Best known for his success as an entrepreneur and phlantropist, Andrey Dashin has spent over a decade cultivating not only his business ventures but also a sense of community and purpose in Cyprus.
Alongside his wife Julia, he established the Andrey & Julia Dashin Foundation. Through their initiatives and philanthropic work, they communicate their values and spiritual convictions while maintaining a strong sense of responsibility towards Cypriot society.
Andrey Dashin was recently nominated as a finalist in the Social and Philanthropy category at the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2025 while he also participated in a fireside chat discussing business perspectives, philanthropy, and community engagement.
Mr. Dashin reflected on what brought him to Cyprus, the connection between business success and social responsibility, and the intertwining of leadership, charity, and culture in his life.
- What initially brought you to Cyprus, and what made you decide to stay and invest in the local community?
Initially, it was for business, as I wanted to expand my entrepreneurial activities. The choice was between Cyprus and Malta. However, upon arriving here and meeting the locals, we were struck by their warmth of the people and instantly felt like home. The idea of establishing a Foundation came very naturally. Charity has always been a vital part of my life, as I find great joy in giving to others. Nowadays, I dedicate more of my time to charity work than to business.
- In the past, you’ve spoken about charity as something deeply personal and spiritual. What does giving mean to you on a personal level?
For me, charity work is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. People come from diverse backgrounds, but we all share one common thing – the power to make a difference, no matter where we are in the world and how much time we can spare. What matters most to me is how we spend that time wisely. When we contribute our time and effort from the heart, it holds greater value. This is how I feel when I participate in charity events with my family. It is highly rewarding and enables me to see life from a different perspective.
- How important was it for you to be involved in the international community in Cyprus through the Foundation’s work?
When we established the Foundation in Cyprus, we noticed a lack of participation from foreigners in charitable activities. Recognizing that Cyprus is home to many people from various nationalities, we began promoting our initiatives. Our goal was to show that Cyprus is our home, and like any home, it requires our effort, dedication, and care. We were motivated by a strong desire to make kindness contagious.
- How have your values influenced how you lead your companies, among your teams?
From the beginning of my career, I recognized that being surrounded by the right people is vital in business. Today, I have colleagues who have been with me for 20 to 25 years, making this journey even more special and enlightening. This is truly a blessing! My philosophy is to make them feel that the company is like a second home, because I understand that they sometimes sacrifice their time for our company’s success instead of spending it with their families.
- You seem to have embraced Cyprus not only professionally but also culturally. What are some of your favourite local traditions or habits?
If you live in Cyprus, you are fortunate to enjoy the delights of traditional Cypriot cuisine. One of my favourites is halloumi. I also grow olive trees in my garden and produce my own oil. These and other simple yet meaningful traditions have become part of my daily life, deepening my love for the island. There’s a unique sense of belonging here like the warmth of the people, the connection to the land, and the rhythm of local life make Cyprus not just a place to live, but truly a place to call home.