e-Directory of Ukrainian Women Success Stories ARTISTIC CRAFTS & BEAUTY
Creating Work and Stability in Exile, Lithuania
Background
Two Ukrainian women, related by family ties, originally from Mariupol, Ukraine. Both young mothers with two small children each, they fled their homes in March 2022 when war engulfed their city. For three weeks they lived without heating, electricity, or water, sleeping in winter coats in freezing apartments. When a humanitarian corridor was opened, they gathered only the warmest clothes and escaped – thinking they would return home in two or three months.
Their journey to Lithuania lasted several days and involved significant risk. Cars leaving Mariupol were often shelled, and Russian checkpoints created constant fear. Ultimately, they reached safety in Lukšiai, Lithuania, where local families gave shelter to nine displaced people – five adults and four children.
The Business Journey
At first, the two women tried to find regular jobs. One of them briefly worked in a local dairy plant, but when it shut down, both women struggled again. Although they completed professional training in cosmetology in Kaunas and received diplomas, finding salon jobs was nearly impossible: language barriers, lack of experience in Lithuania, and employers’ preference for established “VIP masters” left them discouraged.
Rather than giving up, they decided to create opportunities for themselves. Encouraged by other Ukrainian and Belarusian women working in beauty services, they rented space in the Beauty Studio in Šakiai. With effort and persistence, they furnished and equipped their small salon, complied with hygiene requirements, and finally opened their doors in spring 2023.
Today, they offer manicure, pedicure, and gel nail services. Their clientele includes both local residents and women returning from abroad for holidays. Work is steady, though challenges remain – such as securing stable housing in Šakiai, where landlords often refuse to rent to foreigners or families with children.
Achievements and Impact
Entrepreneurship: Turned unemployment into opportunity by opening their own beauty studio.
– Community Contribution: Provide affordable and professional beauty services to local women.
– Resilience: Serve as role models for other refugee women, proving that self-employment is a path to dignity and independence.
– Family Stability: Their initiative supports their families while giving them a sense of belonging in Lithuania.
Although their long-term future remains uncertain and returning to Mariupol is not currently possible, they have succeeded in building stability in exile and continue adapting to their new environment.
Media Sources of the Story
Based on publicly available media reporting:
– Regional Lithuanian media
– Social media coverage of refugee entrepreneurship initiatives
Self-reflection questions
Now let’s reflect on the story. Read the following questions and try answering it.
- What part of their journey touched you most?
- How did opening their own salon show resilience?
- What difficulties did they face starting a new life in Lithuania?
- How does their beauty work support both them and the community?
- If you were in their place, what skills would you use to build stability?
Self-check questions
Read each of the 5 questions carefully and select the best answer from the options provided.