Entrepreneur Olena Ohorodnikova from Sloviansk has opened a sewing workshop called “AlO, Pani Monika,” which offers custom tailoring, clothing repair, and the production of home textiles, including bed linen, pillows, and blankets.
Ms. Olena made use of the state program “Own Business / Grant.” With the grant funds, she purchased an embroidery machine, an industrial sewing machine for clothing repair, a sewing machine for delicate fabrics, an overlock machine, and a garment steamer. She also bought an air conditioner, metal security shutters, furniture, and other essential equipment.
The workshop initially planned to employ at least two people. Currently, one seamstress is already working, and another is expected to be hired soon. She is currently undergoing sewing training through a referral from the employment center and will join the team after completing the course. The entrepreneur also plans to take advantage of a compensation program for creating a new job.
At present, the workshop mainly focuses on clothing repair, but in the future, the owner aims to develop a line of original designer clothing. According to her, she was inspired by trips to western regions of Ukraine, where she saw many beautiful embroidered garments.
“I really love Ukrainian clothing. When I traveled in western Ukraine, I saw many beautiful embroidered items—vests, skirts. I would like to see something similar here as well. For now, we are starting with repairs, but we dream of creating our own collections in the future. I even joke that one day we’ll organize a fashion show and find young people who will become models for our designs,” the entrepreneur says.
More details about state grant programs: https://dcz.gov.ua/grantssearch
Donetsk Regional Employment Center call center: 0-800-219-713.