Photo : private archive.

An interview with Sylwia Mokrysz, Doctor of Social Science, proxy of Mokate SA and founder of the Coffee & Tea Market Research Institute based in Ustron and London. Passionate about photography and travel. A woman from the Beskids for whom family and harmony are the most important values.

PART 1. THE BESKIDS AND ALL THINGS LOCAL

Beskid Mum: You have been connected with our region through your life and work for years. What do you value most about the Beskids?

Sylwia Mokrysz: The Beskids are exceptional in every way. I am most captivated by their colours, which change with the seasons – each season has something unique about it. Photographing the Beskids is one of my favourite subjects – they can be calm and misty or full of light and energy.

BM: Does this calmness and closeness to nature influence how you think about work and life?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Definitely. Living in tune with nature teaches humility and balance. In business, we often work at a fast pace and make decisions under pressure. The Beskids remind me that sometimes it’s worth slowing down, listening to yourself and looking wider – not just at your professional goals, but your relationships, health and passions too.

BM: Do you have a ‘magical place’ in the Beskids where you like to escape to?

Sylwia Mokrysz: I don’t have one particular place. I try to see beauty everywhere around me, whether that’s on my daily walks, in the morning mist over the mountains or in the sunset over Ustron. Our mountains are full of small wonders that inspire awe. It’s important to notice them, and that requires mindfulness. Sometimes, all you need to do is slow down, stop, put your phone away and just be in the moment. Being able to notice the little things can really change the way you look at the world – even an ordinary day can become extraordinary then.

Photo : private archive.

BM: It is often said that women from the mountains are strong and determined. Have you noticed this too?

Sylwia Mokrysz: I would say that this is a trait of most people from the Beskids. The mountains teach fortitude, hard work and perseverance. My parents and ancestors also come from here. Many residents of our region work at Mokate, often spanning several generations – their commitment and sense of responsibility cannot be overstated. I think this ‘strength from the mountains’ is what we all have in common.

PART 2. BEING A MOTHER AND A WOMAN

BM: What is everyday life like for a woman who combines motherhood with a professional career?

Sylwia Mokrysz: It’s a challenge that requires not only good organisation, but also flexibility and perspective. I try to maintain a balance between my responsibilities and time for myself and my family. I believe that happy mothers raise happy children, which is why I make sure to pursue my passions and devote time to personal growth. This gives me the energy and motivation to act.

BM: What helps you maintain this balance?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Habits. I start each day with a moment for myself – a cup of my favourite coffee and a quick plan for the day. Having a positive attitude can work wonders. Being able to take it easy and understanding that not everything has to be perfect also helps. Sometimes it’s worth just being ‘here and now’.

BM: What values do you try to pass on to your children?

Sylwia Mokrysz: I have always said that I want to give them roots and wings. Roots, so they know where they come from and value their family. Wings, so they can boldly discover the world. They are studying abroad at the moment, but we stay in close contact. I teach them that passion, curiosity about the world and respect for others are the most important things in life.

I also often share words that are very close to my heart with them: ‘Don’t teach your child how to be rich. Teach them how to be happy. When they grow up, they will understand values, not prices.’

BM: What does success mean to you today, both personally and professionally?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Success has many faces. For some, it’s a successful career, while for others, it’s peace of mind and a happy family life. For me, it’s achieving harmony between these two areas of life. It’s impossible to have everything in perfect proportion, but you can strive for balance. It’s important to be in tune with yourself, your dreams and your priorities.

PART 3. PASSION, VALUES, INSPIRATIONS

BM: What moments in your life have been the most groundbreaking?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Without hesitation – motherhood. It teaches you humility and patience, and shows you what really matters. Children make you re-evaluate everything — they change the way you think and your priorities, and sometimes even the pace of your life. Thanks to them, you discover strengths you never knew you had and learn to appreciate the simple yet important things in life.

BM: Where do you draw strength and motivation from in difficult times?

Sylwia Mokrysz: I draw strength and motivation from my loved ones and my passions. Aviation and photography allow me to stop and view the world from a different perspective. It’s a way of balancing the rational and the emotional.

Photo : private archive.

BM: Do women in business, especially in smaller towns, have it easier today than they used to?

Sylwia Mokrysz: Definitely, although we still have a long way to go. More and more women are running their own businesses, holding managerial positions and combining their careers with family life. But stereotypes still exist. I believe that we can all help to break them down by setting a good example.

BM: What initiatives or activities are particularly close to your heart?

Sylwia Mokrysz: I support education, science and women’s initiatives. I believe that investing in development, both professional and personal, brings about real change. It gives me great satisfaction to see young women from our region flourish when they believe in themselves.

One project I’m particularly proud of is the Coffee & Tea Market Research Institute. Established in Ustron, it combines science with business practice. Thanks to the Institute’s work, we can better understand changing customer expectations and create products that suit today’s lifestyles.

Many of those involved in the Institute’s activities and development are women, including researchers at Polish and foreign universities.

BM: What advice would you give to women from the Beskids who dream of starting their own business but are hesitant?

Sylwia Mokrysz: The most important thing is to believe in yourself and take that first step. Sometimes it is this smallest of moves that can change your whole life. Courage, consistency and a little patience are key, and the rest will come with time. And one more thing: surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, because a positive attitude comes from the good energy we share with others.

BM: Finally, what gives you the most satisfaction today?

Sylwia Mokrysz: The greatest satisfaction I get is the feeling that what I do makes sense and adds value to other people’s lives. I am guided by the belief that true happiness is more often found by those who are able to plan for and focus on the positive consequences of their actions, even if they are in the distant future. This thought accompanies me every day, giving me peace of mind, motivation, and the feeling that I am heading in the right direction.

Thank you for this interview.