“I create beautiful and high-quality clothes for people,” – Olena, a participant in the “Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities” programme

Olena lived with her family in Izium, Kharkiv region. The family with four children lived in a lovely house and had everything they needed for life. However, due to the full-scale war in Ukraine, Olena and her three children were forced to relocate to Cherkasy, while her eldest son remained in Kharkiv. After completely reshaping her life, Olena pulled herself together. She first bought a sewing machine and began sewing, attending free workshops and taking online sewing lessons.

Although Olena has been sewing since childhood, it was once a hobby and not her primary profession. In Cherkasy, it grew into her true passion. While taking regular knitwear courses and courses for internally displaced persons, Olena learned about the “Reboot” programme, which is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross with the support of the Spanish Red Cross. She applied for and received a microgrant, which helped her purchase equipment, including an embroidery machine. As a result, her products have become even better and are now beautifully embroidered.