In this exclusive interview with D.I.M. Media, we’re thrilled to bring you a remarkable tale of entrepreneurial spirit that originates from the heart of Ukraine. We had the opportunity to converse with the dynamic entrepreneur and founder of the “Ptashka” brand, Julia Harbour. Julia has not only successfully transitioned her business from Ukraine to the USA but has also managed to preserve and enhance her cultural roots, infusing them into the unique and innovative designs of her products.
During our conversation, Julia shares insights into the cultural differences in business practices between Ukraine and the USA, discusses how her Ukrainian heritage influences her business approach, and how she aligns this with the expectations of the American market. She also unveils her future plans and offers advice to budding entrepreneurs.
Join us on this fascinating journey through the realms of fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship with Julia Harbour, a woman who is not just creating products but inspiring change.
1. Moving from Ukraine to the USA was a significant cultural shift. Can you share some of the challenges you faced in integrating into American society and business culture?
My decision to move to the USA was driven by a desire to fulfill professional ambitions, although circumstances related to an unexpected departure from a country facing difficulties added certain complexities. A distinctive feature of the American business environment is a preference for informal communication, which can be unfamiliar, but adapting to this communication style proved to be a valuable skill for integrating into the new market.
Realizing that adaptation and understanding of the cultural and business context are harbingers of commercial success became the foundation of my approach to business here. The US market is indeed saturated, and it takes time to accurately position your product or service and stand out among competitors.
The tactic I use is based on strategic planning and consistent study of market trends, which allows for effective adaptation to new realities. My confidence that with hard work and flexibility, achieving noticeable results is possible, remains unchanged.
2. How has your Ukrainian heritage influenced your approach to business, and how do you combine it with the expectations of the American market?
My Ukrainian heritage has brought a strong sense of respect for traditions and family values to my business, allowing me to create a brand with deep cultural roots. In the American context, this has transformed into a commitment to offering products with history and authenticity, which is particularly valued in the USA in an era of globalization.
3. You have managed businesses in both Ukraine and the USA. What are the main differences you have noticed in business practices, rules, and consumer behavior in these two countries?
In the USA, I noticed a greater emphasis on customer service and marketing. The American market demands constant interaction with customers and the offering of innovative products and services. In Ukraine, business success often depends on personal connections, understanding local traditions, and the ability to work in a more closed economic environment. Consumer behavior also differs: in the USA, consumers are more open to adopting new products and quickly respond to marketing trends, while in Ukraine, customers often prefer time-tested products and value local production.
4. Can you talk about instances where your familiarity with Ukrainian business culture was significantly different from what you encountered in the USA?
Working in Ukraine, I faced a greater degree of uncertainty in the business environment and the need to quickly adapt to changing political and economic conditions. In contrast, the business environment in the USA seems more stable and predictable. Also, in Ukraine, there is a strong emphasis on personal relationships and trust, which can take time to build. In the USA, although personal relationships are also important, business processes seem more structured and result-oriented.
5. What is the situation with women’s entrepreneurship in Ukraine? Are there specific problems or opportunities unique to Ukrainian women entrepreneurs?
In Ukraine, women entrepreneurs often face additional barriers such as gender stereotypes and limited access to financing. However, this also creates unique opportunities for the development of strong female business communities and support networks. Although women’s entrepreneurship in Ukraine is developing, there is a clear lack of representation of women in certain industries, especially in technology and manufacturing. This opens up potential for women entrepreneurs who are eager to bring change and innovation to these areas.
6. “Ptashka” is a brand that reflects your personal values. Could you elaborate on the main principles that you have incorporated into the brand?
Creating the “Ptashka” brand with my sister Valeria was not just a business project, but rather a reflection of our shared values and vision. One of the key aspects of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to the highest quality. We believe that products should not only be beautiful and functional but also durable. This not only reduces the environmental footprint but also serves as a symbol of respect for the work of our employees and the needs of our customers.
