At Joyce Young Collections, we are happy to be involved with local charity, Kvitka.org. This friendship allows us to help in the rebuilding of the lives of Ukrainian refugees through employment opportunities.
Kvitka is a Glasgow-based community interest company dedicated to helping Ukrainian refugees succeed through peer support, moral support and coaching. The aim of this project is to find permanent employment for women who have been forced to leave their homes and entire lives behind due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Founded by Katarina Hayes and managed by a board of volunteers who all have Ukrainian roots, the skillset of Kvitka ranges from beauty to business management. The inspiring work of this project has successfully seen the empowerment, inclusion, and integration of Ukrainian women into our society.
Joyce Young attended Kvitka’s launch and fundraiser. The event took place in late October in Glasgow’s 63rd+1st.
The fundrasier showcased talent from Kvitka’s community members. This included a moving video put together by 14 year old, Diana. This video detailed the harrowing conditions endured by the hometowns of Kvitka’s members. See below.
Antonina put on a heartfelt performance at the fundraiser singing a beautiful Ukrainian song whilst wearing a dress gifted by Joyce Young. Antonina visited the Glasgow showroom prior to the event and fell in love with a gold sequined gown from our bridesmaid collection, pictured below.
Inspired by the range of talent that the Kvitka community has to offer, Joyce asked the girls to model her newly designed accessory in support of the project.
Furthermore, aspiring influencer and English student Angelina from Ukraine was featured in our Christmas bridal campaign. This provided the unique and valuable experience of partaking in a collaborative photoshoot environment.
Photography by Derek Dunlop Photography.
Hair by @the.bride.to.be (Instagram).
Makeup by Laura Dawson Makeup.
Kvitka have opened their own beauty academy in Dennistoun. This social enterprise beauty salon trains and employs Ukranian refugees in Glasgow. Joyce recently attended the salon for a manicure by the very talented Natalia. Journalists and cameraman from BBC Scotland News filmed as Natalia shared the heartbreaking story of how her home in Mariupol fell target to an air raid, forcing her and her two daughters to seek safety in an underground shelter before relocating to Glasgow.
Visit Kvitka.org.uk for more information on how you can help. Our Ukrainian flag faux fur collars & cuffs are now available online.
