Do girls need any hair clips, when there is a war in the country? Hair accessory designer and craftswoman Ksenia Dovbysh asked herself. And only later, as her daughter's mother, she convinced herself: Yes, they are needed. Because despite the war, children should live a happy childhood. And every conscious mother will try to do everything for this, that is in her power. Even if it is just a bold hairstyle for the daughter with bright jewelry in her hair.
About the case, which adds colour to gray everyday life, delights mothers and their daughters, said Ksenia Dovbysh, the founder of the "MimiAmi" hair accessories workshop.
The history of "MimiAmi" began in Kyiv in 2021 year. The girl Amina turned two years old, when her mother Ksenia made herself a gift for the holiday. Implemented the idea,which she bore together with her daughter - she began to create "unique" hair accessories, hairpins, rubber bands, district-ties and brooches - that's all, which can emphasize the image of a little fashionista. At first, the jewelry went to their inspiration, Amini. Then friends and acquaintances began to order all kinds of trinkets for their daughters, nieces and goddaughters.
"I do that i love. And this is my personal relaxation and therapy,- says Ksenia.- All my life I liked to braid my hair. First to the dolls, later to myself and friends. As an adult, I began to dream of a daughter, and now I'm doing her hair. For me, it's a special kind of pleasure - to pick up rubber bands and bobby pins every time, created by our own hands".
In a few months, the home workshop "MimiAmi" turned into a Ukrainian brand of cute accessories for girls. In the spring 2022 Ksenia was going to expand the assortment of jewelry. It would seem, a large-scale invasion was to destroy these plans. But no. Ukrainians are indomitable. "MimiAmi" jewelry has become a real comfort for mothers, who wanted to spoil the childhood of their daughters.
"On the second day of the large-scale invasion, my family and I left Kyiv. We went to a relatively safe place - to my parents in the Rivne region. From things I took the most necessary. I also picked up materials for needlework. I didn't believe it, that this is a great war. I thought, I'm just going with my child to my parents for a few weeks.But that didn't happen. I had free time, however, there was absolutely no desire to create.It seemed to me, that I will never return to this job".
With tears in his eyes and with the thought of victory
Love for creativity took its toll. In a couple of months, Ksenia got the blue materials-yellow and created the "victorious" blue-yellow hearts.
"This is the most beautiful combination of colors,- the craftswoman rejoices.- I sewed a heart with tears in my eyes and with a thought, that I will wear them to my daughter on the Day of our victory...»
Then there were patriotic hairpins. And later, relatives and friends offered Ksenia to continue creating in general. And although the girl had no ideas at that time, no plans, no inspiration, the desire to make children's childhood happy despite the war gave them strength. And the growing demand for accessories added faith. The case began to revive.
Ksenia Dovbysh participates in charity fairs in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. If possible, collects funds for people's needs, whom he knows personally or when asked by acquaintances. And he has friends-creators, who realized an extraordinary idea and involved the craftswoman in the "Pir'ina" project. Ukraine, huggable".
The "MimiAmi" heart is accompanied by pillows in the shape of Ukraine-nannies, and already their owners can fasten jewelry in prominent and important places for them. 20 the partners deduct a percentage of the profit for the needs of the army. In addition, pillows are donated to charity events, and all withdrawn funds also go to support the Armed Forces.
"MimiAmi" products are my soul. Each product is a whole story. First comes inspiration, an idea appears. Then - creating a sketch and pattern, selection of materials and tailoring,- says Ksenia.- The patriotic series became a bestseller in general. There is so much meaning and love for our native Ukraine in these products!Children love Patron the Dog the most, who will protect everyone. And adults choose the Cotton brooch as a medal for successful hits.".
"My goal is to be needed"
The "MimiAmi" brand is this, above all, about high quality, own style and recognizable "handwriting". All products are unique, made of natural ecological materials. And these things are also practical - almost all accessories are tested with pleasure by Ksenia's inspiration, daughter Amina.
"Since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, life has been different, and there are few visionary plans in it. I can think of some seasonal novelties at most a month ahead, Ksenia admits.- But my goal has not changed since the beginning of my activity: to be needed. I want, so that accessories bring joy to girls and their mothers, therefore, feedback from my young and adult clients is important to me. As long as it exists, "MimiAmi" will exist, to develop and expand the assortment".
Author: Iryna Shatalova
