Family opens Birmingham business one year after fleeing war-torn Ukraine
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Just one year after fleeing Ukraine, a family reopened a chapter of their lives that was once stripped away by the war.
"It was a hard way actually, we arrived to Birmingham one year ago, escaping from the war in Ukraine," said Olena Vyshyvanyuk.
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Making this escape meant the Vyshyvanyuk family had to leave their bridal boutique behind and seek shelter in Poland.
From there, they traveled to the United States through the Uniting for Ukraine program.
This allows citizens of the U.S. to temporarily host Ukrainian families.
As his family settled into their new normal, dress designer Mykola Vyshyvanyuk told his wife he wanted his life back.
After designing and altering formal gowns for years, he was determined to open NiEl' Bridal Atelier in their new home.
They've now accomplished this goal, crediting groups like REV Birmingham for helping them get here.
"It takes a village to help start a small business," said Robert Emerick, Director of Business Growth at REV Birmingham.
He said it was a happy day seeing this come together.
"It really is fulfilling when you get to see what somebody has been able to do," Emerick said. "And when you get people that work hard and are just, you know, delightful, good people, you know, they came out of a really terrible situation and now and again, there are good things on the other side of terrible."
According to Emerick, his team connected this family with a number of resources, helping them understand the ins and outs of running a business.
NiEl' Bridal Atelier is now open and offers custom wedding gowns, prom dresses, alterations and more.
