The It`s Craft Revolving Fund was created to support Ukrainian craft producers and artisans at moments when they need an impetus for development. This is not just financial assistance. It is an opportunity to test their idea, structure a business plan, take the next step - and, after successful implementation, return the funds so that they can help the next participants.

One of the winners of this year’s competition was Maryna Deikun from Kropyvnytskyi District - founder of the “Lavender Veranda” brand.

Maryna grows essential-oil and medicinal plants and creates natural products based on them. Her brand combines environmental friendliness, aesthetics and care for health. For her, it is not only a business, but a matter in which every stage is important: from the plant in the field to the finished product in the customer’s hands.

“My business is not only about production, but about care, naturalness and connection with nature,” Maryna says.

 

How a Hobby Became Her Own Business

Maryna has been working in the field of growing medicinal and essential-oil plants since 2023. It all began with a passion for plants and a desire to create something natural and useful. Over time, this grew into her own business, which provides not only income but also a sense of meaning.

Today, “Lavender Veranda” is an officially registered trademark developing around the idea of naturalness, quality and handmade work. Maryna herself controls the product creation process, so it is important to her that every item be thoughtful, effective and created with care.

The lavender blooming season holds a special place in her work. That is when people come, take interest in the products, return again and discover the value of local natural production.

 

The Idea That Received Support

Maryna’s project received support from the Revolving Fund in the area of scaling. Her goal is to purchase more materials for creating craft natural products: soaps, shampoos, hydrolats and other products.

This will make it possible to increase production volumes, expand the assortment and offer customers more quality products.

For Maryna, this support came at a very timely moment. Spring is a period of renewal, active demand and preparation for the season. Right now, the brand is ready to expand its line and launch new product batches.

“This support for me is not just financial assistance, but a real opportunity to take the next step in developing my own business,” Maryna says.

 

What Participation in the Competition Gives

For many entrepreneurs, applying to a competition seems complicated or even a little intimidating. But Maryna’s experience shows: preparing the application itself is already a useful stage for the business.

During the application process, she was able to structure her ideas, clearly formulate her goals, calculate the project’s development and look at her business strategically.

This is an important result for everyone who plans to apply in the future. The Revolving Fund is not only a chance to receive support. It is also an opportunity to better understand one’s own business: what is already working, where to move next, what resources are needed and how to turn an idea into a concrete action plan.

 

Developing Even in Difficult Times

Maryna does not hide it: developing a business during the war is not easy. But her main motivator is the desire to move forward and be useful to people.

She sees that her work has results: people come, take interest in the lavender, buy products and return again. This is what gives her the strength not to stop.

The “Lavender Veranda” project is important not only for the founder herself. Maryna hopes that her experience will become an example of small business development in the community, create additional opportunities and popularize natural Ukrainian products.

 

First Steps After the Victory

After receiving the support, Maryna immediately moved to action. She devoted the first day to planning, defining priorities and forming a list of the necessary materials and ingredients.

After that, she began placing orders in order to launch production of new product batches as quickly as possible. In parallel, she considered updating the assortment and preparing for the season.

It was important for her not to lose time, but to make sure that the support started working toward results from the very first days.

In half a year, Maryna sees her project as more scaled: with expanded production, new products and stable sales.

 

Advice for Future Participants

Maryna Deikun’s story is an example of how a local business can grow when there is a clear vision, love for one’s work and readiness to act.

Her advice to those who hesitated to apply this time is simple:

“Do not be afraid to apply. Even if there are doubts - it is an opportunity to structure your ideas and get a chance for development. The most important thing is to act.”

The It`s Craft Revolving Fund is exactly for such entrepreneurs: those who create their own product, work with natural materials, develop local production and are ready to take the next step.

The story of “Lavender Veranda” shows: support works when behind an idea there is real work, responsibility and a desire to develop Ukrainian craft.