Iryna Bilous — founder of the women’s clothing brand LUJO — has over nine years of experience in clothing production and sales. Before the full-scale war, the entrepreneur ran a joint business in Ukraine, but due to moving abroad she was forced to leave the partnership. Upon returning home, she decided to start her own business, building a full production cycle — from idea to finished product. As a result, a modern Ukrainian women’s clothing brand in the upper mid-price segment — LUJO — was born.
The main idea of the brand is a combination of elegance, simplicity, and comfort. The assortment includes suits, skirts, shirts, and basic knitwear — clothing for everyday wear, work, leisure, or business meetings. All models are created in collaboration with a professional designer, and only high-quality fabrics and materials are used in production.
Grant funds in the amount of 500,000 UAH were allocated for the purchase of professional sewing equipment — an overlock machine, a heat press, sewing machines — and partly for fabrics and accessories. This made it possible to establish full-scale in-house production, reduce product costs, and ensure consistently high quality. As a result, new jobs were created, and the entrepreneur gained the opportunity to scale the business both in the domestic market and beyond.
“For me, this grant was an opportunity to turn a dream into a real business. I want Ukrainian women to have access to high-quality, comfortable, and stylish clothing made here in Ukraine. I believe that every piece from LUJO collections will help women feel confident and inspired in everyday life,” Iryna shares.
Information about the brand — Instagram: @lujo.ua
You can learn more about the “Own Business” program at the link: https://dcz.gov.ua/people/micro
Submit an application here: https://diia.gov.ua/services/grant-na-vlasnu-spravu
If you have questions about receiving a microgrant, please contact the hotline of the Kharkiv Regional Employment Center, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:00, at tel.: 0800 219 729.
With support Kharkiv Regional Employment Service
