Embroidery as a Path to Independence: How Halyna Turned a Childhood Passion into a Business

Halyna Bolokan is a participant of the mini-accelerator and winner of the business plan pitching contest for women and girls from rural communities in Kherson region, implemented by the NGO “Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development.” Her creative passion evolved into a business idea — to combine traditional Ukrainian hand embroidery with modern technologies. With fear, but even more desire to learn, Halyna took her first steps toward her dream. The women's entrepreneurship mini-accelerator became her chance not only to gain knowledge but also to believe in herself. 

Today, Halyna confidently develops her own brand — with soul, meaning, and love in every detail. Here is her story, her motivation, and first milestones — in her own words.

On her business idea 

The idea of starting computer machine embroidery felt natural to me — I’ve loved hand embroidery since childhood, learning it from my grandmother. Embroidery has always been a source of inspiration, a way to express emotions, and preserve Ukrainian traditions. Over time, I realized that while handwork is valuable, it takes a lot of time. That’s when I became interested in machine embroidery as a way to keep the creative spirit while reaching a new level of speed and quality. My business idea is to create unique embroidered products that blend modern technologies with tradition. I had no experience in machine embroidery before — only hand embroidery — but I had a strong desire to learn and grow. 

On participating in the project 

I found out about the mini-accelerator by chance — from Inna Kormilenko and Kateryna Okseniuk, representatives of the NGO “Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development,” who were conducting events for women and girls in our village. I was intrigued by the opportunity to receive not just financial support but also knowledge, experience, and new connections. I decided to try, as I already had an idea but didn’t know how to turn it into a real business.  

Preparing the business plan was a real challenge — the hardest part was to clearly outline the steps, calculate the budget, and define the uniqueness of the idea. But it helped me understand my concept more deeply. I benefited greatly from the exchange of experiences with other participants and from the professional support of my mentor, Svitlana Matvieieva. I’m very grateful to have worked with her. Together, we prepared the business plan, shaped my dream, and I dared to register as an individual entrepreneur. Then came the pitching event — and unexpectedly, I won. 

I used the grant to purchase an embroidery machine — moving from idea to actual business. There were many challenges in mastering this new craft. I discovered that I needed to buy additional materials (which weren’t covered by the grant) — such as special threads, fabric stabilizer, a hoop, and other supplies. With every challenge, my expenses grew — but so did my knowledge. I also had to start developing custom embroidery designs. I’m still learning, creating, and preparing for large orders. 

Throughout this journey, I received support not only in developing the idea but also in various important areas. Trainer and mentor Svitlana Matvieieva helped me understand the financial aspects. She delivered the first introductory training for selected women and girls at the start of the program. I got motivation and energy from the program coordinator Oksana Makhanko. Practical visits to women entrepreneurs in Mykolaiv region with Kateryna Okseniuk gave me support at the start of my business. I also received psychological support and self-confidence from Iryna Melnyk. I thank everyone who supported me on this challenging path — and continues to support me today! 

On future plans 

My life has truly changed. I’ve gained confidence, received resources to start, and most importantly — support. I now plan to actively develop my brand, create embroidered patches, accessories, and decorative items to order, working with both modern and traditional motifs. I also want to grow my Instagram page and begin online sales. 

To women and girls who are just dreaming of starting their own businesses, I say: don’t be afraid to begin. Even without experience — what matters is the idea and the will to learn. Opportunities are always nearby — the key is not to miss them, to develop your ideas, even in difficult times. Despite war, hardships, and uncertainty — it’s important to dream, look for opportunities, and believe in yourself. Each of us has the power to change our lives and reach our goals, step by step. 

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The project is implemented by the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development in partnership with International Alert, and funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (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.