A family from Mykolaiv, who moved to Lviv region due to the war, created a nut processing business

The family of Inessa and Taras Petukhov, who moved to the Lviv region due to the war, created a nut processing business. Photo: Women's Perspectives Center

The family of Inessa and Taras Petukhov from Mykolaiv moved to the Lviv region due to the war in 2022. There they created a walnut processing business, combining their own hobby with entrepreneurial activity.

The Women's Perspectives Center told about family history as part of the «I Can» course.

«We came from Mykolaiv to Lviv and for about a year we just lived, adapted, and somehow searched for ourselves. I had a crisis: I'm 45+, have three children, and I didn't know what to do,» the entrepreneur recalls.

According to Inessa, during her studies, she came up with the idea of creating a business based on her husband's hobby, namely, processing walnuts.

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«On the fourth day, I had an idea. I returned home and told my husband: we will turn your hobby into a business,» she said.

The first step was to participate in the Lviv fair. Over the course of 10 days, the family created a brand, developed labels, packaging, and prepared products.

«We were very afraid that something would come of it. But in two days we sold almost everything. That was the moment when we realized: we have a chance,» recalls Inessa Petukhova.

The production is located in Chyshky. The products are sold through social networks, fairs, and they are also working to attract corporate clients. The family focuses on the social component, in particular, raw materials are purchased from local residents. In addition, people from vulnerable categories are involved in the work.

«I'm not sure that they would take on this in Mykolaiv, but here some resources have risen so high that we have no option not to do it. The main thing is that you like it. And that you believe in yourself. A year ago I was afraid to even speak, but now I represent our business on big stages. Don't be afraid to start if you have an inspiring idea,» the entrepreneur is convinced.

Let us remind you that in Bereznehuvate, Mykolaiv region, a local resident, whose house was damaged by enemy shelling, decided to open her own business and creates bouquets and souvenirs from soap.