Building a new future in Wales: Lily and Ruslan’s journey from Ukraine to entrepreneurship

When Lily and Ruslan arrived in the UK from Ukraine three years ago, everything felt new and uncertain. Like many people rebuilding their lives in a different country, they knew that education would be key to creating stability and opportunity for the future.

Now based in Wales, the couple have been studying the CertHe Business Skills course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and alongside their studies, they are running a growing creative business producing handmade tufted rugs. Their journey is one of resilience, creativity and the power of supportive education.

“We decided that continuing our education would be an important step for our future,” they explain. “Our long-term goal has always been to become successful entrepreneurs and build several businesses. Wales has become our home, and we truly hope to grow and develop our projects here.”

Their decision to study at UWTSD came following recommendations from Ukrainian friends who were already familiar with the university. From the very beginning, Lily and Ruslan felt welcomed and supported.

“They helped us understand the available courses and guided us through the application process,” they say. “At a time when everything was unfamiliar, the university staff were incredibly supportive and welcoming. We have not regretted our decision for a single day.”

Turning creativity into a business

While studying Business, Lily and Ruslan were already laying the foundations for their own venture. Their business focuses on handmade tufted rugs, created using a specialist tufting gun. Each piece is custom-made and designed around a client’s personal story or idea.

The original concept came from Ruslan, who had previous experience with tufting in Ukraine. Lily, who has always been creative, quickly saw its potential.

“I’ve explored many crafts throughout my life, including knitting, embroidery and drawing,” Lily explains. “When I learned more about tufting, I realised it combined creativity with something practical and meaningful.”

From the outset, they approached the idea professionally rather than as a hobby. With equipment costs being high, Lily began researching funding opportunities and discovered a start-up grant offered by Business Wales. With their support, she developed a business plan and carried out market research to test demand for handmade tufted rugs.

“We were told it was a very unusual and original idea with strong potential,” they say. “Receiving the grant was the moment we realised this could truly become something real.”

Soon after, they opened a small shop in Llandeilo. Although high rental costs later led them to move the business online, they continue to create their rugs locally and grow the brand from home. Today, their work is well known within the local community and increasingly recognised within the university.

Learning to grow with confidence

By the time Lily and Ruslan began their studies at UWTSD, their business had already been running for about a year. Studying Business gave them the structure and clarity they had previously lacked.

“Before university, we managed everything based on experience and intuition,” they explain. “Once we started studying, we began to understand our business much better and could clearly see what needed to be improved.”

Many of the modules proved directly applicable to their day-to-day work. They began using planning and goal-setting tools, improving their financial management, carrying out more effective market research and analysing customer behaviour.

“The course helped us think more strategically and make decisions based on analysis rather than guesswork,” they say. “We applied what we learned in lectures directly to our business, which gave us much more direction and confidence.”

Their progress has been clear to those teaching them. Ffion Cumberpatch, Employability Skills Programme Manager at UWTSD, praised both their commitment and growth throughout their studies.

“Lily and Ruslan are an excellent example of how determination, creativity and a strong work ethic can lead to meaningful progress,” she said. “They have shown a high level of professionalism and resilience, and it has been a pleasure to see how confidently they apply their academic learning to their own business. They should be very proud of how far they have come.”

Communication skills were another major area of growth. Presenting ideas, writing proposals and clearly explaining their business became easier with time - an essential skill for future projects and working with investors.

Support beyond the classroom

Lily and Ruslan are keen to highlight the strength of the support available at UWTSD. Lecturers were consistently approachable and willing to help, whether answering questions directly or guiding them to the right person.

Through this support, Lily had the opportunity to speak with the university’s Enterprise Development Manager. Although their business was not eligible for a university start-up grant, as it had been established before their studies, the conversation proved invaluable.

Rebecca Jones, Enterprise Development Manager at UWTSD, said:

“Working with Lily and Ruslan has been a real pleasure. Their commitment, creativity and thoughtful approach to developing their business were clear from the moment we met. At UWTSD, our enterprise team is here to support students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey whether they’re shaping an early idea, growing an existing venture or simply exploring what might be possible. We aim to provide practical guidance, confidence and a supportive space for students to turn their ambitions into meaningful opportunities.”

“It sparked a new and exciting idea within our business,” they explain.

That idea has since developed into plans for tufting workshops, aimed at sharing their creative process with others.

Overcoming challenges and growing personally

Like many international students and business owners, Lily and Ruslan faced challenges navigating unfamiliar systems and regulations in the UK. However, they credit both the university and the wider community for helping them adapt.

“University gave us clear and structured knowledge,” they say. “We learned about business structures, financial management and how businesses operate in practice. This made us feel much more confident and prepared.”

Studying in another language was initially daunting, but over time their confidence grew significantly.

“When we first started university, it felt overwhelming,” they reflect. “Now we feel motivated, inspired and proud. Completing the academic year is a meaningful achievement for us.”

Looking ahead

Looking back, what stands out most is the atmosphere at UWTSD.

“It never felt distant or overly formal,” they say. “It felt like a small community where we were listened to and supported, both academically and personally.”

For Lily and Ruslan, UWTSD now represents far more than a place of study.

“It represents growth, confidence and a turning point in our journey. It helped us believe in ourselves, our ideas and our future as business owners in Wales.”

They plan to continue their studies at Level 5 and Level 6 and are currently exploring funding opportunities to launch their tufting workshops. If successful, they hope to run their first workshop at the university for students and staff.

“Our advice is simple,” they say. “Go for it. Don’t be afraid to start, ask for help and take opportunities when they appear. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Learning along the way is part of the process.”

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076