I came to Basta eight years ago, directly from prison. I started working in Basta’s stable, called Basta Basjkir. After three months the previous manager quit, and I was asked if I wanted to become the new manager.

My first task was to do the budget for the coming year. I thought the management team was joking with me when they asked me. Should I do a budget? Impossible. They promised I would receive support. And I did the budget. And since I had done the budget I felt responsible and forced to stay at Basta at least the year out, in order for me to see if my budget had worked out or not.

My first plan had been to stay only three months, but today eight years later I am one of the members of Basta.