Lady Di Atelier is the first inclusive atelier in Ukraine, co-founded by Iryna Liakhovenko, a graduate of Lviv Polytechnic. Thanks to the social platform, people with disabilities can work and make their dreams come true. Read more about the successful entrepreneurial experience of the graduate in our interview.
– How did you come up with the idea to create an inclusive Lady di Atelier?
– My colleague Yaryna Yanchak came up with the idea of creating Lady Di Atelier. We really wanted to open a social enterprise, the purpose of which will be to create jobs for people with disabilities, as well as for parents who care for such children. Our activity began with cooperation with talented women who embroidered with beads. Based on this embroidery, the first collection of Lady Di Atelier dresses was created. We demonstrated them at a show in the Sheptytsky Center. Later we started working and doing art therapy with children with Down syndrome. During the first year of the Atelier activity, samples of designer scarves were created based on their paintings.
– What has Lady Di Atelier managed to achieve during its existence? What team achievements are you most proud of?
– I am proud that in three years of the brand’s activity we managed to join forces and build a strong team. Our organization has become profitable. Lady Di Atelier’s activities do not depend on grants or any assistance. Our main achievement is a qualified and friendly team.
– What projects is the inclusive Atelier team working on?
– Our main goal is to increase the number of employees. It is very cool to give priority to people with disabilities in employment. We are currently working to enable more children to print fabrics here. This will help them realize their talents. Each child receives a fee from the sale of works. Lady Di Atelier is also constantly working to increase sales on various platforms and improve product quality. In particular, in 2022 our headscarves will be sewn from high quality natural silk.
