SLUG Style: Veronica Clark

Immigrating from Ukraine to America, devoting to the dream of being an artist — these are acts only to be accomplished by someone as brave-hearted as Veronica Clark. Full of joy, love and wonder, she wears that heart on her sleeve, sewn right on to her carefully curated, hand-crafted and timelessly stylish outfits.

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character — anything.

Forever inspired by the colorful nature around me. There’s so much life around us, waiting for us to pull inspiration from. Flowers, mountains, ocean, our very own Salt Lake, etc. Anything that sparks joy. 

I also love patterns, as in the abstract idea of it. We, humans, are creatures of habit and patterns: in our thinking, in our expression, in our language, in our behavior. It’s all so fascinating to me. So my clothing reflects that. Sometimes I put wild patterns together, and somehow they work marvelously. Same thing with life. 

How has your experience growing up in Ukraine, being an immigrant and witnessing war in your home country influenced your approach to fashion design?

I can’t help but love Ukraine, my home, the beautiful land that raised me. It inspires me on the daily. However, when I immigrated here, there was the need to assimilate, to lay low, to stay safe, to blend in.

When the war began in 2022, my heart yearned for home. I FaceTimed my grandma, who lives in a small village back in Ukraine. I cried to her, feeling guilty for being safe here in Utah, while they had to experience the uncertainty and devastation of war. My grandma replied that I was here, living abroad, so that I could spread the stories of Ukraine. It stuck with me. I started my storytelling with the outfits I was choosing. I incorporated ethnic elements like vyshyvanka (the traditional embroidered shirt), so it could become a gateway to conversation. 

Later, as I was discovering myself as an artist and a fashion designer, my work started reflecting that yearning and love for my home country. I couldn’t help but tell the stories of Ukraine.

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

Oh, I love anything that has to do with art. Museums, concerts, cinema, shows? I’m there. People don’t really know that one of my aspirations in life is to try and experience as many mediums of art as I can. Every time I try something new, I gain a greater appreciation for artists who dedicate their lives to those media of art. 

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with fewer elements of your style?

I’m not always “on;” we’re all human, of course. I see it, though, as staying in tune with my energy, rather than being “on” or “off.” Some days we yearn for comfort, and so I built my closet in a way that even my lazy, comfy outfits make me feel good. 

You’ve recently made the brave decision to quit your job and drop out of school to focus on being an artist. Can you tell me more about what inspired that decision and the results you’ve seen from it?

Yes, and I do have to say that I am lucky to have a partner, Ramses, who has encouraged and supported me throughout this journey. Back in January of 2025, he suggested the daring idea to me of leaving my job. At the time, I felt like I was splitting there. I continued to run around in loops, and my creativity was stuck. I wanted just a taste of freedom, and I accepted it. While still being full-time in school, I created my first collection, which walked in April of 2025. I left my job with the idea that I was going to become this great fashion designer. Yet, when I saw my collection on the runway, I remember feeling confused. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t my dream. I was proud of that accomplishment, but it wasn’t my path. Maybe in a parallel universe, I did become a great fashion designer, but it is not my calling in this one.

After a life-altering summer during which I spent a lot of time reconnecting with nature, I returned to school. I felt like I entered someone else’s life. It no longer resonated as truth. Without knowing what I was going to do next, I dropped out. I entered what felt like the battle between life and death. I welcomed stillness and time for much reflection, which led to remembering. I started writing, and a floodgate opened up. I accepted my dreams without shame. My false beliefs about myself, life and art started bursting one by one, clearing the way for the path of desire. 

All this to say, being an artist is about the ability to sit with oneself, being present with your own humanity and pouring the heart out of this unexplainable need to create. And the world will mold around my desires in its own rightful timing. I know that now. 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Vivacious. Romantic. Daring. 

How has your personal style evolved over time?

I became more authentic. As I was shedding boxes I’ve discovered myself in, I found more play in my style. I built a closet full of pieces that reflected my nature. Dressing up stopped being about putting on an identity and evolved into a space where I can discover my own self each morning. Daily, I chase creativity, inspiration and the feeling of presence through the outfits I choose.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments as a fashion designer and artist? What are some of your biggest goals? Any projects in the works?

My greatest accomplishment to date is learning stillness. Yes, I was proud of everything I created. Yes, I have discovered so much of my voice by boldly going after opportunities. But also yes, they all dim in comparison to how much my relationship with daily presence has changed. I’ve always been hungry for a big life of success, but all it led to was a constant rush and missed connections. The only thing that satisfies this hunger for life is slowing down to meet the day in front of me. Life happens right here, right now, and oh my god, I want to live.

I’ve been working on a secret passion project. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before. It’s bold and audacious. It’s much bigger than me. It’s something I’ve dreamed of my entire life. I thought, ‘Oh, one day when I become better and more experienced, I’d create it.’ Yet, when I begged the universe for clarity on what was next in my life, it reminded me through synchronicities that I already knew the answer. There was never going to be a perfect “one day,” and I was never going to feel fully prepared. Now is the time. 

I’ve been wildly inspired by Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka in the process. Her work felt like a north star to me. During her life, she imagined and fought for a free and independent Ukraine. I want to do that with my own work. I want to be a voice of freedom.

What are some motifs that appear throughout your life, style and work?

I’ve always been drawn to stars, which is why I named my brand “zirka” (it means “star” in Ukrainian). It also became a word that I used interchangeably to explain this feeling of bursting light from within. You know the feeling of looking up in the sky and seeing a shooting star? It’s a split second of electricity that courses through your body, pulling you directly into the present moment. You don’t even have to think about it; you ARE free. That’s zirka. 

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Trust yourself. Enjoy your path. You don’t need to “figure” anything out. Life is generous. Stay present. 

Read about other local creatives expressing themselves through fashion:
SLUG Style: Braxtyn Birrell
SLUG Style: Kate Johnson