In the words of entrepreneur Mariia Fleychuk: ‘I have always dreamed that one day I will realize myself in business’

Hailing from Hlyniany, Maria Fleychuk, a Doctor of Economics and Professor at the Lviv University of Trade and Economics and the University College of Enterprise and Administration in Lublin, together with her mother, Zenovia Shulha — an artist specializing in textile arts, a Professor at the Lviv National Academy of Arts, and the Head of the Textile Arts Section of the Lviv Regional Organization of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine — are working to revive the traditions of Hlyniany carpet weaving. 

How the team at ‘Zena-Hlyniany-Art-Studio' not only carefully preserves the knowledge of antique collections but also revitalizes them, developing international business  — read in Mariia Fleychuk’s story.

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‘It all began in my childhood. I grew up surrounded by the carpets and tapestries my mother created. Since my mother, Zenovia Shulha, is a textile artist, this art form has always been a significant part of my life. While I don’t have the talent for drawing or weaving myself, my passion for everything related to art has always been a part of who I am. Perhaps this decision was years in the making. By profession, I’m an economist, and although my career has primarily focused on teaching, I always dreamed of going beyond theory and applying my knowledge to create something tangible in business. 

In 1996, my mother, Zenovia Shulha initiated the project ‘Reviving the Hlyniany Carpet’ since the carpets in Hlyniany have a history dating back to 1894. However, industrial-scale production was not established at that time. No matter how idealistic we may be, carpet production is impossible without sales. In 2021 I founded the commercial company ‘Zena-Hlyniany-Art-Studio’, which specializes in the production of high-end, handcrafted flat-woven carpets. 

The real breakthrough for our business came from an unexpected source: a random individual who later became our partner and friend — Polish art expert Przemyslaw Cepak offered us to create commercial pieces. We created a few initial carpets, and they quickly found buyers. Then we made more, and those sold just as fast. Gradually, other clients began to emerge — first from Ukraine and Poland, and later from other countries. Our goal is to produce only a few signature carpets each month, preserving the exclusivity and high quality of our products. For the creation of complex carpet projects, we spend about a month, and during this month, all three of our weavers are involved. Our artistic works from the main series cost from 3000 euros. 

Participation in the project by the NGO 'National Network of Local Philanthropy' which was implemented with the support of UN Women in Ukraine and funded by the UN Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), greatly inspired us in realizing the social mission of our enterprise.  We submitted our application with a focus on social support, highlighting the importance of employing people from socially vulnerable groups. Currently - our primary weavers are retirees. Additionally, we take immense pride in the forthcoming publication of a significant study on Hlyniany carpet weaving, titled ‘The Carpet Craze of Hlyniany’ by Zenovia Shulha. Supported as part of this project, the research is a substantial scientific and popular work that delves into the history and evolution of Hlyniany carpet weaving across different eras. To date, there has been no comparable comprehensive study dedicated to this craft. And we already have a request for the translation of the book from Polish and English-speaking audiences. Project gave us the chance to connect with numerous representatives of Ukrainian businesses, many of whom we now collaborate with. We remain connected and continue to inspire one another. 
 
My short-term dream is to expand the Hlyniany School of Patterned Textiles, which I believe will play a crucial role in preserving and promoting our unique cultural heritage. In the long term, I aspire to see Ukrainian, and specifically Hlyniany, carpets reclaim their place not only in European markets but also on the global stage. I want Ukraine to be recognized not only as a nation impacted by war but as a country with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving socio-economic model. I sincerely hope that our project will serve as a cornerstone for the advancement of Ukrainian culture and economy, contributing to the rebuilding and growth of our nation’. 
 
Read the full story: https://www.shemade.marieclaire.ua/en/portfolio/maria-fleychuk-carpet-weaving-as-an-art-zena-hlynyany-art-studio/

The project 'She Made: discovery & recovery of Ukraine' was created by Marie Claire Business Ukraine and UN Women Ukraine funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). WPHF mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace and security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities. 

This publication is produced with funding from the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), however, the views expressed and content included does not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.