Today we’d like to introduce you to Olha Failla.
Hi Olha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Olha Failla ( Olha Horbenko when I came to Los Angeles), and I am a Ukrainian singer-songwriter, performer, and UGC content creator based in Los Angeles.
I moved to Los Angeles from Ukraine in December 2021 to study songwriting and music production at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. My original plan was to complete the one-year program and then return home. However, only two months after I began my studies, the full-scale war in Ukraine started. It was an incredibly difficult and uncertain time for me and for my family, who remained in Ukraine, and it completely changed the direction of my life.
I decided to stay in the United States, graduated from Musicians Institute, and began building a new life and career in Los Angeles. Since then, I have worked as a singer, songwriter, and performer with my cover band, while also developing my own business as a content creator and creating UGC for beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and other brands.
Along the way here in Los Angeles , I also met my love ( Michael Failla ) who is now my husband. My journey in Los Angeles has been full of unexpected changes, challenges, and new opportunities, but it has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Today, I continue building my career as an artist, performer, and content creator while creating a life for myself here in Los Angeles.
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 definitely has not been a smooth road. The greatest challenge was the full-scale war that began in Ukraine in 2022. That year brought an enormous amount of uncertainty and forced me to make some very difficult decisions. I had arrived in Los Angeles expecting to study for one year and then return home, but suddenly I had to accept that my original plan was no longer possible and begin thinking about how to build a completely new life in another country.
Starting over was emotionally and professionally challenging. I had to learn how to support myself, adapt to a new environment, and find opportunities in industries that are already very competitive. One of my biggest personal struggles was continuing to believe in myself and in the path I had chosen. I wanted to keep singing, writing songs, performing, and finding ways to earn a living through music rather than giving up on what I loved.
At the same time, I began building a new career as a content creator. That meant learning how to present myself professionally, reach out to brands, improve my skills, and keep going even when opportunities were uncertain. I tried to remain hopeful and open to whatever life brought me. Step by step, I began finding opportunities in both music and content creation, and each one helped me become more confident, independent, and resilient.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as a singer-songwriter, performer, and UGC content creator based in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about combining creativity with entrepreneurship, allowing me to build a career doing what I truly love.
I have been working as a professional singer, songwriter, and session vocalist for more than 10 years. I am also a graduate of the Artist, Producer & Entrepreneur program at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where I further developed my skills in songwriting, music production, and the music business. During my career, my vocals and music have been released through labels including Sony Music, Effective Records, Magic Records, Clipper’s Sounds, and Ensis Records. I have also worked as a performer for Disney Cruise Line and have performed internationally as both a solo artist and a member of cover bands in countries including the United States, Ukraine, Germany, France, and South Korea. Today, I continue performing at private events, weddings and corporate functions throughout Southern California with my cover band, Olya & Dave Duo, while also working remotely as a songwriter and session vocalist for clients around the world.
About two years ago, I also began building a career as a UGC and content creator. Since then, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with well-known brands such as Estée Lauder, Neutrogena, L’Oréal, VIVAIA, Cosy Island, Method, CASETiFY and many others across the beauty, skincare, fashion, and lifestyle industries. I create authentic, engaging content that helps brands connect with their audiences while continuing to grow my own creative business.
What I am most proud of is being able to successfully build two creative careers at the same time. Music will always be my greatest passion, but I also genuinely enjoy content creation because it allows me to combine storytelling, marketing, and creativity in a different way. I believe what sets me apart is my versatility, adaptability, and willingness to keep learning. Whether I’m writing a song, performing on stage, or creating content for a global brand, my goal is always the same—to create something that connects with people and leaves a lasting impression.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Los Angeles is the incredible combination of nature, weather, and opportunities. I absolutely love the palm trees—they’ve become one of my favorite symbols of California. Every time I see them, they remind me why I fell in love with this place.
I also appreciate how close everything is. Within a short drive, you can be at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or even enjoying the snow in Big Bear. Having access to the ocean, beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and so many different landscapes is something I truly value.
Another thing I love is the California weather. In my opinion, it’s some of the best in the world. The sunshine has a way of brightening my mood, even on difficult days, and I think it contributes to the positive energy that so many people associate with Los Angeles.
If I could change one thing about the city, it would be finding better long-term solutions to the homelessness crisis. It’s a complex issue, but I hope that over time more support and resources can be provided for those who need them while also making areas like Hollywood Boulevard feel more welcoming for both residents and visitors.
Overall, I love the atmosphere of Los Angeles. It’s a city that inspires creativity, attracts dreamers from all over the world, and offers countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. That’s what makes it such a special place to call home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olya_gram/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/olha_lifestyle_ca/
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@olyagram_world
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@olyagrammusic2879
