NorthCoast Banners Helps Ukrainian Refugees Rebuild Their Business, Kondra Industries
At NorthCoast Banners, we’ve tackled some pretty big jobs, from festivals and Keith Urban concerts to printing banners for Houston Rockets games. But recently, we printed a bono banner that, although small, we know we’re going to be thinking about for a very long time.
It all started when Ellen Abramson, President of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, reached out to us with a request for a quote. She was looking to have a banner printed for a pop-up handbag and accessories shop.
That’s a fairly run-of-the-mill request for our team. Business as usual, right?
Little did we know how far that was from the truth.
Mrs. Abramson told us a little more about this pop-up shop, Kondra Industries, and explained that JFS is currently working with them to grow their small business after their lives – and livelihood – were completely shattered by the war in Ukraine.
Every person on our team was touched and inspired by the incredible story of these two entrepreneurs, so we’d like to share it with you.
From Adversity to Opportunity: The Inspiring Journey of the Kondratenko Family
In the early hours of February 24, 2022, the serene life of Alla and Maksym Kondratenko was shattered as the conflict in Ukraine reached their doorstep in Kharkiv, just 17 miles from the Russian border. The crimson dawn and the deafening echoes of explosions marked the end of life as they knew it, and the beginning of a perilous, uncertain journey.
The Kondratenkos’ ordeal began with days spent in the cold, dark basement of their apartment, devoid of basic necessities like heat, electricity, food, or medicine. Venturing outside for essentials meant risking their lives under the constant threat of violence.
Amidst this chaos, their business—a flourishing enterprise since 2015, with over 10,000 handbags, purses, wallets, and backpacks listed online—suffered a devastating blow when their warehouse was obliterated in the bombing.
As if that weren’t enough, Alla, who was 37 weeks pregnant at the time, began experiencing complications. She was rushed to the hospital under the cover of darkness to avoid becoming a target. The timely arrival saved both her and her newborn daughter, Daiana.
The family’s journey for safety continued, leading them through war-torn regions to finally make the heart-wrenching decision to leave their homeland behind.
Building Back to Business As Usual
Thanks to the generosity of a sponsoring couple in Saline, Michigan, and the collective efforts of over 100 volunteers, the Kondratenkos found a new home in September 2022. Maksym secured a new job in America, while Alla dedicated herself to reestablishing their business against seemingly-insurmountable odds.
But, despite being forced to start again from scratch, their resolve remains unbroken. That’s because this couple is fueled by a desire to support not only their immediate family, but also their relatives in Ukraine and the team involved in designing and manufacturing their products.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Alla and Maksym is a testament to the resilience and contributions of immigrants to their new communities. Like many before them, they have faced unimaginable challenges with courage and determination, driven by the dream of creating a better future.
So now, more than a year later, they’re showcasing their unique products for sale once again, both online and in their pop-up store.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
The story of Alla and Maksym Kondratenko is a powerful reminder of how, even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope and hard work can see us through.
When we heard about their incredible journey, we decided to donate the banner for their pop-up shop. “It really spoke to us about the opportunity to use our products to uplift others who are at a disadvantage and restarting their journey from scratch, due to the crisis that’s torn apart their lives in Ukraine,” said Mendy Rimler, our CEO.
This gesture of support was not just about providing a physical item; it was about standing with those in need, echoing our belief in the power of for-profit companies to make a meaningful difference in the world.
“All ships rise with the tide,” Mendy Rimler added. “We feel this speaks to the very important American ideal of helping others come to this country to find a new life, and using our resources to help them grow lifts all of us up collectively. It makes us more prosperous as a country and brings more prosperity to our communities.”
The Kondratenkos’ story is a testament to the enduring American entrepreneurial spirit, and we are honored to play a part in their journey.
By offering our support, we aim to shine a light on the incredible work done by organizations like Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, which tirelessly works to resettle refugee families and help them start anew.
To the Kondratenkos and all the resilient souls rebuilding their lives in new lands, we extend our warmest wishes for success and prosperity. Their collection can be discovered at the FOUND Gallery in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown, or on Amazon. If you want to contribute to a cause that lights up the darkness for those facing adversity, you can pay their store a visit in person or online.
For more information on our services or to explore how we can help bring your vision to life, contact us.
