U(in)Power in Action: Women Who Chose to Start Again

For four months, a group of Ukrainian women in Lithuania gathered each week – not just to attend another business workshop, but to reimagine what their futures could look like.

Through the U(in)Power entrepreneurship program, these women – many of them displaced by war – took on the challenge of building something from the ground up. They learned to shape business models, refine their ideas, speak about money, pitch with confidence, and, perhaps most importantly, believe in the value of their own work again.

It wasn’t theoretical. It was urgent, real, and often deeply personal.

On Demo Day, three stories rose to the top. Not because they were perfect, but because they were powerful – rooted in resilience, community, and vision.

From Shock to Strategy – Nataliia Nesterenko’s Eco-Cleaning Empire

“I was in complete shock,” said Nataliia Nesterenko after winning the top prize for her business, Spick&Span, a professional cleaning service specializing in eco-friendly and post-construction solutions.

“I didn’t expect my idea to win – especially because the other women had such amazing, creative, and modern ideas.”

Nataliia’s journey wasn’t supposed to lead to industrial vacuums and biodegradable solvents. Back in Ukraine, she ran a completely different kind of business. But displacement brought her to Latvia in 2022, and necessity led her into cleaning services. Then came Lithuania, a new language, a new city, and the same question: how do I grow this into something lasting?

Through U(in)Power, she found the clarity she was searching for.

“The program helped me see how the company should be structured, what to focus on, and where I want to go next. I had an amazing mentor from Western Union, and her advice before my pitch helped me win.”

Nesterenko’s next goal is ambitious but focused: scaling her company through B2B partnerships and becoming a leader in the Baltic cleaning industry.

Telling Women’s Stories – Oleksandra Monastyrska’s Visual Studio for Purpose-Driven Brands

“It wasn’t just joy – it was confirmation,” said Oleksandra Monastyrska, who claimed a runner-up prize for Solveo Studio, her boutique content production company.

“When I heard my name, I felt this warm, light sensation inside. Like what I’m doing really matters.”

Monastyrska came to Lithuania in early 2024, with a background in photography and a dream to showcase the beauty of small, women-led brands. Solveo Studio offers full-spectrum content services, from style concept to strategy – all tailored for those who can’t afford big agency rates but deserve big agency impact.

Her inspiration came from women like the ones in her cohort.

“I saw women around me launching cafés, salons, soulful small brands. I wanted to help them be seen.”

Through the program, she gained not just business tools, but emotional foundation.

“This wasn’t just a training. It made me stop feeling like a stranger. My mentor, Ada, believed in me even when I doubted myself. That changed everything.”

Oleksandra now plans to expand Solveo’s client base and invest in new technical gear – with the ultimate dream of capturing the honest, vibrant stories of businesses run by women who build with heart.

Building a Home for Many – Zita Vorobiova’s Multicultural Child Development Center

When the third winner was announced, Zita Vorobiova stood still. Her eyes filled with gratitude.

“I’m thankful for the faith people have in me and in my dream – especially when I start to doubt myself,” she said quietly.

Her project, Aviliukas, is a multicultural child development center rooted in Christian values. Its mission is to support children of different cultural backgrounds in growing together – preserving identity, learning mutual respect, and creating a shared future.

Vorobiova’s inspiration is deeply personal. In 2022, she founded Angelyatko, a thriving educational center in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. More than 300 children came through its doors. After joining her family in Lithuania, she carried the same dream with her.

“I watched how hard it is for Ukrainian children to integrate while keeping their cultural identity. But I also realized – integration has to go both ways.”

Thanks to U(in)Power, her vision now has a business plan, a strategic path, and a local network of allies. Her next step is to launch Aviliukas in Kaunas – turning her educational expertise into a safe, nurturing environment for the next European generation.

Sisterhood, Support, and the Strength of Community

While their ideas differed, one thing united all three winners: the recognition that women in business cannot – and should not – walk alone.

“The women in the program became more than just contacts,” said Monastyrska. “They’re a small circle of strength, where you’re understood without saying much.”

“Together,” added Zita, “we can achieve the impossible.”

These women didn’t just participate in a business program. They built a community, sparked ideas into action, and showed that entrepreneurship is more than revenue – it’s identity, resilience, and purpose.

The U(in)Power program was possible with the generous support of the ella fund. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to empowering women through entrepreneurship, inclusion, and resilience.