“I simply couldn’t not work”. How a Seamstress from Kryvyi Rih Held On During the War, Saved Her Craft, and Dreams of Her Own Brand

Viktoriia Ternovetska started sewing back in school – first for her niece, and later for hundreds of clients. In 2003, she opened her own studio in Kryvyi Rih, and it quickly became a way of life – a space for creativity that she never abandoned, not even during the war.

“I see a person – and I already know what will suit them. I see fabric, I see a dress. It’s not magic, just years of experience and love for the craft.”

Over the years, she worked in bridal salons, took private tailoring and sewing courses, and honed her skills through practice. She specializes in everything – from men’s suits to evening gowns and coats. Her studio is known for its quality, and even clients from abroad come to have garments made specifically by her.

And Then – War

In February 2022, life across the country changed. So did Viktoriia’s. Wedding dress orders were cancelled. Half of the team left the country. Three remained: Viktoriia and two retired seamstresses.

In the first weeks, they completely pivoted. Instead of dresses, they began sewing unloading vests, body armour covers, and flags – all for free.

“We didn’t even know what those vests should look like. We just took one apart and copied it. Because help was needed.”

Despite fear and uncertainty, Viktoriia didn’t shut down. She kept sewing, trained young girls, looked for fabrics, and participated in grant Programmes – because she understood that to survive, one must act.

From Military Gear – to a Designer Clothing Brand

Gradually, the studio returned to civilian work. Orders came in for clothing repairs and alterations, then coats, suits, and summer dresses.

“People started coming back. Something to tailor, a graduation dress. And I began to believe again that it’s possible to work like before.”

At the same time, Viktoriia began developing a new idea – to create a brand of original clothing with embroidery. Not traditional embroidery, but modern pieces with custom decorative elements.

“I made a dress for a Kryvyi Rih business event – and afterward people started asking if they could order one like it. That’s when I realized this idea deserves to live.”

Grant Support That Made Recovery Possible

Viktoriia was able to keep her studio afloat thanks to her perseverance, the support of loved ones, and grant aid – the latest of which came from the Kryvyi Rih District Support Programme.

“I found out about this opportunity from the city council. I submitted a business plan and waited anxiously. When I learned that I’d been accepted – I was overjoyed.”

With the grant funds, she updated key equipment without which effective work was impossible:

• an industrial buttonhole machine;
• an industrial steam iron, for quick and clean edge finishing;
• two straight-stitch machines for light and heavy fabrics;
• a modern Japanese air filtration system;
• a generator to ensure uninterrupted operation of the studio.

“Now we work faster, with better quality and comfort. What used to take an hour now takes 10–15 minutes. That’s incredibly important – especially in peak season when there are lots of orders.”

The air filtration system was installed because the studio is located in a windowless basement. The generator became a critical solution for blackout periods when deadlines had to be met without failing clients.

No Advertising, Just Trust

Viktoriia’s studio survives thanks to word of mouth. Loyal clients, acquaintances, family, displaced people, and customers from Kyiv, Dnipro, and even abroad.

“I don’t advertise. I just love people. They come and often talk to me more than they do to a therapist. They say: ‘We’ll be back’.”

Viktoriia dreams of developing the V-Style brand, launching online sales, and growing her team. For now, her biggest challenge isn’t machinery or materials – it’s people.

“I’m looking for professionals. I already have the equipment. But people are hard to find. There are many ideas – but it’s hard to bring them to life alone.”

People See That We’re Working – So It’s Possible to Keep Living

Today, Viktoriia sees positive change. Her clients are once again ordering suits, buying fabric for curtains, refreshing their wardrobes. For her, it’s a sign of life.

“When people support us, we hold on too. People see that we’re still here and working – and that means it’s possible to keep living, decorating the home, sewing a new dress, making plans.”

ℹ️ For reference:
The program is implemented within the framework of the “Support for Recovery of Kryvyi Rih Rayon” project, funded by the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg through the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev) and the Business Development Fund.

Authorized banks: Oschadbank and PrivatBank.