Interview with Terrence and Ruth Murphy
Spirit of Entrepreneurship American-Style
  
GO2KIEV : Please tell our readers why you have chosen to live and work in Ukraine?
Ruth Murphy: We moved to Ukraine over eleven years ago with the “Navigator “ Christian ministry organization that assists the Kiev community with strong Christian churches and helping individuals develop to their full potential. Living in Ukraine with a family of five allows for rich and multi-layered training of a new culture, Slavonic language and life acclimatization experiences. Our children attended a Ukrainian public school in their primary years where, as a family, we all experienced firsthand immersion of a very different and expansive mentality and culture. It was a good learning experience. We feel there are viable benefits of living, raising a family and working in Ukraine. Presently our children attend the Kiev Christian Academy and I must tell you that both Terry and I are thrilled with the educational results, healthy social atmosphere, and extracurricular opportunities.
Terrence Murphy: Yes, even though I have been the KCA basketball coach for 4 years, I am realizing through my own personal life experiences in Ukraine that the American spirit of entrepreneurship can be originated and developed to create employment opportunities for Ukrainian folks and provide westernized services and products to the expatriate and local community. In the past, I started other businesses ranging from MAC computer imports, construction of new residential homes, and tourism to the Carpathian Mountains. There are always business niches to be discovered and explored in Ukraine by those expats who are willing to think outside of the box and create their own opportunities for service and growth.
GO2KIEV: Terry, share with us your New York-Style Bagel delivery business.
Terrence: I was yearning for American style comfort foods and remembered that a bagel is a bread variety that allowed me reconnect to the Northeast region where I grew up. I researched simple bagel recipes on the internet and discovered that baking bagels is a fairly easy procedure and‘baker’ only needs to use their imagination to enhance different bagel flavors. We offer a choice of bagels ranging from: plain, cinnamon-raisin, sesame garlic, whole wheat, onion, and caraway seed. Our gourmet bagels are: the “Pizza” bagel with dried tomato, garlic and Italian seasonings; the “Everything” bagel with garlic, onion, poppy and sesame seed, and salt; the “Poppy Seed” bagel which is sweet with poppy seeds inside. Every month we offer a new bagel of the month such as the “Pumpkin Spice” bagel we featured in December which has a delicious combination taste of cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg that fairs well with holiday and autumnal meals.
GO2KIEV: What is the cost to order and have delivered of New York-Style Bagels?
Terrence: Individual priced bagels are 5.50 hryvnia for a plain bagel and the other flavors are 6.50 hryvnia a piece. A customer may order a minimum of six bagels for delivery though we highly promote an order of dozen bagels with an extra one bagel – at no extra charge. Presently we offer free delivery to the Kiev Christian Academy, Kiev International School, Pechersk International School, British International School and embassies, and for an order of 150 UAH or more, we will deliver to your office or home. All of the New York-Style bagels are fresh, homemade and ready to be delivered to your home or office.
GO2KIEV: Do you have any tips on bagel serving suggestions and how to keep bagels fresh?
Terrence: The serving suggestions are endless for bagels are a perfect accompaniment for breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Try melting cheese on a bagel to go along a warm and satisfying bowl of soup. Cream cheese and salmon open face sandwiches are a perfect combination for informal home or business lunches. For an elegant appetizer, then spread goat cheese and jam preserves on a warm bagel. Italian menus are enhanced with bagels by making super easy garlic bread, parmesan bagel croutons, and the very tasty bruschetta which is a combination of olive oil, chopped plum tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and sprinkled parmesan cheese on a bagel. Fresh bagels freeze very well though it is recommended to slice them beforehand for it saves time and effort later.
GO2KIEV: Ruth, you provide the unique service of Natural Horsemanship in Ukraine. Tell us more.
Ruth: Yes, I am a trainer of natural horsemanship and riding instruction. The Parelli method of horsemanship is a holistic approach to horse training based on developing a natural relationship with your horse through understanding his/her nature and understanding the world from the horse’s point of view. One of the magical results of the Parelli method is that your horse becomes willing to do what you ask and your horse problems are solved naturally without force or punishment. You and the horse learn to work together in alignment with the horse’s nature. It really is a way to teach humans to train a horse using love, language and leadership. I think it is important for your readers to know that I am certified by the Certified Horsemanship Association and that I regularly attend conferences and clinics abroad to strengthen my training instruction.
GO2KIEV: Where do the lessons take place and how much do lessons cost?
Ruth: Private lessons can be with or without one’s own horse at the hippodrome Vasilya Kasiyana #1. I prefer to conduct lessons outdoors but when there are inclement weather conditions then we are inside the hippodrome. The cost is $30 per hour and it can be paid in the equivalent of dollars, euros or hryvnia. There is also an extra charge of 100 hrvynia per hour for the usage of the hippodrome arena. My students range from ages 11 years to adult where there is a foundation of natural horsemanship, problem solving and standardized testing for completion of all levels of horsemanship.
GO2KIEV: Why do you think horse riding lessons are a valuable investment for children and adults?
Ruth: The benefits are enormous and beyond simple enjoyment. The Physical movements of riding a horse assist beautifully with balance and coordination. A rider uses many muscles; most importantly the leg, abdominal, shoulder and back muscles. Mentally a novice rider just learns to stay on and steer the horse which can be a real challenge. Becoming a fair and effective leader is crucial to getting good with horses as well as learning the language of the horse in order to apply that leadership. Horses are great teachers and it is such a thrill to watch students develop their leadership skills and immediately experience results. I can actually see an individual’s self confidence grow as they realize success in controlling their emotions and becoming more assertive when needed. As one progresses with riding and horsemanship there is always something to be learned which can engender an active avenue for keeping the brain exercised and opportunities of success
GO2KIEV: Please contact Terry Murphy, the Director of New York-Style Bagels at (044-228-2190) or by mobile (067-761-8272). Email: murphytrukraine@yahoo.com . Ruth Murphy, Trainer and certified riding instructor, of Natural Horsemanship Ukraine can be reached at (044-228-2190) or by mobile (063-761-8273). Email: murphytrukraine@yahoo.com
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