Ruslana Scherbina has made the dream of many children come true - she opened her own factory of soft toys production. The girl dreamt about it since early years but the idea seemed to be unchallenged. However, as the life showed – any dreams can come true.
“I always tend to have freedom to control what I do and be in charge what I do. I want to work for myself and do what I like”, Ruslana Shcherbina said.
Ruslana grew with three brothers and sisters. The upbringing was held by her mother who worked in the kindergarten. In spite of the fact that there were no money, she had a lot of soft toys in the young age. At that time she got an idea to set up her own business.
“There was a wish to work in law enforcement, that is why she entered the faculty of law. But now I am glad that I have changed my mind and chose entrepreneurship”, the girl remembers.
While studying at the university, Ruslana opened a men's clothing store through franchising. But the idea of a toy factory was still a dream. Before the quarantine, the clothing store had to be closed. And then the girl returned to her dream.
“The key issue that I had is the financial resource to open the factory. I understood that I did not have those needs to set up the business that is why I started to search for additional resources for financing. I had an education of UNDP program and I saw that the grant program “Ukrainian Donetsk kurkul” started, Ruslana admits.
She wrote a business plan and risked to try fortune in grant program. Her idea got a support and the girl started to launch the factory at once.
The first time Ruslana says that it was really hard. There was some fear that the production had to be closed. But, fortunately, media hype started to bring its benefits. Soft toys of Mariupol production started to be highly sought in the national market. Today over 60% of customers are from different cities of Ukraine. They make orders online. She also cooperates with retail chain that agreed to purchase the goods.
The special attention is paid to the quality. Every toy is unique. The united team consisted of 6 people who are working upon the production.
“A team work is really important. Every employee adds its peculiarity. Due to it, our toys come to life and make children and adults happy”, the entrepreneur admits.
During the quarantine period, the production of masks was established. This allowed the company to go through a difficult period successfully. Now a line of children's clothing is being prepared for release. Own website will be launched soon.
According to Ruslana, there is a good support of entrepreneurship of the city. The positive moment became the opening of the Center of small and medium business.
“Many people always complain about the circumstances but if there is a wish, you can reach everything. I have special questions and I addressed the Center of small and medium business. I was offered necessary information for free. That is why the opportunities exist in the city,” Ruslana stressed.
Mariupol residents who want to set up their own business, Ruslana advises not to be afraid to risk but to have “financial cushion”. Besides, you do not need to address the centers of support of business to get advice and not to lose opportunities.
