Friends who have started a new life in Dumfries after being forced to flee war-torn Ukraine are unveiling a new High Street enterprise.
Maryna Muzychenko and Albina Solovei have combined their creative talents to launch Craft Space UK.
They are opening their workshop and studio on part of the first floor of Midsteeple Quarter-owned 111 High Street.
The women, who set up home in Dumfries with their children while their husbands remained in Ukraine, have lived in the town for the past two years.
Maryna, who was a lawyer in her homeland, and Albina, a professional designer, both enjoyed crafting and creating as a hobbies.
They are now sharing their skills with anyone interested in learning more, running candle-making and other creative workshops, as well as selling their own hand-crafted epoxy resin, jewellery and home decor.
The idea to work in partnership came as the new entrepreneurs chatted over coffee.
Maryna said: “It’s been difficult for us to find the right job here because of the language barrier, and we had both been thinking about what to do.
“We both have these hobbies, so we organised a workshop for people to share what we have learned. We found it really exciting so decided to try and find a space of our own to give people and opportunity to learn something new.
“It gives us space to do our own work as well because working at home can be difficult.”
The pair are busy putting the finishing touches to their studio – which looks out on to the High Street – and hope to begin welcoming people there shortly.
The candle-making workshops they have been involved with so far – including a recent one at the Oasis Youth Centre on Newall Terrace – have been enjoyed by a wide-range of people, including those from the local Ukrainian community.
On the work they are putting into setting up the venture and finding work to enjoy, Albina added: “We’re Ukrainians. We never give up.”
Jakob Kaye, enterprise manager at Midsteeple Quarter, is working with Maryna and Albina.
He said: “Our affordable community-owned spaces create real opportunities for fledgling enterprises to have a home on the High Street. It’s especially pleasing when we can help people to build new lives in our community, which is renowned for its welcoming spirit and support.
“We cannot wait to see how Craft Space UK develops.”
Popular gift shop Flourish – which showcases a broad range of work from artists and makers, many from Dumfries and Galloway – is on the ground floor of 111 High Street.
