Clothing
ANNABO
Anna Marchenko
Co-founder, brand manager
Location:
Kyiv region, Ukraine
Languages:
English
Assistance needed:
Micro loan
ANNABO is a high-end contemporary brand with a focus on artisanal, folk-inspired, and handcrafted designs
Pre-war situation
Before the war, ANNABO was a growing family-owned fashion brand in Ukraine, specializing in high-end contemporary and artisanal clothing. We were steadily expanding our market presence both domestically and internationally, participating in major exhibitions and pop-up events across Europe, England, and the UAE. The brand focused on preserving and reinterpreting Ukrainian cultural heritage through our designs, and we had built strong partnerships with local suppliers, gaining recognition in the fashion industry
Effect of the war
The war had a profound impact on our business and operations. We were forced to relocate from our rented facility to an unfinished building without electricity, heating, or water, significantly disrupting our production. The occupation of Bucha at the beginning of the full-scale invasion had a direct effect on our team and operations, leading to the loss of key personnel and the need to find new suppliers for fabrics and materials. The ongoing power outages have made it difficult to maintain consistent production. Additionally, missile strikes destroyed some of our products that were placed in stores, further straining our resources. The war has also complicated logistics, making it challenging to deliver products both domestically and internationally. Potential buyers from abroad have become hesitant to work with a Ukrainian brand due to the instability in the region. These effects have forced us to adapt rapidly and find new ways to sustain our business in an increasingly difficult environment
Resulting challenges
The war brought about significant challenges for our business. Relocating our operations to an unfinished facility without basic utilities like electricity, heating, or water greatly disrupted our production capabilities. The departure of many of our contractors and employees from the city or country forced us to seek new suppliers and workforce, which was a time-consuming and difficult process. Ongoing power outages continue to impede our ability to maintain stable operations. Additionally, some of our products were destroyed by missile strikes, and logistical challenges have become more pronounced, making it difficult to deliver goods efficiently. The unstable situation in Ukraine has also led to hesitation among potential international buyers to collaborate with us. These challenges have required us to adapt quickly and find innovative solutions to sustain our business
The sought-for solution
In response to the challenges we faced, we actively sought new partnerships and expanded our participation in international markets. We focused on finding reliable new suppliers and contractors to stabilize our production process. Additionally, we have embraced greater digitization to optimize our operations and reduce resource consumption. To overcome logistical challenges, we explored alternative shipping routes and sought collaborations with international logistics partners. We also increased our presence in global exhibitions to strengthen our brand’s visibility and build new relationships with potential buyers. Despite the adversity, we are committed to continuing our growth and adapting to the ever-changing environment
Do you want to support the “ANNABO”?
You can contact us directly or fill the contact form and we will be in touch soon with all the details
Phone number
+38 067 466 94 67
wintradeEUA@gmail.com