The sky’s the limit for two crafty friends who fled war-torn Ukraine and are using their creative talents to set up a new enterprise on a Dumfriesshire high street.
Professional designer Albina Solovei and Maryna Muzychenko – who was a lawyer in her homeland – are opening their Craft Space UK workshop and studio in Dumfries on part of the first floor of the transformed Midsteeple Quarter community-owned building.
The pair, who have lived in Dumfries for two years with their children, have in common that their husbands remain in Ukraine as the country battles the Russian invasion and that they both enjoyed crafting and creating as a hobbies.
Maryna said: “It’s been difficult for us to find the right job here because of the language barrier, and we had both been thinking about what to do.
“We both have these hobbies, so we organised a workshop for people to share what we have learned. We found it really exciting so decided to try and find a space of our own to give people and opportunity to learn something new.
“It gives us space to do our own work as well because working at home can be difficult.”
The idea for their business, on 111 High Street, came about after they got their heads together over a cup of coffee and Albina added: “We’re Ukrainians. We never give up.”
Now they are putting the finshing touches into their studio so that it can open to the public shortly and are looking forward to sharing their crafting skills with anyone interested in learning more.
They will also be running candle-making and other creative workshops.
And shoppers will be able to pop in to buy their own hand-crafted epoxy resin jewellery and home decor.
The pair have also been testing the water by holding candle-making workshops in the town – including a recent one at the Oasis Youth Centre on Newall Terrace – which have already been enjoyed by attendees, including some from the region’s Ukrainian community.
Their venture, Craft Space UK, can also be found on Instagram and Facebook.
Jakob Kaye, enterprise manager at Midsteeple Quarter – which works to bring empty and disused buildings back to life – is delighted for the tenancious women and said: “Our affordable community-owned spaces create real opportunities for fledgling enterprises to have a home on the High Street.
“It’s especially pleasing when we can help people to build new lives in our community, which is renowned for its welcoming spirit and support. We cannot wait to see how Craft Space UK develops.”
Already on the ground floor of 111 High Street is the popular gift shop, Flourish, which showcases a broad range of work from Dumfries and Galloway artists and makers, and beyond.