Sometimes, it’s not our dream itself that we doubt the most, but whether it can actually come true.
A few years ago, Kateryna Vodolazhchenko never imagined that her passion for soap-making would one day become part of her life. Like many women, she wasn’t just looking for a job. She wanted to find something that would bring not only an income but also fulfilment – something where she could be creative, constantly learn and see the results of her own labour.
Her first attempts were far from perfect. Not everything worked out the first time round: she had to tweak the recipes, some batches failed completely, and new knowledge often came from her own mistakes. But it was precisely these mistakes that gradually turned her curiosity into mastery.
“Every new bar of soap brought me joy and further convinced me that I’d found a vocation that truly resonated with me.”
Yet the greatest challenge turned out not to be learning how to make soap. The hardest part was allowing myself to believe that a hobby could become my own business.
Kateryna found this confidence whilst taking part in the “Dream. Create. Achieve” project.
“For me, it wasn’t just support. It was the moment when I felt that my knowledge, my hard work and my dreams really do have value.”
Today, Kateryna creates natural, handmade soap and cosmetics. Behind every product lie carefully selected ingredients, hours of experimentation, constant learning and a love for her craft. And also – the courage not to give up after the first setback.
She is convinced that a business isn’t built in a day. It consists of dozens of small steps, each of which brings her closer to her dream.
“A heartfelt thank you to Convictus Ukraine, my partners and everyone who has supported me on this journey. Thanks to you, a small dream has been given the chance to grow into a business that inspires me every day.”
Today, Kateryna’s desk is covered with soap moulds, natural oils, new recipes and plans for the future. What once began as a simple curiosity has gradually become a venture in which she has found her calling.
Kateryna’s story proves once again that sometimes the biggest changes don’t start with big decisions, but with that first step. And when you have people around you who support and believe in you, taking that step is much easier.
The “Dream. Create. Achieve.” project is implemented by Convictus Ukraine in partnership with and with the support of Norwegian People’s Aid Ukraine, and aims to strengthen the economic empowerment of women in local communities.