We had the good fortune of connecting with Daria Shevhenko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daria, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Well, I have been working in the fashion industry since I remember myself. While traveling for modeling contracts to Beijing, Bangkok, Paris, Istanbul, New Delhi, New York and other exiting places – I was able to collect the knowledge and expertise in the fashion industry. Today I live and work in New York City, and that is exactly where I was when Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. I am Ukrainian myself, born and raised in the beauty and vitality of Ukrainian nature, nurtured by the culture of kind, inventive, inspirational Ukrainians, my heart was slowly breaking into peaces here, not knowing how can I make an impact. But decision didn’t take long. I strongly believe, that by bringing business to Ukraine, the world can be helping Ukraine already today. Ukrainian fashion designers are known in the world for their authenticity and a couture quality of products. I knew I have to be there for those talented people and support them with tools, that are already on my table – fashion network. Here in New York I started a B2B company, that represents Ukrainian fashion designers in US and North American region in wholesale business. These businesses should exist and make it through these challenging times, coming out even stronger and flourishing. And that is exactly what we are working on currently.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Having a purpose is what differentiates any successful business. For me there is no doubt – I want to help as many people as I can. Talented people, that are being trapped into the circumstances brought into their lives by surprise. As we went through some statistics with fashion brands represented by “The House Of Ukraine” – we found out, that over 90% of people producing our products are women. This fact just encouraged me all at once even more. Boosting employment of Ukrainian women, providing them with a certainty and financial security is a priceless achievements. Not to get into all the war distress, but while Ukrainian men are being sent to a battlefield, these are the women, that are left to take care of their children. Supporting women, we create a safer environment for kids. In exchange our costumers receive a product they are looking for. We are talking about established brands, that are regularly being represented and sold in European and US markets, brands, that have been taking a part in Paris fashion week for years and styles that are being worn by the top valued celebrities and political figures such as Beyonce, Paris Hilton, first lady of Ukraine, brands that have been featured in all the most respected fashion publications such as Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire etc. Sounds like a very much mutually beneficial faire trade, which is why we are very confident in the success of the business.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank my friends who’ve been strongly supportive in this journey. I thank them for all the brainstorming sessions we shared, valuable introductions and endless encouragement and love.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daria_s_/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.