The It`s Craft Revolving Fund was created to support Ukrainian craft producers and artisans who have an idea, are ready to work on its implementation, and need resources for the next step. The fund’s resources are provided on a repayable interest-free basis for 6 months, and after being returned, they continue to work - to support new participants. The competition is held twice a year and supports both the launch of one’s own business and the scaling of an existing production.

The story of Viktoriia Holovko, last year’s winner of the Revolving Fund, shows how such support can help a small craft business not only implement what was planned, but also withstand difficult conditions.

Viktoriia is an internally displaced person from Kharkiv who moved to Vinnytsia region. She is the founder of the sewing and embroidery workshop MRIA.VR, where she creates modern clothing with embroidery and embroidered shirts.

 

A Business That Began with a Dream

For Viktoriia, sewing and embroidery is not a random direction, but a long-standing dream. She has always loved embroidery, clothing, and the very process of creating things that combine beauty, comfort, and Ukrainian tradition.

The philosophy of her brand sounds simple and, at the same time, very precise: “the luxury of everyday life.”

Modern life is fast-paced, and women often have many responsibilities. That is why they choose comfortable clothing. Viktoriia’s goal is to make this clothing not only practical, but also refined, beautiful, and special through decoration with embroidery elements.

Her workshop works with the idea that embroidery can be not only festive or ceremonial. It can be part of an everyday wardrobe - modern, comfortable, and at the same time meaningful.

 

Why Viktoriia Applied for the Competition

Last year, Viktoriia decided to apply for the It`s Craft Revolving Fund competition because she wanted to create a separate collection and expand the brand’s target audience.

Her request was clear and practical: to receive support for purchasing fabric from which a new line of products could be made.

This is exactly the case when the development of a small craft business needs not an abstract resource, but a specific material that immediately turns into a product. In the case of MRIA.VR, this resource was linen in different colors - the basis for a new collection of modern embroidered shirts.

 

What Was Achieved During the Year

During the year after her victory, Viktoriia managed to implement what she had planned. Thanks to the support of the fund, the workshop purchased fabric and developed a collection of embroidered shirts.

This significantly expanded the MRIA.VR product line and made it possible to create modern items that combine natural materials, a comfortable cut, and embroidery.

For a small production, such support has special significance. It gives the opportunity not to postpone an idea “for later,” but to implement it when there is demand, inspiration, and readiness to work. In Viktoriia’s case, this became an impetus for creating a separate collection and strengthening the brand.

 

Challenges That Had to Be Overcome

The year after the victory was not only a year of development, but also a year of serious trials. The most difficult period for Viktoriia was the long-term power outages from October 2025 to February 2026.

At that time, the workshop was located in a village. Heating was wood-fired, but without electricity the pumps did not work, which complicated both work and living conditions. For sewing and embroidery production, electricity is critically important: without it, it is impossible to work steadily with equipment, fulfill orders, and plan the production process.

That winter became very difficult for the business. But Viktoriia adapted: she has now moved to Vinnytsia and is also relocating the workshop there.

This is an important example of the fact that small business development is not only about plans and visible results. It is also about the ability to make decisions, respond to circumstances, and not stop even when conditions change.

 

Why This Story Is Important for Future Participants

Viktoriia’s experience shows that the Revolving Fund can become an effective tool for those who already have a business, understand their product, and want to move to a new level.

In her case, the support helped solve a specific production task: to purchase fabric, create a collection, expand the product line, and strengthen the brand’s positioning.

At the same time, this story shows that after winning, the work is only beginning. It is necessary to plan, produce, adapt, respond to risks, and not lose focus on one’s own idea.

 

Advice from Viktoriia

To those who are just starting their path in business or dream of creating their own business, Viktoriia advises doing only what they truly like and what inspires them.

This is a simple but important thought. In a craft business, it is impossible to hold on for long through calculations alone. It requires internal motivation, love for one’s work, and readiness to invest effort in it every day.

Viktoriia speaks about cooperation with the Revolving Fund with great gratitude:

“This is a great thing that the fund is doing, because it truly helps small craft businesses.”

The story of MRIA.VR is an example of how support provided at the right moment helps a craftswoman implement an idea, expand production, and continue working even in difficult times.

For those who are thinking about participating in the next competitions of the Revolving Fund, this story may become an answer to the main question: is it worth applying?

It is worth it. If there is an idea, a clear need, and readiness to act - such an opportunity can become a real impetus for development.