Zhanna Biletska’s story is one of courage, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to growth. Born and raised in Ukraine, Zhanna’s passion for art was evident from an early age. By the time she was nine, she was already attending art school, honing her skills in drawing, painting, and composition. But the journey that brought her to where she is today—a thriving artist and photographer based in Chicago—was anything but linear.

Zhanna’s artistic journey is marked by moments of discomfort and fear, which she has consistently confronted head-on. This theme of stepping out of her comfort zone is a thread that runs through her entire life. She recalls, “I was really, really scared too, but I just put myself in the situation that put me out of my comfort zone. And I think it's the only way you can grow and change.”

This willingness to face fear has taken her far beyond the boundaries of her hometown in Ukraine. Zhanna moved to the United States over a decade ago, initially just to travel and explore a new culture. What was meant to be a temporary visit turned into a permanent move when she decided to stay in Chicago, a city she now calls home.

Zhanna’s decision to join the U.S. Army—a rare path for an immigrant artist—was driven by a practical need to expedite her citizenship process. However, this experience turned out to be one of the most challenging and transformative periods of her life. As someone who never considered herself an athlete, the physical demands and the cultural shock of military life were daunting. Yet, Zhanna persevered, pushing through self-doubt and emerging stronger on the other side.

Her advice to others, particularly immigrants facing similar challenges, is simple yet profound: “You have to go towards your fear.” Zhanna believes that staying in your comfort zone stifles growth. For her, true change and personal development only come when you push yourself beyond what feels safe and familiar.

This philosophy extends to her art. Zhanna’s love for plein air painting, a style that involves capturing the natural world outdoors, is a testament to her commitment to engaging directly with her surroundings, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Despite initial doubts about whether she could make a living from her art, Zhanna found success by staying true to what she loved. She shares, “You have to do what you actually love, not what you think will make money.”

Zhanna’s story also highlights the importance of community. While Chicago’s vibrant Ukrainian community provided a sense of familiarity, it was her desire to connect with a broader audience that fueled her growth. She started interacting more with English-speaking clients and artists, even though it was challenging. “I was so embarrassed, like when they are talking, and I’m just smiling. But that’s part of the process,” she says.

This drive to connect with others, despite the language barrier and cultural differences, has not only helped Zhanna grow as an artist but has also expanded her network in significant ways. Her work, particularly her commissioned paintings of local Chicago architecture, has garnered attention and praise, leading to more opportunities and a growing client base.

As an artist and entrepreneur, Zhanna has had to wear many hats—everything from creator to marketer to customer service representative. The demands of running her own business have sometimes led to burnout, but she’s learned to recognize when it’s time to take a step back. “There have been moments that I was burned out, that I got insane,” she admits, underscoring the importance of self-care in sustaining creativity.

For aspiring artists, Zhanna offers this advice: don’t be discouraged by the difficulty of making a living from your art. Keep practicing, keep refining your skills, and most importantly, keep doing what you love. “It’s crazy how that happens—when you’re chasing it, it runs away from you. And then when...