Today we’d like to introduce you to Ulia Kordiukova.
Ulia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always had a passion for remaking things. Old wardrobe and unnecessary clothes were the best inspiration for me. I started my brand 4 years ago in Ukraine. For my first collection, I remade couple old leather jackets that I had found at the vintage store into one of a kind clutches and presented them at the Fashion market in Kiev.
Right after that, I realized that upcycling is exactly what I want to do all my life. I started getting messages from different stores in Ukraine to represent my brand there and now you can find upcycled bags and backpacks in more than 15 stores across the country.
After 6 months, I had to hire someone to help me to make products and that was a very exciting moment for me. I was very enthusiastic about moving to the States because I knew that people here are very into sustainable fashion. My first markets (underground art market, Dose, Randolph market) were very successful and I liked people’s reaction to what I am working on. Hard work, passion and belief in my idea: this is exactly what helped me to get to where I am right now.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe that when you truly love what you do, you have all the necessary strength to deal with any kind of difficulties. It took me some efforts to overcome my fear and to quit a job that I was doing that time and completely devote my time to what I love to do. But right after I made my decision, things went really smoothly to my surprise. I was always meeting the right people at the right place and got huge support from customers. I think a lot depends on your personality. I like challenges, change, fast-paced environment and that’s why I don’t struggle with any difficulties in managing my brand. The most important thing is that you simply need to do it, take actions despite all doubts and fears.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about UliUlia – what should we know?
UliUlia is a fashion brand that specializes in remaking old unnecessary clothes into new, one-of-a-kind products.
We make bags, backpacks, fanny packs and clothes. We work with different materials, but the favorite ones are denim, leather, and cotton. I am really proud that the main goals of UliUlia band are to reduce fashion waste and influence people to think about their consuming habits.
During the last 4 years, we have saved thousands of leather jackets from going to the landfills.
We don’t make mass-market products in quantity but we offer customer one-of-a-kind product with the story behind. And, I think it is priceless.
Right now, I am shifting my focus to “Upcycled service” when costumers can send us their old clothes to remake into a new product. A stuffed huge wardrobe is a problem of so many of us and not everyone knows how to get rid of it without doing harm to the environment. So, for the nearest future, I want to focus more on this service.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
If you really want to be successful, you have to have the determination to work harder than most and make sure things are done. Take responsibilities and use creativity when facing the challenge. Stay focused on your goals and be consistent. Make sure you make little steps even when you feel down.
Pricing:
- backpacks $50-$198
Contact Info:
- Address: 2321 W Chicago
- Website: https://uliulia.com
- Phone: 312-843-8427
- Email: uliulia.com@gmailcom
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uliulia.store/?hl=ru
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UliUlia-1476040309329875/?ref=bookmarks
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