“Adversity builds character: and if it didn’t work out this way, we’ll try something different” - Oleksandr’s Story of Growing a Furniture Workshop in Kharkiv Oblast
Building a business in the midst of constant danger is no easy task. The town of Derhachi in Kharkiv Oblast lies close to the border, where shelling remains part of everyday life.
Oleksandr is one of those who, despite the challenges, continues to work and invest in his community.
After serving on the frontline, he returned to his hometown of Derhachi in 2023.
"I needed something to do. Because of my physical condition, I couldn't return to my previous job, so I decided to try starting my own business," he says.
Before the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr worked in the public sector. Furniture making was simply a hobby that he pursued in his spare time. His first piece was a metal shelving unit with wooden shelves, which he built at his daughter's request. That project sparked the idea of creating loft-style furniture.
Gradually, his hobby turned into a business. Today, Oleksandr produces coffee tables, computer desks, bedside cabinets, shelving units and other furniture, while also taking on custom-made orders. He sells most of his products through online marketplaces, allowing him to reach customers across Ukraine.
"I enjoy every part of the process - from the initial design to the finished product. I love working with my hands. To be honest, I enjoy absolutely everything about it," Oleksandr says with a smile.
At first, he relied entirely on tools that he had purchased over the years with his own savings. As the business grew, however, he realised that expanding further would require more advanced equipment.
That was when Oleksandr's wife learned about RISE – Resilient Initiatives for Self-Employment, a grant programme implemented by the Estonian Refugee Council to support people starting or expanding small businesses. Together, they submitted an application and, after successfully completing the selection process, received a USD 5,000 grant in February 2026. With this support, Oleksandr purchased a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine.
The new equipment has improved the efficiency of his production. The machine processes wood, manufactures complex components, creates decorative elements and enables him to complete more tasks without additional time or production costs.
"The machine is incredibly versatile. It allows me to do everything I need when working with wood. Most importantly, it has significantly reduced my production costs," Oleksandr explains.
Although the war has reduced the number of orders, the new equipment has already made a noticeable difference. By lowering production costs, it has increased the profitability of his business by around 30%.
Beyond the financial support, Oleksandr also speaks highly of the mentoring programme offered through RISE.
"I was essentially starting from scratch and knew very little. During the training, I discovered things I hadn't even realised I needed to know. It was an enormous help," he says.
Because of the shortage of skilled workers in the area, Oleksandr has been unable to find an employee for his workshop for several months, even though creating new jobs is one of his main ambitions.
"I'd like to grow this into a small company, develop my own furniture line and eventually open a furniture shop where people can see the products in person, not just online," he says.
For now, he reinvests almost all of his profits back into the business – purchasing new tools, improving his rented workshop and developing new products. Among his plans are multifunctional furniture for small living spaces and partnerships with furniture retailers and other businesses.
Oleksandr has no plans to leave his hometown. He believes that growth is possible even under the most difficult circumstances.
"Challenges make you stronger. If one way doesn't work, we'll find another. Life pushes you to keep moving forward instead of standing still," he says.
The RISE – Resilient Initiatives for Self-Employment programme is funded by the United States Government and implemented as part of the Ukraine Response Consortium in partnership with Acted.