Ukrainian cosmetics brand Uniks is ahead of global trends: the story of two women.

According to ТСН: "Bombs" with bright packaging, unusual names, and amazing scents that you want to experience again. On store shelves, they look light and playful, but behind this beauty lies serious work. This work is done in Makaryv at a small Ukrainian enterprise founded by two women - Tatyana and Anna.

The story of the company's creation

"Uniks was founded in 2001, so we are now 24 years old. It was initially created by my partner's parents. It was one of the best companies for the distribution of cosmetics and household chemicals in the Luhansk region where they lived," says Tatyana Byts, co-owner of Uniks.

In 2013, Uniks completed its first stage of work. As a result of the well-known events in the east, Anna's family moved to the Kyiv region, and Tatyana met her future partner on a cosmetics project. Since then, they have started working together, but the first step turned out to be the hardest.

"The biggest fear is to start. You have a big dream, you think about it for a long time. And the first step is the hardest. When I told my husband that we would build a business, he replied: 'Oh, it's your expensive hobby!'", recalls Tatyana.

In three years, the company relaunched its activities, and if there were only four people in the team then, today there are already about fifty.

"I have reliable employees, especially in production: they manage, set plans and tasks for the whole process. The girls started out with us, and now they are team leaders," shares Tatyana.

The company's product range

Today, the company offers a wide range of products, starting from shower gels and liquid soaps. Among their signature products are bath bombs with toys inside.

"These are bath bombs that children really like. They collect them. Currently, we are releasing a new product - there will be squishies and a silver bracelet inside," shares Tatyana.

How the products are made

Among the company's hits is a foam in the form of a paw. "Right now, you see the thermal shrinkage of the product 'Paw Foam' on the line. Here is the drying of the product, its assembly, and quality control," explains Tatyana.

What the company's laboratory develops

The company has a laboratory that helps develop individual products. "First of all, for a product to be born, an idea is needed. We receive a request from a client and clarify their wishes," says Maria Udovenko, the company's chief technologist.

Once the data is collected, the team moves on to selecting raw materials, which are sourced from all over the world to create competitive products.

How work has changed due to the full-scale war

The enterprise underwent significant changes during the war. "On that day, the employees did not come to work. On February 24, we managed to make one shipment, and on the 25th... the shelling began," recalls Tatyana. The enterprise became a stronghold where soldiers stood, and after a month of restoring work, the destroyed equipment had to be returned.

It was then that the company's equipment, including the cream reactor purchased before the war, withstood all hardships. "This equipment survived the military actions. We managed to pay off the loan on time," adds Tatyana.

How Raiffeisen Bank supported the company

Raiffeisen Bank became the first partner of Uniks after relocating from Luhansk. "In 2016, the enterprise came to us, and in 2020 we started collaborating through lending," notes Yaroslava Konchenko, the head of the client relations department.

The bank supported the company even in the hardest times, and now 70% of financial transactions go through Raiffeisen Bank, including foreign exchange services and lending.

Where to buy the company's products

Today, Uniks products can be found in many large stores in Ukraine and abroad: in Moldova, Georgia, Uzbekistan, as well as in EU countries. The company continues to work and aims to promote Ukrainian brands on the international stage.

"We plan to develop luxury brands so that Ukrainian products are perceived as high-reputation items," adds Tatyana.

The story of Uniks is about Ukrainian women who are not afraid to take responsibility and create high-quality products that will make great gifts for many.

The company Uniks, which has successfully adapted to new conditions, continues to prove that Ukrainian business can be competitive in the international market. Their journey is an inspiring example for other entrepreneurs who aspire to realize their dreams despite the circumstances.