Family and close connections are another cornerstone of our brand. Working together as sisters, we aim to inspire other family businesses and demonstrate how joint efforts can lead to the creation of something exceptional and meaningful. We value close relationships both within our team and with our customers, striving to create products that can be passed down from generation to generation.
– All this comes together in our pursuit of creating a brand that not only sells products but also spreads values of sustainability, quality, and family traditions. “Ptashka” is more than just a name – it’s our legacy, our passion, and our promise to our customers.
7. Ptashka has a distinct artistic direction. Have you participated in exhibitions or art shows to showcase your products? How do these events align with the concept of your brand?
– We recently participated in a prestigious fashion show where we presented a uniquely created oversized bag – approximately 13 feet wide and 10 feet high (about 4 meters by 3). This bag not only demonstrated our ability for innovation and creative approach but also symbolized our philosophy that fashion should be bold, expressive, and leave a strong impression.
We are also actively involved in art projects that reflect our love for art and design. Currently, we are working on creating a unique jellyfish-shaped lamp that will be impressively sized – about 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) high. This project is our attempt to rethink traditional notions of home lighting, turning it into an exciting visual and artistic piece.
Participation in such events and the realization of art projects are key elements of our marketing strategy, allowing us not only to showcase our products but also to strengthen our brand as a symbol of creativity and innovation in the world of fashion and design. This contributes to creating a unique image for “Ptashka” and attracts attention to our products and values.
8. How does the artistic aspect of Ptashka contribute to its uniqueness and appeal? Are there any artists or movements that have influenced your aesthetic choices?
Artistic aspect and inspiration in the “Ptashka” company:
The inspiration for the artistic direction of our company “Ptashka” largely comes from my sister, Valeria Ptashka. Her unique taste and eye for design are foundational for our brand. Her ability to see beauty in the mundane and transform it into something outstanding and memorable plays a key role in the development of our products and the overall aesthetics of the brand.
Valeria has an extraordinary talent for creating designs that are both contemporary and reflect a rich cultural heritage. Her works often combine classic motifs with modern trends, creating a unique and recognizable style that has become the hallmark of “Ptashka”.
Our company is deeply grateful to Valeria for her inexhaustible source of inspiration and creative contribution. Thanks to her influence, “Ptashka” is not just selling products but creating art that inspires and amazes. Her unique contribution makes our brand special and distinctive in the global market.
9. What legacy do you hope to create as you continue to develop Ptashka in the USA, both as a brand and as a woman entrepreneur?
– In developing “Ptashka” in the USA, I aim to create a legacy that reflects not only business success but also societal and cultural impact. As a woman entrepreneur, my goal is to demonstrate that women can be successful leaders and innovators, inspiring the next generations of entrepreneurs.
I want “Ptashka” to be recognized not only as a brand offering high-quality and unique products but also as a company that promotes sustainable development, supports women’s entrepreneurship, and actively contributes to charity and social projects.
In the long term, I plan to expand our portfolio, including collaborations with other brands and designers who share our values and vision. I also see “Ptashka” as an active participant in cultural dialogue, promoting ideas of global cultural exchange and innovation in design.
Creating such a legacy requires time, patience, and a constant pursuit of excellence, but I am confident that with our unique team, passion, and dedication, we can leave a significant mark in history as a brand and as a symbol of successful women’s entrepreneurship.
10. What’s next for the “Ptashka” company? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that particularly excite you?
An important part of our future is the continued focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. We plan to explore new, eco-friendly materials and manufacturing methods to ensure our products are not only beautiful but also kind to our planet. Collaborations with renowned designers and artists remain a crucial part of our growth. We are looking for partners who share our values and vision to jointly create products that will inspire our customers.
Overall, the future looks bright and full of opportunities for “Ptashka.” We eagerly anticipate the chance to continue our journey in the fashion industry, remaining true to our values and pursuit of excellence.
