In a world often dictated by societal expectations and predefined career paths, the story of Alina Varakuta stands as a testament to the power of chasing one’s true passion. At just 23 years old, Alina has navigated a remarkable journey from being a successful tech entrepreneur to realizing her lifelong dream of becoming an actress. Her path, marked by resilience and unwavering determination, teaches us that it’s never too late to pursue what sets our hearts ablaze.
Alina‘s journey began in Ukraine, where she faced unimaginable challenges. Fueled by the desire for a better life, she made the courageous decision to leave her homeland behind and seek a new home across the world.
In the UAE, Alina co-founded not one but two tech companies that would soon become synonymous with innovation and success. Finch Labs, one of the largest web3 agencies in Europe, pushed the boundaries of web development, while Stash Inc., a hardware fashion startup, redefined the intersection of fashion and technology. Alina’s vision and determination led to the rapid growth and recognition of these ventures, propelling her to financial independence and professional acclaim.
Yet, amidst her entrepreneurial achievements, Alina felt a calling that couldn’t be ignored. She had spent her childhood immersed in the world of theater, with her family deeply rooted in its traditions. Acting had always been her passion, a fire that burned brightly despite the pressures of society to pursue a more ‘conventional’ career.
Reflecting on her life, Alina shared her insights: “When I was a teenager, everyone around me was obsessed with money-making and expected a lot from me. As a child, I grew up in a theater where my family worked for decades. Eventually, I was passionate about acting. Nevertheless, they told me: ‘You should consider a business career, not stage performance. Acting won’t make you rich.’ In fact, money won’t bring you happiness. Passion is what makes you blessed.”
With these words echoing in her heart, Alina made the bold decision to step away from her thriving tech businesses and move to London, embarking on a new adventure – one that would see her chasing her childhood dream of becoming an actress. It was a move that defied societal norms and expectations, a testament to the strength of one’s convictions.
Her journey into acting wasn’t without its challenges. Besides acting training, she devoted herself to intense training in firearms, martial arts, and more. Her unshakable determination bore fruit as she started scoring roles in both film and theater, swiftly gaining recognition for her exceptional talent.
This summer, Alina’s career soared to greater heights as she embarked on film shoots across the United Kingdom. She had also been part of the cast for the American Road Trip movie and a couple of other top-secret projects under non-disclosure agreements, all of which took place in the UK.
As we follow Alina’s establishment from entrepreneur to actress, we are reminded that happiness and fulfillment come from following our hearts. Her story encourages us all to listen to our inner calling, to find the courage to pursue our dreams with unwavering determination, and to be unafraid of following our own path in a world where most people play it safe and follow the crowd.