A Ukrainian refugee who fled to Suffolk to keep her children safe has created a new life for herself through her baking business.

A story of resilience and determination, Nadiia Hoian came to Chattisham, near Ipswich, in July last year to escape the war torn country to find safety for her children Artem, 12, and Emilia, 3.

Staying with hosts Janice and David Few, the mum-of-two decided to bake for them, and she was encouraged to start selling.

Ipswich Star: Nadiia Hoian came to Suffolk after fleeing the war in Ukraine last year.Nadiia Hoian came to Suffolk after fleeing the war in Ukraine last year. (Image: Contributed)

Ms Hoian said: “Janice motivated me. She was very impressed and told me I should sell my cakes. Finding a job was not so easy here, so I thought I would try it.

“I had been baking for around five years back in Ukraine, but there were many challenges. I am so grateful for the support of my hosts.”

After several months of securing the necessary certifications, taking courses, and authority approvals to convert her home kitchen – now in Ipswich – into a professional baking space.

Ipswich Star: Nadiia Hoian of Wonderland Bakehouse has two children - Artem, 12, and Emilia, 3.Nadiia Hoian of Wonderland Bakehouse has two children - Artem, 12, and Emilia, 3. (Image: Contributed)

She now offers a variety of cakes and desserts, with 18 flavours on the menu.

There are some unusual choices such as spinach sponge with kiwi and lemon curd, pistachio and raspberry, and poppy seed cake with peach, and a taste of Ukraine with traditional cakes like Napoleon, honey cake, and Kiev meringue cake.

There are also traditional options like red velvet with strawberry, Raffaello chocolate, Oreo, Snickers, chocolate, orange, and black forest.

Ipswich Star: Red velvet cake at Wonderland Bakehouse.Red velvet cake at Wonderland Bakehouse. (Image: Contributed)

Ipswich Star: The bakehouse offers a spinach sponge with kiwi and lemon curd.The bakehouse offers a spinach sponge with kiwi and lemon curd. (Image: Contributed)

“I thought the cakes I am making would be different from what British people might like. I was trying cakes from bakeries and it was different, so I was afraid people wouldn't understand.

“And then I started to sell. I didn’t even imagine it could be possible so fast.”

Ipswich Star: Nadiia offers a range of occasion cakes.Nadiia offers a range of occasion cakes. (Image: Contributed)

Ipswich Star: A red velvet occasion cake made by Nadiia.A red velvet occasion cake made by Nadiia. (Image: Contributed)