Inna Skarzhynska and her daughter Victoria founded the herbal cosmetics brand VESNA in 2015. It all started with the desire to create natural ecological cosmetics for herself. But over time, the hobby grew into a full-fledged business, which currently employs 10 people.
«The notable feature of our production is cyclicality. I myself control all the processes — from the collection of plants to the packaging of the product and the right selection of care. We don't just sell cosmetics. We guarantee to provide our customers with high-quality skin and hair care, so that a person feels healthy and beautiful»
The last year before the full-scale war was successful for the brand. VESNA launched the franchise, enter the Ukrainian biggest marketplaces MAKEUP and Rozetka, had three branded stores and more than 50 partner points, started the process of distributing cosmetics in beauty salons and hotel complexes. The brand's line with prebiotics was included in the top 30 best business ideas of 2020. International activity was also gaining momentum — the brand's products became available on the international marketplace Etsy.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has become a hard obstacle for VESNA business. In Bucha, the family had a branded eco store with cosmetics and healthy food products, and a separate laboratory with an office. On March 2, Inna allowed the territorial defense of the city to enter her grocery store and distribute everything to people in the bomb shelters of the kindergarten and gymnasium, which were next to the store. The next day, the Russians entered the store and plundered it. They vandalized the office and laboratory — stole furniture, office equipment, microscopes and other equipment.
However, the founders of the brand continue to do their own thing.
«Recently, we moved to new premises in Lviv and started manufacturing almost all the items that were made before the full-scale war. We also began to cooperate with a cosmetic stores chain in Lviv and with a chain of pharmacies in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Little by little we are rebuilding the team. We should not be discouraged and stop. We continue to work for Ukrainians»
