Student entrepreneurs celebrate graduation and business award success

For student entrepreneurs Liliia Pakhotina and Ruslan Kysil, it has been an unforgettable week.

The couple, who moved to Wales from Ukraine and established the successful handmade rug business R&L Rugs, are celebrating completing their Certificate of Higher Education in Employability Skills at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) after their business was recognised as Highly Commended in the Start-up Business of the Year category at the Carmarthenshire Business Awards.

Having already built a growing business since making Wales their home, the pair chose to study at UWTSD to strengthen their business knowledge while continuing to develop R&L Rugs.

Liliia said: “We wanted to improve our business knowledge and gain a recognised UK qualification, so studying at UWTSD felt like the right next step. The university’s strong links with local businesses were also really important to us.”

Throughout their studies, the couple continued running their business, applying what they learned in the classroom directly to their day-to-day operations.

“We wanted a course that focused on practical skills rather than just theory,” said Ruslan. “UWTSD offered exactly that, and we liked that we could develop our business while continuing to work.”

The practical nature of the programme proved invaluable, allowing them to immediately implement new approaches to business planning, marketing and customer engagement.

“One of the biggest highlights was being able to apply what we learned straight away,” said Liliia. “The practical assignments and feedback from our lecturers helped us improve both academically and professionally.”

Balancing university with running a business presented its challenges, but the couple say teamwork and support from UWTSD helped them succeed.

“The biggest challenge was managing our studies alongside our business,” said Ruslan. “Good planning, supporting each other and knowing our lecturers were always willing to help made a huge difference.”

The knowledge and confidence gained through their studies have already had a tangible impact on their business, which continues to grow.

“The course has helped us become more confident in presenting ourselves and making business decisions,” said Liliia. “It encouraged us to think bigger, and we’re now developing new ideas for the future.”

Ruslan added: “Seeing our business recognised as Highly Commended in the Start-up Business of the Year category at the Carmarthenshire Business Awards is something we’re incredibly proud of. The confidence and practical skills we gained at UWTSD have definitely helped us on that journey.”

As they celebrate both their graduation and their success at the Carmarthenshire Business Awards, the couple are also awaiting the results of their Level 5 studies and hope to continue their educational journey at UWTSD while expanding their business across the UK.

“Our plan is to continue studying while growing our company,” said Liliia. “We want to work with more businesses across the UK and continue creating new handmade products. Studying has shown us that learning and running a business can go hand in hand.”

Reflecting on their experience, Ruslan said he would encourage others to consider studying at UWTSD.

“The lecturers are incredibly supportive, the environment is welcoming and the courses focus on practical skills that you can use immediately. We felt encouraged throughout our studies and gained knowledge that has genuinely helped our business.”

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

“Watching Liliia and Ruslan grow in confidence as students and entrepreneurs has been a pleasure. They embraced every opportunity to apply their learning to their business, and the results speak for themselves. Completing their studies while growing a successful company is a tremendous achievement, and seeing R&L Rugs recognised as Highly Commended in the Start-up Business of the Year category at the Carmarthenshire Business Awards is thoroughly deserved. We look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”

Their latest success marks another milestone in an inspiring journey that has seen them build a new life in Wales, establish a thriving business, receive recognition for R&L Rugs as Highly Commended in the Start-up Business of the Year category at the Carmarthenshire Business Awards and graduate from UWTSD – all in the same remarkable week.

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

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