Hey there, Boss Moms!

We’re diving into a heartwarming, inspiring journey today with Oksana Pasichnichenko (yes, I practiced saying that a few times!). Oksana is a textile designer, illustrator, teacher, wife, and mom—and she’s seriously the kind of person you can’t help but adore.

If you’ve ever felt like life is pushing you one way but your heart is pulling you somewhere else, Oksana’s story will hit home. She’s proof that no matter where you start or what challenges come your way, you can build the life and business of your dreams.

So, grab your coffee (or tea, no judgment here), and let’s dive in!

Meet Oksana: A Creative Soul with a Global Journey

Oksana’s story starts in a small town in western Ukraine, where she grew up surrounded by nature and close family ties. Her childhood gave her a love for creativity, though she didn’t know where that would take her at the time.

Fast forward a few years, and Oksana’s curiosity and talent earned her scholarships to study in Ukraine’s capital and even abroad in the Netherlands. She was geeking out on languages like English and Dutch, thinking her future was in embassies or corporate interpreting.

But life had other plans.

While juggling two master’s degrees (yes, TWO!) and writing dual theses, Oksana discovered a passion for illustration and children’s books. It didn’t happen overnight, though. A friend casually mentioned the idea of selling designs online. At first, Oksana brushed it off.

“It sounded overwhelming, and I didn’t know what I was doing,” she admitted. But her now-husband, a physicist and fellow dreamer, encouraged her to look again. That little nudge changed everything.

Finding Her Creative Calling

With no formal art background, Oksana threw herself into learning everything about design, color theory, and the software needed to sell her work online. She started with digital illustrations, and soon, her business was born.

The first design she ever created? A simple cherry blossom pattern. And here’s the wild part—15 years later, people are still buying that same design for fabric projects.

Her specialty? Repeat pattern designs (don’t worry if you’re scratching your head—we’ll explain). These designs are used in everything from clothing to packaging. The magic lies in how they “tile” seamlessly, creating patterns that work beautifully on any surface.

It’s not just about making art. Oksana explained it’s like solving a puzzle—art, design, and a little bit of engineering all rolled into one. And her work has landed on products sold at big-name stores like Best Buy, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Building a Life and Business in California

After years of building her business in the Netherlands, Oksana and her husband took a leap of faith and moved to California.

“We sold everything—my entire art studio, all our things—and came here with just two suitcases,” she said. “But from the moment we arrived, we felt at home.”

It wasn’t just the sunny weather or the ocean views. California was where Oksana’s dream of starting a family came true. She and her husband welcomed their daughter about a year and a half after settling in.

Now, as a mom, Oksana’s “why” behind her business is even more personal.

A Flexible Business for a Life That Matters

Oksana didn’t just choose entrepreneurship for fun—she needed flexibility.

“I’ve had chronic migraines since I was six,” she shared. “Some days are so bad that I can’t work, and I needed a career that let me rest when I needed to and still come back strong.”

Her solution? Building a business that works for her. Through licensing her repeat designs and running her online school, she’s created a system that lets her work smarter, not harder.

She even teaches other artists how to break into this industry. Her online courses make the process approachable, cutting through the overwhelming tech side and focusing on the creativity and strategy behind it.

What Is a Repeat Pattern Design, Anyway?

If you’ve never heard of repeat pattern designs, don’t worry—you’ve definitely seen them.

“Look around your room,” Oksana said. “It’s probably on your tissue box, your throw pillows, or even the packaging of your favorite snacks.”

These designs work like tiles, repeating seamlessly so they can cover surfaces like fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap. And the cool part? It’s everywhere in nature too—just think about the patterns on leaves or ocean waves.

Oksana’s process combines art and strategy. She doesn’t just create beautiful designs; she considers how they’ll be used. Will it go on a little girl’s dress? A tie for an older gentleman? Each project is unique, and that’s part of the fun.

Inspiring Moms Everywhere

What makes Oksana’s story so special is how relatable it is. She didn’t have a fancy art degree or tons of connections. She just had curiosity, determination, and a little encouragement from the people around her.

Her journey reminds us that it’s okay to start small, feel overwhelmed, or even completely switch paths.

And whether you’re a mom, a creative, or just someone looking for inspiration, Oksana’s story is proof that big dreams are worth chasing.

Ready to Create Your Own Dream Life?

If Oksana’s journey has you fired up to explore your creative side or start your own business, she’s got resources to help. Her online courses teach artists how to create repeat designs, build a portfolio, and sell their work online.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard or have a ton of experience. Oksana breaks it all down so you can focus on the fun parts.

Final Thoughts

Oksana’s story is a reminder that life’s twists and turns often lead us exactly where we’re meant to be. From a small town in Ukraine to a thriving life in California, she’s built a career and family life on her own terms.

If she can do it, so can you.

Feeling inspired? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out Oksana’s courses if you’re ready to dive into the creative world of repeat designs.

Let’s nurture our dreams, Boss Moms! 💖

Guest Bio- 

Oksana is the owner and designer of the Oksancia Textile Design Studio and School. Her passions are to design unique fabric and products and to teach fellow artists how to start and grow a lifestyle business designing and selling digital repeat pattern designs. She has illustrated 2 published children’s books, and the products with her designs were for sale at Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and CVS pharmacy. She also created a portfolio of more than 10,000 vector illustrations and designs and collaborated on more than 100 client custom design projects.

Oksana is a happy wife of an amazing man and a mother of a sweet little girl. Together we love to cook, make arts and crafts, read funny books, and travel while collecting creative inspiration and adventures. For more information and to access Oksana’s free webinar on starting your own creative business + $80 discount on her Pattern It Up course for Boss Mom listeners, visit: https://oksancia.com/bossmom

Visit Oksana Online: YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn