Alyona Nikitenko is a craftswoman, a veteran’s wife, and a woman who has known since childhood what it feels like to hold knitting needles and watch, stitch by stitch, as something warm, living, and unique is born.
Knitting has always been by her side—as a comfort, a meditation, a way to “ground” herself, and a silent conversation with her inner self. But one day, Alyona wondered: what if this could become more than just a hobby? What if it became a real business? This thought marked the beginning of her journey to the “Workshop of Opportunities”—an express course where women looking to start their own enterprises learn the fundamentals of business management.
“My greatest fear was the uncertainty: was my idea relevant? Would anyone actually be interested in it?” she admits. This fear is familiar to many of us—that quiet inner voice asking, “What if no one needs this?”
But Alyona showed up anyway. And she stayed. Instead of having her fears confirmed, she found a community of support, invaluable knowledge, and the motivation to move forward. She realized that her craft wasn’t just a relic of the past, but a modern necessity.
Alyona creates knitted apparel for women—cardigans, sweaters, long-sleeves, and gloves. Her pieces are trendy, unique, and made with soul. However, there is another dimension to her work, one she speaks of with particular warmth:
“Knitting is a kind of therapy. It helps you calm down, shift your focus, and give your mind a rest. In our current times, this is especially vital.”
She doesn’t just sell clothing; she shares a tool for recovery. Through her masterclasses and her own example, she demonstrates how the repetitive rhythm of the needles can provide a much-needed sanctuary from the stresses of the outside world.
For many creative spirits, the transition from “maker” to “entrepreneur” is the hardest leap. The program provided Alyona with the bridge she needed. The biggest revelation was learning how to draft a professional business plan. It sounds simple, but this specific skill is what transforms a dream into a strategy, and a strategy into reality.
Beyond the technical skills, the community of fellow participants helped her grasp a fundamental truth: her work is genuinely interesting and useful to people. Sometimes, all we need is an outside perspective to see the true value in what we do every day.
With the program completed, Alyona is armed with a detailed business plan and is ready to take her craft to the next level. She is moving forward step by step, stitch by stitch.
To those who are still hesitating, Alyona offers these words of encouragement: “Find your niche so that your work brings you joy. And most importantly—don’t be afraid; believe in yourself. Doors open for those who knock. It is essential never to give up!”
Alyona is one of the many courageous women who entered the “Workshop of Opportunities” with a dream and left with a concrete plan. Her journey reminds us that traditional crafts have a powerful place in the modern economy, especially when paired with business savvy and a mission of healing. We are proud of her progress and the resilience she embodies.
Funded with support from UK aid from the UK government, implemented by the CO “Convictus Ukraine” with the assistance of the NGO “Girls” within the National PULSE Consortium, coordinated by the “Right to Protection” CF. Support for this project in Ukraine from the UK government is provided through the SHARP component of its Humanitarian Assistance, Recovery, and Protection Programme.