Workshop "How to turn a hobby into your own business" was held at the temporary accommodation facility for internally displaced persons "PrykhystOK" (Uzhhorod) as part of the project "Improving the Protection of Children in Emergencies in Ukraine by Providing Safe Shelters, Food and Non-Food Items, and Psychosocial Support".

The event brought together residents and former residents of the Uzhhorod shelter, as well as their family members who are currently staying in Zakarpattia due to the war. Coach Yuliya Dub, a volunteer, activist, founder of the "Cactus Bro" brand, and the "Lis" art space in Uzhhorod, spoke about her own experience of turning self-employment into a business and its subsequent scaling.

"I will not discuss the currently popular topic of "successful success" because it does not work that way. No one can guarantee that your dream of starting your own business will come true immediately, but you need to know the necessary steps that will bring this dream closer to reality. First of all, I am talking about the fact that you need to calculate your plan, not be afraid and not avoid these calculations, because they will show you the prospects, point out gaps or shortcomings in planning, and help you avoid disappointment in your own abilities. Don’t be afraid to dream, don’t be afraid to act, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This will definitely help you take the first and subsequent steps", Yuliya Dub emphasized to those present.

From her own experience, the trainer shared how her desire to fill her maternity leave with meaningful activities led her to organize a community of like-minded women, establish cooperation with local authorities, reach a wider audience through fairs, and form an initial vision for the future scaling of her hobby. Yuliya talked about the first mistakes and miscalculations she learned from, how she came to the right decisions, and the new opportunities for learning and starting her own business that are currently provided by the state and numerous grant programs. Such programs often focus on women and women’s organizations, which is particularly relevant for the shelter in Uzhhorod, where women and children live.

Visitors to the event expressed their gratitude for its informative content, for the answers to their questions, and for the inspiration, because a person who lives for his/her work truly radiates positive energy. This meeting will definitely have a sequel, as there are already ideas that require further consultation. We believe that the workshop will motivate participants to make decisions that will improve their quality of life in the future.

The project "Improving the Protection of Children in Emergencies in Ukraine by Providing Safe Shelters, Food and Non-Food Items, and Psychosocial Support" is being implemented by the Charitable Organization "Charity Fund "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya" with the support of "terre des hommes Deutschland e.V." and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office.