Odesa project, which helps Romani women, received a wave of support and impetus for development after Rubryka article
Romani craftswomen sew new batches and expand the range thanks to your support.
Petalenca is a bedding brand created by Romani women in Odesa with the help of the Winds of Change Charitable Foundation. Today, the company employs six young Romani mothers and is studying even more at sewing courses initiated by the Foundation.
These are women who don't want to put up with traditional ideas about the role and place of Romani women in society and the family. They want to learn, develop, work honestly and earn for themselves and their families. However, every day, they are forced to face stereotypes in society.
But after Rubryka told about the social enterprise, "Sewing Workshop of Home Textiles Petalenca," about their hopes, successes, and obstacles which arise at a stage of realization of production, women received a big wave of support.
Only 10 days have passed since the article was published, and as project manager Natalia Kukhtin said, Petalenca felt the response almost immediately; first, by the likes of visitors to the brand's Facebook and Instagram pages, then by the growing number of new subscribers and encouraging text messages. Many people supported the social enterprise not only with kind words but also by ordering bedding; this gave impetus to the release of new batches and expanding the range. Almost for the first time since its creation, the home textile sewing workshop "Petalenca" spread its wings and began to work at full capacity.
"We also heard recommendations on content, advertising and even the range that interested our customers. I showed the girls all the wishes and comments. They were very inspired and happy," says Natalia Kukhtin.
This week, the workshop was contacted by a professional coach Hanna Shevchenko, who also wanted to help the Romani business and help it in its further development.
"We were offered 12 free sessions with a coach. After the first we felt great strength and inspiration, motivation for their work, and the desire to move further," says the project manager.
The company was also visited by the local TV station Media Inform. The story of the unusual company will be released the other day, and the Petalenca team has already received an invitation to air.
"Currently, we earn little and have something to pay for the girls' work, but with the approach of the New Year holidays, we need the usual New Year's gifts for our children, it is still very burdensome for us because a Romani family is not one or two children. The capacity of our shop is up to 50 sets per day, we gladly accept all orders, ready to hear our customer and work even harder and more efficiently so that our children can feel a real holiday for the New Year," Natalia Kukhtin added.
Everyone can support the social enterprise Home Textile Sewing Workshop Petalenca and make their contribution to overcoming prejudices and barriers. To do this, write in private on the pages of Petalenca on Facebook or Instagram, order bedroom sets for yourself and your loved ones, offer cooperation or other assistance. And maybe become St. Nicholas for the children of Romani craftswomen.
