Yana Smaglo, a Ukrainian refugee who fled her war-torn country, has successfully secured an investment on Dragons' Den for her fashion business, Nenya. The company imports luxury clothing made in Ukraine and aims to support the Ukrainian economy and create jobs for refugees in the UK. Smaglo impressed the Dragons with her compelling pitch and her determination to build a successful business.
A Ukrainian refugee who fled her war-torn home country with only a bag of belongings has secured an investment on Dragons' Den after pitching her fashion business . Yana Smaglo sought refuge with friends in Huddersfield and established Nenya , a company that imports luxury clothing manufactured in Ukraine 'with love and bravery'. The 30-year-old appeared on the BBC show on Thursday and struck a deal for £80,000 in funding from Dragons Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett.
Yana brought some of her employees along to support her and showcase the clothes. Ms. Smaglo told the judges: 'Nenya is a distribution company which represents high quality Ukrainian products for an international market. 'Our mission is to help Ukrainian companies to increase sales and support the economy by taxes, and create new workplaces for Ukrainian refugees in the UK.' When investor Bartlett inquired about her motivation, she responded: 'Let's say, when you lose everything that you worked for, your home and everything, and you need to rebuild your life, this is what drives you a lot.' Dragon Peter Jones commended her on making a 'heart-wrenching pitch' that was 'inspiring,' while Meaden added that her products were 'luxury and lovely'. Nenya currently boasts 98 wholesale partners across three continents, products in two department stores, and an annual turnover of £100,000. Some of the five brands she distributes had their origins in Kharkiv but were forced to relocate their manufacturing to the safer western region of the country. In Ukraine, Ms. Smaglo owned her own womenswear brand, and she explained that Nenya translates to 'motherland.' She shared: 'It was my first experience of pitching for investment, and it was quite challenging, especially in English.' She recounted: 'They told me, 'we found your business and we think it's really good, would you consider taking part?''I messaged my chat group and said,' I had this call and they invited me - should I accept it?'. And they all said yes!' She added: 'I had my own business before, I have a strategy, so pitching in front of other businesspeople, it is OK.
Dragons' Den Ukrainian Refugee Fashion Business Nenya Investment Luxury Clothing War In Ukraine UK Economy
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