Daily Inspiration: Meet Neonilla Poluianova

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neonilla Poluianova

Hi Neonilla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi! We’re Nilla and Lucy, Ukrainians who have been living in the U.S. for about six years now.
Living in such a vibrant place as Los Angeles, where various traditions and cuisines are embraced, offers endless opportunities to explore new, unique, and fantastic foods. From the moment we arrived, this environment filled us with inspiration and joy.
One day, during a stroll by the ocean, we shared our life experiences, and both of us realized we had something profound in common: a deep love for Ukrainian culture, food, and hospitality, as well as a strong desire to share it with others. It became clear that we were kindred spirits, both eager to create something meaningful through food, though neither of us came from a background in baking or cooking. Nilla worked in banking back in Ukraine, and Lucy worked in HR (recruiting).
Baking began as a simple hobby for Nilla—something she did for joy. Over time, it became a passion. She spent four years learning new techniques, improving her family recipes, and experimenting with different flavors. When the war in Ukraine started, she used her newfound skills to sell cakes and raise money for humanitarian aid, finding both purpose and fulfillment in her passion.
Lucy, in addition to her phenomenal organizational skills, has an exceptional palate and a talent for cooking exquisite dishes. She’s also a big coffee lover (and makes an amazing cup!) and is passionate about healthy eating. Lucy’s balanced approach to food—allowing for indulgence without guilt—became a shared value between us. We both loved the idea of enjoying delicious treats while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which later inspired an important aspect of our future business.
Together, we came to the exciting realization that we could introduce the unique flavors and warmth of European and Ukrainian cuisine to the vibrant, diverse community of Los Angeles. This idea sparked a wave of inspiration within us, and we immediately began working on a plan to bring it to life.
Our journey wasn’t quick or easy. We worked hard to shape our concept, combining our talents and visions, and eventually, Laskava was born—a brand that celebrates our heritage, kindness, and the joy of bringing people together through food. The name “Laskava” means “gentle” or “kind” woman in Ukrainian, and it represents the spirit of hospitality we want to share with our customers. One of the key concepts for Laskava is small portion cakes, perfect for sharing with friends or loved ones. These mini cakes offer indulgence without overwhelming, making it easy to enjoy a special treat any time, without needing a special occasion.
We started by renting a commercial kitchen and offering online sales with delivery to our wonderful customers.
At first, our desserts were primarily discovered by the Eastern European community, as they were already familiar with the flavors we offer. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of them for supporting us in our early steps. Over time, the local community began taking notice of our products, and we’re thrilled to introduce them to something special and new to their palates.
We’re so excited to contribute our Ukrainian flavors to the rich tapestry of cultures and cuisines in Los Angeles. Each dessert is carefully selected, ensuring it embodies the warmth and kindness that Laskava represents. From elegant packaging with ivory ribbons to personalized notes attached to each box, we want our customers to feel the connection and care behind every order.
Hearing the joy from our customers after tasting our desserts fills us with pride and keeps us motivated to continue on this journey. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing our creations being enjoyed at gatherings or hearing from people who loved their cakes. Every kind review inspires us to move forward, with enthusiasm, in sharing our sweet journey with everyone.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for us. Neither of us had any business experience when we started, so we had to learn a lot along the way. From understanding the logistics of running a business to figuring out marketing strategies, every step has been a learning process. Another major challenge has been introducing our unique, European-inspired desserts to the local community. Many of our flavors are uncommon here, so the biggest hurdle is getting people to try something new for the first time. However, once they taste it, the feedback has been incredibly positive, which keeps us going!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Laskava, we specialize in creating unique Ukrainian-inspired desserts that combine traditional flavors with a modern twist. We’re known for our Kyiv cake, Lviv Syrnik, Honey Cake with walnuts and sour cherries, and other delicacies that bring a taste of our heritage to Los Angeles. What sets us apart is the love and care we put into every detail, from the authentic recipes to the elegant packaging. We take pride in sharing a piece of our culture with the local community, introducing them to flavors they may not have tried before. The joy and appreciation from our customers is what makes us most proud

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years, we see a growing interest in authentic, global flavors as more people seek unique culinary experiences. There’s a trend toward small-batch, artisanal products that offer a personal touch, which aligns with our approach. We also see an increased focus on sustainability, including eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the rise of health-conscious eating habits might push for more options that balance indulgence with nutrition. We’re excited to see how these trends unfold and are always looking to adapt while staying true to our roots.

Pricing:

• Mini Honey Cake with cherries and walnuts, 1.5 pounds, 36$
• Mini Kyiv Cake (gluten free) 1.3 pounds, 36$
• Mini “Prague” chocolate Cake 1.7 pound, 40$
• Paris-Brest with caramel filling, 14$ each

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laskava_la?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==