NIEL' ATELIER GRAND OPENING SHOWCASES INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF UKRAINIAN FAMILY ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM
Less than a year after arriving in the United States, the Vyshyvanyuk family is launching NiEl’ Bridal Atelier, a custom wedding dress and alterations business in Forest Park. Olena and Mykola Vyshyvanyuk – along with their three children Viktoriia, Eva, and Loanna – made the courageous decision to leave Ukraine in September 2022. This family’s inspiring story is a testament to the boundless opportunities that small businesses can achieve in Birmingham
Passion and Family
The Vyshyvanyuk’s journey began in Greece, where Mykola attended fashion school and crossed paths with Olena, also born in Ukraine. Mykola devoted a decade to working for Maurizio, an Italian fashion brand. Over time, his side gig in alterations evolved into a full-fledged venture dedicated to crafting dresses from scratch.
“It’s much easier and simpler to create a dress that fits the bride to their shape,” said Mykola.
The name “NiEl’ Bridal Atelier” is a combination of the couple’s names. NiEl’ was initially founded in Greece, but the Vyshyvanyuks relocated back to Ukraine to be closer to loved ones. Although the Vyshyvanyuks spent many happy years in Ukraine surrounded by family and friends, everything took a drastic turn in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion.
In a remarkable display of resourcefulness, Mykola learned how to craft tactical vests to help support the war efforts. However, as the frontlines drew closer, the Vyshyvanyuk family fled to Poland for safety. It was during this turbulent period that they discovered the “United for Ukraine” program, established by the U.S. government, which allows American citizens to sponsor a Ukrainian family for up to two years.
Within a few days, Mykolas met Ed Cotter, a sponsor for the United for Ukraine program and resident of Vestavia Hills. Through a series of text messages and Zoom calls, the Cotter family invited the Vyshyvanyuk to their home and initiated the necessary paperwork to make it all possible.
https://revbirmingham.org/news/the-inspiring-story-of-the-vyshyvanyuk-business/
