chapter in her life. Olia's diverse upbringing and exposure to different cultures shaped her unique culinary perspective.
Olia's talent in the kitchen quickly garnered attention, leading to opportunities to showcase her skills on various platforms. She gained recognition for her hit cookbook, Mamushka: Recipes From Ukraine And Beyond, which showcased traditional Ukrainian recipes with a modern twist. Her contributions to food and cooking websites, as well as her appearances on British cooking shows like Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch, further solidified her reputation as a rising culinary star.
In 2022, Olia and her Russian chef friend, Alissa Timoshkina, took on a meaningful initiative to support Ukraine during a tumultuous time. They launched the #CookForUkraine social media trend to raise funds for the country following a conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Their efforts showcased the power of food as a unifying force in times of crisis.
Aside from her culinary skills, Olia is multilingual, fluent in Russian, English, Italian, and some Ukrainian. Her linguistic abilities have allowed her to connect with a global audience and share her passion for Ukrainian cuisine with a diverse range of people.
Olia Hercules continues to inspire food enthusiasts with her innovative recipes and dedication to preserving and promoting Ukrainian culinary traditions. Through her work as a chef, writer, and social media influencer, she has made a lasting impact on the culinary world and demonstrated the power of food to transcend cultural boundaries.
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