Tchaiko's early life was marked by a unique cultural diversity, as she spent her formative years in seven different countries, a result of her father's work with UNICEF. This upbringing would later influence her commitment to social change through her artistic endeavors.
Tchaiko's academic pursuits led her to graduate from Columbia University, where she was well-prepared to dive headfirst into the world of filmmaking. She interned under the guidance of renowned directors Spike Lee and Mira Nair, gaining valuable industry experience and building a network of influential contacts.
As she continued to hone her craft, Tchaiko assisted directors George C. Wolfe and Tom Vaughan on various projects, while also finding time to direct several short-form projects. This versatility and range would serve her well in her future endeavors.
Tchaiko's dedication to using her art as a force for good was recognized with the Gaea Sea Change Residency, a prestigious award that acknowledges artists committed to creating positive social change.
Her feature film, SOLACE, has received widespread recognition and accolades. It was a Semi-Finalist for the Sundance Writers Lab in 2012, and went on to receive the Panavision New Filmmakers Program award in 2015. The project participated in several high-profile programs, including Tribeca All Access, the IFP Narrative Lab, the Creative Visions Creative Activist Program, and the Big Vision Empty Wallet diversity program.
In 2017, SOLACE was a Women In Film grantee and a Film Independent Efilm/Company 3 grant winner. The film premiered at the LA Film Festival in 2018, where it won the Special Jury Mention for Best Ensemble Cast.
In addition to her independent projects, Tchaiko has also built a successful career in commercial and branded content, producing and directing a range of high-profile campaigns.
