Leaf brand was one of the first in Ukraine that started to produce the high quality casual lingerie. Now it is well known in Ukraine.
Olga, why did you decide to produce garments and lingerie while being a successful marketing psychologist?
I wasn’t satisfied with assortment of home clothes and underwear in our country. In fact, in Internet or abroad it was almost the same: there were a lot of luxury sets made of lace, bow and pearls. It was too much. I love the simplicity and brevity of underwear as well as its gentleness and friendliness. It can be also feminine and sexual.
Read: Weird Bird lingerie: very individual approach
Yes, different people need different products, different solutions. I was looking for something simple and concise - basic underwear for every day. Same way as we wear shoes, hoodies, and jeans every day, we want to wear comfortable and at the same time gentle underwear. And for special occasions we can have special lingerie. Netting is more casual than lace, but it looks more interesting than knitted fabric.
The trend of today is naturalness and underwear without push-ups and cups. What is the difference between Leaf brand and the other Ukrainian brands of this type of underwear?
We’ve been frontrunners in this business and we produce knitted fabric lingerie for women of all ages, not just for the young ones. Leaf has also unique models, which I create by myself, but not the copy of any world famous brands. And care about customer is our number one priority. This is my personal philosophy that I implement in my work.
We offer 3 types of materials: netting, lace and knitted fabric. At the same time we are open towards customers’ wishes. Some lace models can be non-transparent because it was the wish of a customer. We have samples with and without lining. We can make any adjustments on request.
Read: Couture De Fleur Spring/Summer 2016 collection
Please, tell us about the production.
I started to work with the dress-making studio, but later switched to the individual cooperation. We work with the needlewoman who has professional equipment and great experience. It's comfortable. We use European fabric stocks to choose the best materials for production. I come up with models and the needlewoman modifies them from technological standpoint.
What are the components of a successful small business in Ukraine today, to your opinion?
I would say that you have to be honest with your clients and should not try to impose something on your customers. You have to form such a good offer that the clients will be eager to buy your goods. There is no need to create illusions. Be honest with what you do.
Showroom address: 69, Vladymirska str., office 406, http://leaf.strikingly.com/
Photos by Yelyzaveta Pohodnova, Ivan Tsupka, Lana Svitankova
