We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofiia Safonova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofiia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My decision to start my own business was driven by a mix of passion, creativity, and the desire for autonomy. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling, and after working in the industry as a producer for a while, I realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality, visually compelling director’s treatments. I saw an opportunity to fill that space by providing a service that not only met but elevated the creative needs of filmmakers and production companies.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business started with a focus on creating visually strong director’s treatments, but over time it naturally evolved into something broader. Today, we work across branding, design, and app development. What sets us apart is our ability to combine visual storytelling with a thoughtful, functional approach—making sure the work looks great and delivers results.

One of our biggest strengths is our high level of visual awareness. We go through hundreds of references every day, which keeps us sharp, inspired, and in tune with current trends. On top of that, having the opportunity to work with a wide range of brands—each with its own style—has allowed us to explore and apply different techniques and visual approaches. That experience helps us stay flexible and creatively open, tailoring each project to match the unique tone of the client.

It hasn’t always been easy. Like any growing business, we’ve faced challenges. But I’ve learned that mistakes are never just mistakes—they’re experience. Each one teaches you something and helps you evolve.

What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come while staying true to our creative values. What I want the world to know about our brand is that we care deeply about what we create. Whether it’s a brand identity or a digital product, we bring purpose, intention, and a lot of heart into every project.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d want them to experience something truly inspiring. One thing I always suggest—especially to those in creative fields—is attending large-scale international events like Expo.

It’s really unfortunate that Expo 2020 was a one-time event, because it offered such a unique and powerful experience. I always encourage my friends to attend events like this whenever possible. They bring together incredibly diverse and interesting people, each deeply immersed in their own culture and eager to share it.

For creatives, this kind of environment is invaluable. It helps you connect with global perspectives, understand cultures more deeply, and later reflect that richness in your own work.

Expo is like traveling the world in a matter of days—you get to see, hear, and taste the essence of dozens of countries in one place. From meaningful conversations to trying food from every corner of the globe, it’s an experience that stays with you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I believe no journey is truly a solo effort, and I’m grateful for the people who have played a role in shaping my path. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my team—the skilled and dedicated individuals who help bring our creative projects to life. Their expertise in design, strategy, branding, and app development has been essential to our growth. Each person contributes in their own way, and together, we collaborate to produce work that is both innovative and effective.

Website: https://bydecode.com

Instagram: @budecode_

Image Credits
photo by @agafonovfactory Artem Agafonov
much by @sashhha_mua Sasha Dmitrieva

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