Five stories of Ukrainian women entrepreneurs who transformed the challenges of war into opportunities
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Participants of the Dream and Achieve educational program at the Demo Day, where the finalists presented their business ideas. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin
The war in Ukraine has changed the lives of millions, particularly those who have been forced to leave their homes and start anew. Despite the losses, painful changes, and uncertainty they face, some women find the strength to rebuild their lives. They do not just survive; they establish businesses, support others, and work towards realizing their dreams.
The educational program Dream and Achieve is designed for women who want to take their first steps—or gain more confidence—in developing their own businesses.
Five women, five businesses — each with their own stories of experience, struggle, dreams, and small victories.
Olena Khodusova, GREENBAKHMUT
"My business was registered and operational, but it has just now started to work for me," said Olena Khodusova, a Dream and Achieve participant. Photo: courtesy of Olena Khodusova
When Olena left her hometown of Bakhmut due to shelling, she lost more than just her home; she also lost the business she had dedicated eight years to—growing ornamental and fruit plants. However, her dream of living among greenery and returning to her beloved business remained strong.
Today, Olena is developing GREENBAKHMUT, a nursery that specializes in growing hardened seedlings. Thanks to her participation in Dream and Achieve, she has achieved several milestones, including setting up a market stall in Kharkiv, launching an Instagram page, opening a new point of sale, and collaborating on landscape projects.
Olena admits that she initially struggled with accounting and felt hesitant to speak in front of large audiences. However, she now confidently manages her finances, hires employees, orders advertising from influencers, and continues to grow her business.
Olena Vlasynevych, Ashram Spokoiu
"I'm building a business, not merely pursuing a hobby. This significant distinction has altered my approach and results," said Olena Vlasynevych, a Dream and Achieve participant. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin
Olena relocated from Skadovsk to Kyiv. She is the wife of a veteran and is also a yoga and meditation instructor. Her online studio, Ashram Spokoiu, serves as a sanctuary for women seeking balance during challenging times. It offers practices that focus on physical well-being, breathing techniques, psychosomatics, and restoring mental health after stress and loss.
During her participation in Dream and Achieve, Olena reevaluated her approach and recognized her target audience: women over the age of 40 who are seeking harmony. She has clearly defined her services, established an online presence, begun developing new products, and is planning retreats. The program helped her realize that she is not just a trainer, but an entrepreneur with a clear vision.
Anastasiia Filonenko, FILOCERA
"My ceramics embody emotions that people carry with them. They're not just products; they are a part of me," said Anastasiia Filonenko, a Dream and Achieve participant. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin
“I am a creator, and it was only by recognizing this that I was able to find my way,” says 26-year-old Anastasiia from Sloviansk in the Donetsk region, who now lives in Lviv. She is the founder of the art brand FILOCERA, which combines ceramics, sculpture, and deep emotion in each of its products.
In her hands, ordinary clay is transformed into beautiful art that enhances the ambiance of restaurants, showrooms, clinics, and homes. Thanks to Dream and Achieve, she has reopened her Etsy store and entered the international market. For the first time in years, she feels not only like a craftswoman but also an artist. Her brand is more than just decor; it serves as a tool for art therapy. Anastasia conducts master classes for cancer patients, collaborates with Unbroken, and infuses the warmth of her hands into each of her creations.
Learn more: Мисткиня VS Ремісниця: як обирати серед бізнес-моделей у крафтовому бізнесі (Marie Claire Business Ukraine)
Iryna Pirlik, Green House "Lily"
"I lacked online sales skills and only sold on the street, but I knew I wanted a change. So, I made it happen," said Iryna Pirlik, a Dream and Achieve participant. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin
Iryna (53) moved from Lysychansk in the Luhansk region to Rivne with her family. They left behind their home, familiar life, and everything important to them. Once in their new city, Iryna founded Green House "Lily", an ecological flower business that eventually became not only her life's work but also a source of stability and inspiration for the entire family.
Today, Iryna operates a landing page and an online store on Prom.ua. She creates videos that reach up to half a million viewers, and her flowers are purchased by restaurants, offices, and private clients. What brings her the most joy is that this business is a family endeavor, with everyone contributing their skills.
Iryna approaches her work with love for both nature and people. She grows flowers without the use of chemicals, prioritizing environmental preservation. Additionally, she plans to introduce automated flower vending machines to make beautiful blooms accessible 24/7.
Aliona Demchenko, "Veseli Lystochky"
"Initially, I found it difficult to open up; however, I later realized that participating in the program is not only about business but also about support, which I found to be very valuable," said Aliona Demchenko, a Dream and Achieve participant. Photo: courtesy of Aliona Demchenko
Aliona (38) moved from the village of Balky in the Zaporizhzhia region to Dnipro, carrying her child and facing an uncertain future. Despite her anxiety about her husband serving on the frontlines and the difficulties of motherhood, she successfully brought her idea to life by creating "Veseli Lystochky", a brand that offers a series of reusable notebooks for preschoolers.
These notebooks not only help develop logic, speech, and memory but also turn learning into play, transforming children's everyday experiences into opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Thanks to Dream and Achieve, Aliona doubled her profits, learned how to work with CRM, understood the logic of marketplaces, and set a new goal: to create a child development center.
The publication has been developed within the educational program Dream and Achieve implemented by the public organization Impact Force in partnership with UN Women, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, and the national project Diia.Business and with the financial support from the governments of Iceland and France.