For more than a decade, Daria Tkachuk built her career in public relations across Europe. Before moving to the United States, Daria had already established herself in Ukraine’s PR industry. She worked in the press office of a member of Parliament, managed communications for a Forbes-recognized technology entrepreneur, and promoted large-scale entertainment projects for Unipark, including “Lights & Dreams” and “Park Legend.”
When Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, nearly all her professional projects came to a halt, but rather than leaving the communications industry, she joined humanitarian initiatives with ADRA International to support Ukrainians who had been displaced by the war.
Later, she made the life-changing decision to relocate to Los Angeles. After immigrating to the United States, she faced a challenge shared by many newcomers in similar situations- rebuilding her career and professional network from the ground up.
“I chose L.A. because it’s one of the world’s leading creative capitals,” she says. “People come here to build companies, launch brands, and bring new ideas to life. Strong public relations has become an essential part of that journey.”
Today, she works with entrepreneurs, founders, and public figures to help them strengthen their visibility, build strategic communications, and establish their brands in one of the world’s most competitive media markets.
Entering a New Market
Breaking into the American PR industry proved to be very different from working in Europe. During her first months in the United States, Daria consulted for Ukrainian startups who were expanding into international markets, while also helping entrepreneurs develop communication strategies for global audiences.
These early projects gradually led to new professional relationships and opened the door for opportunities across Los Angeles’s vibrant business and entertainment communities.
Working with Entrepreneurs and Personal Brands
Today, Daria helps entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and influencers expand into international markets, build personal brands, and strengthen their public presence. She has built a diverse consulting portfolio, working with clients across entertainment, beauty, technology, science, and entrepreneurship ventures.
One of her earliest projects in the United States involved supporting a two-day event in downtown Los Angeles for an internationally recognized coach and spiritual advisor. This marked an important milestone in her career, introducing her to new clients and broadening her professional network within the U.S. market.
Why PR Remains Her Passion
Rebuilding her career from the ground up was no small challenge, but Daria says she never considered leaving the profession:
“One day, you’re discussing climate research with a scientist. Next, you’re talking about investment strategies with a financial advisor. A few days later, you’re accompanying clients to industry events. PR constantly exposes you to new industries and new people. Very few careers offer that kind of variety.”
From Behind the Scenes to Building Her Own Brand
For much of her career, Daria focused on elevating the profiles of others, content to remain behind the scenes herself. But after moving to the United States, she quickly realized that even the strongest professional credentials are only one part of building a career in a new country.
“I spent years building other people’s reputations, while remaining almost invisible myself,” she explains. “In the U.S., people often search your name online before deciding whether to work with you. If they can learn about your experience and expertise through Google, trust develops much faster. Here, PR professionals are also expected to have a visible personal brand. They build relationships, participate in industry events, and become active members of their professional community.”
Networking is Key
According to Daria, one of the biggest differences between American and European PR industries is the importance of building long-term relationships.
Success often depends on consistently developing genuine connections with journalists, creators, business leaders, and other industry professionals. For immigrants starting over in a new country, the relationships they build can become valuable opportunities for growth.
“In Los Angeles, you never know where one conversation might lead,” she says. “You might meet someone who works with an A-list celebrity, and months later, that relationship could create an opportunity you never expected.”
While every market has unique dynamics, Daria believes the core principles of success remain universal: adaptability, strong relationships, and a willingness to continuously evolve.
With resilience, experience, and persistence, Daria transformed one of life’s greatest challenges into a successful career far from home. Her journey reminds us that starting over is rarely the end of the story, and even the most difficult life transitions can be the beginning of a new chapter.
