From Survivor to Supporter: Natalka Hunka Builds Award-Winning HR Firm While Championing Domestic Abuse Victims
A Midlands entrepreneur is transforming personal adversity into professional purpose, as Natalka Hunka marks the first anniversary of her growing business while continuing her vital work supporting victims of domestic abuse in court. The 44-year-old founder of Aspire HR and Training Consultants, based in Hockley Heath, has quickly established her company as a rising name in outsourced HR services—already earning national recognition within its first year. But behind the business success lies a deeply personal journey shaped by resilience, family, and a determination to help others facing similar struggles.
Alongside her role as a business leader, Hunka serves as a McKenzie Friend, providing guidance and emotional support to individuals navigating the court system without legal representation. Her work often involves assisting victims of domestic abuse through complex and distressing proceedings, including divorce, child arrangements, and non-molestation orders.
“For me, it’s more than a role—it’s where I find the most reward,” she said. “I’ve lived through abuse, and I understand the emotional toll it takes. Being able to support others through that is incredibly important to me.”
Hunka’s own experiences with abusive relationships became a turning point. After fleeing her last relationship with her daughter Caitlin, she rebuilt her life with the support of her family in Balsall Common. Rather than allowing trauma to define her, she credits those experiences with strengthening her resolve.
“Coming from abuse has made me stronger,” she reflected. “It’s changed me in ways that allow me to help others.”
Her family background has also played a significant role in shaping her path. Born in Coventry to a Ukrainian heritage, Hunka grew up in a family with strong professional and cultural roots. Her father, Stefan Hunka, spent over four decades in the legal profession, while her uncle, Pavlo Hunka, achieved international acclaim as an opera singer.
Inspired by her heritage, Hunka and her youngest daughter Larysa helped establish a Ukrainian support hub in the Midlands, distributing more than 1,500 aid parcels following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022.
Before entering HR, Hunka demonstrated notable musical talent, earning a place at the Royal Northern College of Music and joining the National Youth Choir of Great Britain at just 16. However, her ambition to build a stable career—and eventually a family—led her into human resources, where she rose through the ranks to become an HR Director.
Today, Aspire HR and Training Consultants reflects both her professional expertise and personal values. The company offers tailored HR support to small and medium-sized enterprises, covering everything from contracts and audits to recruitment and restructuring.
“I wanted to create something practical, accessible, and human,” Hunka explained. “Good HR is about supporting people so businesses can thrive.”
Family remains at the heart of her mission. Her daughter Caitlin, now 19, plays a key role in the business as HR and Business Coordinator while studying employment law remotely. Having battled endometriosis in recent years, Caitlin’s resilience has been a major source of inspiration for her mother.
“It’s always been my vision to build something I can one day hand over to her,” Hunka said.
With a growing team and ambitious plans for expansion, Hunka is not only building a successful enterprise but also redefining what it means to lead with empathy—turning personal hardship into a platform for meaningful change.
