DANA ZHETEYEVA: “CREATIVITY GROWS WHEN YOU STAY CURIOUS AND OPEN”

OCA Magazine: Please tell us the most important things about yourself and your creative work. What is your creative, life credo and motivation for your creativity?

Dana Zheteyeva: I am an English teacher with MBAs in Marketing and Business Administration, and since 2010 I have been translating and publishing books. My life credo is Never give up. I wrote my own book, Life is Like a Box of Chocolates, in 2022. Over the years, I have collaborated with the Eurasian Creative Guild and other organizations, translating works of their authors and helping bring their voices to a wider audience. My motivation lies in supporting local authors globally, thereby promoting Kazakhstan on the international literary stage and building bridges between cultures.

OCA: How did you choose your path and who is your role model in the creative field or in life?

DZ: My path as a translator began by chance, when my mother asked me to translate her old friend’s book. We later published it in three languages, and that experience inspired me to continue. I then translated his second book and published it in the UK, along with a collection of Kazakh Fairy Tales in English. I don’t have one specific role model; rather, I am inspired by people’s resilience – like a disabled artist creating beauty or someone who transforms personal pain into hope for others.

OCA: What is your main achievement(s) or positive impact on the world in 2024–2025?

DZ: In 2024–2025, my greatest achievement has been turning a difficult period of life into a new beginning. I realized my childhood dream and began studying at a medical college, specializing in osteopathy, with the goal of helping people directly. At the same time, I continue to translate and edit books for authors, contributing to the preservation and sharing of stories. I believe this dual path – healing through medicine and inspiring through literature – is my way of making a positive impact on people’s well-being and the education of the younger generation.

OCA: What is the main feature that makes you and your art/work unique?

DZ: What makes my work unique is the way I immerse myself in the author’s world. When I translate, I step into the author’s mind and try to see life through their eyes, capturing not only the words but also the emotions and intentions behind them. At the same time, I carefully adapt cultural specifics for international readers, helping them connect with the story while gaining a deeper understanding of the traditions and values it reflects. In this way, my work becomes a bridge between cultures, making voices heard across borders.

OCA: Please tell us about the events or projects of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) and projects you have already participated in and how does ECG influence your creativity and success in your work?

DZ: Through the Eurasian Creative Guild (London), I have taken part in several literary contests, earning 2nd and 3rd place in different years. I also joined international ECG events in countries such as Thailand, Belgium, and Uzbekistan, where I met talented people from around the world. These experiences expanded my horizons and inspired new creative ideas. Thanks to the Guild, I have collaborated with authors from Israel, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, which enriched my translation practice and strengthened my belief in the power of literature to unite cultures and promote mutual understanding.

OCA: How do you think the creative professions have changed and how has the role of art in the development of the world changed in the face of modern realities?

DZ: Creative professions have changed significantly in modern times. Today, there are more young authors than in the last century, and people are much more open in expressing their thoughts and emotions. I believe this honesty in art can support others as they go through difficult moments in life. Another major change is the role of social media, which allows authors to share their work instantly and reach readers of all ages, cultures, and beliefs. In this way, art has become even more powerful in shaping empathy, connection, and resilience across the world.

OCA: What would you wish for the members of the Guild and other creative people who are just starting their careers?

DZ: I would wish Guild members and all creative people just starting their journey to find inspiration in everyday life, in people, and in the world around them. Creativity grows when you stay curious and open. Keep writing, experimenting, and polishing your art, even when challenges arise. Most importantly, never give up – because persistence turns talent into mastery. Every voice matters and the world needs the unique stories, perspectives, and emotions that only you can share.