Meet Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Recipient, Balloon Artist Svitlana Martynyuk

Svitlana Martynyuk's journey into entrepreneurship began with determination and creativity. In the village of Dzhulynka, located in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, she mastered the art of decoration and balloon design, organizing vibrant celebrations for families and children. Initially, she operated from a modest garage near her home, dreaming of creating a dedicated celebration space in the village center. However, that dream was put on hold due to the outbreak of full-scale war.

Despite the challenges, Svitlana recognized the ongoing need for joy and connection, especially among children. In the summer of 2022, she took bold steps to bring her vision to life. She renovated a small space with limited resources, restoring old furniture, installing shelves and creating a cozy celebration venue. A grant from the Women’s Opportunity Fund enabled her to purchase new furniture, office equipment and materials, transforming her space into a hub for unforgettable events.

Today, Svitlana’s shop stands as a testament to resilience and hope, offering the village of Dzhulynka a place where bright holidays come to life, even in the most challenging times.