#IDP_New_conditions_New_life
Victoria Kalinina and Olena Shtager are internally displaced persons from the city of Dobropillya who turned a shared passion into a successful business. Their brand Leliy combines traditional Ukrainian embroidery with modern everyday clothing, showcasing the strength of female entrepreneurship and resilience in times of trials.
Both women were passionate about creating clothing: Victoria sewed, while Olena embroidered. Their shared passion and active participation in local initiatives brought them closer together, which later evolved into the idea of a joint business. Thanks to grant programs, they opened a classic atelier: clothing repair and custom sewing. Gradually, they moved on to larger projects, including uniforms for companies and sports teams.
February 24, 2022, became a new challenge for the business. "We sewed flags at the request of the city administration and made some items for the military. It helped distract from what was happening," recalls Olena.
In May 2022, realizing that new challenges and changes awaited the business, the women decided to take the most valuable thing - their equipment - to Poltava, where they decided to start again using the established scheme: to open an atelier and gradually restore their brand. A key factor for success and a starting point for resuming operations was an order for aprons with an embroidered emblem for artists.
"People like us - IDPs - started coming to us. And it was a very powerful support. After all, we are like a big family that has gone through the same experience," emphasizes Olena.
Gradually, the business began to recover. In the fall of 2022, the entrepreneurs presented their first collection of sweatshirts with embroidery, which became a symbol of their start in Poltava.
Today, the brand Leliy, created by Olena and Victoria, offers a modern take on traditional Ukrainian embroidery, integrating it into everyday clothing: sweatshirts, hoodies, shorts, pants, and dresses.
"The essence of the Leliy brand: embroidery that can be worn every day, not just on holidays; everyday clothing can be not only comfortable but also high-quality and beautiful," explains Olena.
A feature of the brand is the individual approach to each order. Clients can choose any design, color, and combine it with any embroidery. Leliy also offers a service that takes into account the individual parameters of the client when sewing.
The artisans emphasize the importance of believing in one's own strength and the ability to listen to oneself. This is especially relevant for women entrepreneurs, to whom Victoria advises to choose a business that inspires them and, most importantly, to maintain a positive attitude and faith in themselves.
The Ukrainian people are resourceful, hardworking, and unconquered!
Together to Victory!