e-Directory of Ukrainian Women Success Stories ARTISTIC CRAFTS & BEAUTY
Felted Stories from Cyprus Earth, Cyprus
Background
Ukrainian woman is a Ukrainian felt artist and designer who has turned the ancient craft of felting into a modern art form. Originally trained as a operating room nurse, she moved from Ukraine to Cyprus around 20 years ago, where she built her home and studio in a small village surrounded by hills and olive trees. It was there that she discovered felt – first as a therapeutic, tactile material and later as a medium for artistic expression.
Fascinated by the balance of softness and structure that wool offers, Ukrainian woman began exploring how felt could become not only wearable but durable. Around 2010, she devoted herself fully to mastering the technique, and by 2014 she was already leading her first international workshops at Atelier Fiberfusing. Her passion for continuous learning led her to complete a design degree in 2022, refining her aesthetic and technical approach.
Through her public social media presence Ukrainian woman shares more than finished artworks – she opens windows into her creative process. Her posts reveal her philosophy: patience, precision, and emotional connection between maker and material. She often writes about finding beauty in detail, encouraging students to treat felting as both craftsmanship and meditation.
The Business Journey
Ukrainian woman founded FeltLab by Natalya, a studio and brand that unites handmade production, teaching, and cultural exchange. From her Cyprus studio, she creates elegant felted outerwear, footwear, and bags that combine Ukrainian folk sensibility with contemporary European design. Over time, she developed her own method that merges traditional felting with shoemaking techniques learned from her father-in-law. Her signature felted shoes are notable for their refined form, comfort, and durability – qualities that have made them popular among artisans and clients internationally.
As her following grew, Ukrainian woman began teaching others how to achieve the same craftsmanship. She established FeltLab Online School, where learners can access recorded tutorials and personalized guidance on everything from wool selection to finishing details.
Complementing her digital teaching, she launched the Aphrodite Felting Retreat in Cyprus – an immersive program where participants learn the art of felting in a setting that blends creativity, nature, and community. Students come from across Europe and beyond, attracted not only by her technical mastery but also by the atmosphere of warmth and encouragement that characterizes her workshops.
Through this combination of studio practice, digital education, and international retreats, Ukrainian woman has turned a personal passion into a thriving creative business that promotes sustainability, craftsmanship, and connection through art.
Achievements and Impact
– Hosted popular retreats and classes (e.g. “Aphrodite’s Felt Retreat”) attracting international participants.
– Taught dozens of students, many of whom gained confidence and creative income.
– Offers bespoke felting design (shoes, bags, cloths), combining functionality and beauty.
– Contributes to cultural exchange by integrating Ukrainian felting traditions into a Cypriot creative context.
– Known internationally as a master felter with teaching engagements beyond Cyprus.
Media Sources of the Story
Publicly available online sources:
– Personal website
– Public Facebook page
– Public Instagram account
Self-reflection questions
Now let’s reflect on the story. Read the following questions and try answering it.
- Which elements of Ukrainian woman’s journey – creative pivot, community teaching, cultural fusion – are most inspiring to you?
- What common challenges for migrant women entrepreneurs are visible here and how were they addressed?
- If you were starting a craft-based studio, how might you build visibility and support networks like Ukrainian woman did?
- Which of Ukrainian woman’s strategies (e.g. retreats, custom workshops) could be a practical model for others?
- What skills – technical, artistic, entrepreneurial – were critical in Ukrainian woman’s success?
Self-check questions
Read each of the 5 questions carefully and select the best answer from the options provided.