Story of Yuliia Shubina: how to start a business in a new city after forced displacement

After leaving Kharkiv due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Yuliia Shubina found herself in a new and unfamiliar city. Despite all the challenges, she decided to pursue something that would bring joy to people. This is how her journey into entrepreneurship began.

Through her participation in the NIZHNA project (Unbreakable Initiative of Women — Persistent and Active), implemented by the NGO “Light of Hope” funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine, Yuliia received the equipment she needed to grow her business and move forward with greater confidence.

Today, Yuliia runs her own branded souvenir products business in Poltava. She has set up her workspace and approaches each order with great attention to detail and a personal touch, ensuring that even in difficult times her clients receive not just products, but moments of joy.

Learn more about Yuliia’s story and her business in the video. 

This video was produced by the NGO “Light of Hope” with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funding from the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), however, the views expressed and content included do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.