From Hobby to Success: Inspiring Stories of Turning Passions into Profitable Businesses

You never know when luck will smile upon you. For our heroines, that moment came when they turned their beloved hobbies into successful businesses. They took the first steps into a new realm, overcoming challenges and believing in themselves. Here are their inspiring stories.

Irina Sazanovich: The Art of Doll Making and Fashion Design

Irina Sazanovich, a doll maker and fashion designer, created her first doll seven years ago. Like many creative mothers, she discovered her passion while on maternity leave. Previously, she had worked for over a decade in forensic medical examination as a medical registrar. One day, while browsing the internet, she stumbled upon an interesting doll image and decided to create a similar doll for her daughters as a protective talisman.

Initially, Irina faced few challenges. She crafted dolls from materials she had at home: fabric scraps, yarn, and polyester filling. She believed that children’s dolls should be made of textile, a natural material used for centuries. What started as a hobby soon turned into a source of income. Her first customers were friends, and later, she began participating in exhibitions and events. That’s when the real challenges emerged.

Seven years ago, it was difficult to get into exhibitions due to limited information and reluctant colleagues. Irina had to pave her own way, which turned out to be invaluable. The initial capital required was minimal—just enough to buy fabric for the dolls’ bodies, acrylic paints, and wool for their hair. The main challenge was the lack of necessary materials in her country, forcing her to order from Russia and Ukraine.

Irina believes that any project can generate income if one truly desires it. The key is to pour your soul into your work, perform it with excellence, and share your emotions with others. People are interested in the creative process, so don’t hesitate to share it. Word-of-mouth plays a significant role, and attention to detail, such as descriptions and packaging, is crucial for success.

Sometimes, our projects may seem unique, but they might only appeal to a select audience. Finding that target audience who appreciates your work and connects with your spirit is essential. Collaborating with like-minded individuals can drive a project forward. Irina’s fashion project, @sazanovich_dress, thrives with a team of photographers, makeup artists, and models, all working towards creating unique photoshoots. Her doll project, @lyalkaby, continuously evolves through collaborations, international exhibitions, and workshops.

Galina Shishkova: The Art of Handmade Accessories

Galina Shishkova, a singer, fashion designer, and accessory designer, has been passionate about crafts and music since childhood. She began designing her concert outfits and accessories to express her individuality. Despite her economic education, her love for crafts persisted. She created headbands, brooches, and bracelets, with her first headband made for a concert. Noticing the trend, she decided to create unique pieces, infusing her creative vision into each design.

Galina’s work has been featured in various competitions, including “Miss Belarus,” where models showcased her headpieces and hairpins. Her creations have also been displayed at the International Diplomatic Exhibition in Astana. She specializes in bead and Swarovski crystal embroidery on caps, hats, and gloves, attracting clients from Belarus, CIS countries, Europe, and beyond. Her social media platforms showcase her work, and she ensures high-quality materials for durability and customer satisfaction.

Galina advises newcomers to the business to avoid bulk material purchases initially, as the meticulous work requires patience. She enjoys embellishing headwear and gloves with beautiful beads, creating intricate patterns, and selecting crystals to match each piece’s color scheme, style, and design. She crafts each item with love, adhering to principles of quality, beauty, and comfort. She only works when in a positive mood, believing that creativity and energy are transmitted to her customers.

Ekaterina Varganova: The Birth of Pernik.by

Ekaterina Varganova, the founder and leader of Pernik.by, entered a new life phase with the arrival of her children. Her priorities shifted, and she realized that a traditional 9-to-5 job would no longer suit her lifestyle. She wanted to spend more time with her family, taking her children to various activities and engaging with them at home.

Many women, during their maternity leave, strive to start a small business that generates a stable income. Ekaterina faced a lack of information initially. She spent her evenings researching tax and legal documents, watching YouTube tutorials, and reading articles on promotion and social media marketing. She wished for a comprehensive resource but found none.

Doubt was another challenge. She questioned her ability to succeed and manage the business. However, she understood the importance of support from her husband, children, friends, and acquaintances. Her husband, seeing her passion and enjoyment, always supported her. Her friends, who shared her wavelength, provided a platform for idea exchange and mutual encouragement.

Ekaterina believes that women’s businesses, often small and handmade, can generate immediate income. She challenges the stereotype that a business must have an office and a dedicated accountant. Flexible alternatives exist, allowing women to work without a traditional office setup.