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Traditionally, business has been considered a man’s domain. However, a recent YouControl study revealed that as of early 2025, 20% of Ukrainian companies are owned by women — and in the light industry sector, that figure reaches 26%. This comes as no surprise to Iryna Kotapska, founder and owner of the international bridal fashion brand Kotapska Bridal Couture. And she knows what she’s talking about: this year, Iryna served as a jury member of one of the leading U.S. business awards — the American Business Expo.
“About three thousand Ukrainian light industry companies are led by women — a powerful signal of change in the business landscape,” Kotapska notes. Dismissing the myth that entrepreneurship is “not for women,” she shares her own formula for success, available to any ambitious lady.
“The main thing is not to be afraid to start — even if all you have in your pocket is enthusiasm,” says the expert, whose journey began behind a market stall.
Today, her name appears in Vogue and Marie Claire, and her brand sets trends in bridal fashion — worn by stars such as Kady McDermott, Ellie O’Donnell, Elena Faliye, and Sonia Moroziuk.
According to Iryna, the secret lies in attention to detail:
“We build every process with precision — from fabric selection to communication with brides. Honesty and transparency are our core assets,” she emphasizes.
Kotapska Bridal Couture has also developed a signature style that fuses Ukrainian craftsmanship with global fashion trends. The brand’s collections regularly appear at prestigious international exhibitions including National Bridal Market Chicago, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, European Bridal Fashion Week, and Expo Wedding Fashion Ukraine.
Its triumphant international debut came at New York Fashion Week — a milestone that marked the brand’s global breakthrough.
“That was a turning point,” Iryna recalls. “We realized our brand had become a global player.”
Following the New York success, Kotapska Bridal Couture became internationally recognized, with its gowns gracing the pages of glossy magazines and the red carpets of major events.
Another cornerstone of the brand’s philosophy is exceptional customer service.
“Our rule is to respond to every inquiry within 15 minutes — it’s a gesture of utmost respect and care. Every bride who reaches out to us becomes part of our family. We bring all her dreams to life, even the most extravagant ones,” says Kotapska.
Kotapska Bridal Couture prides itself on creating not just wedding dresses but true works of art — designs that highlight each bride’s individuality and help her feel extraordinary on her big day.
As for advice to newcomers?
“Don’t look for advice — look for support. Believe in yourself and give your all,” Iryna encourages.
She also highlights the strong potential of Ukraine’s light industry, where over 1,400 companies and 8,500 entrepreneurs are active, with an urgent demand for skilled workers.
“More than three thousand seamstresses are needed right now. Our education system allows people to qualify quickly — the rest depends on your determination,” she explains.
Continuous learning, adaptability, and self-improvement, she adds, are essential for success.
The key pillars of an effective business model, according to Iryna, include a strong team, clear planning, flawless service, and strategic promotion — particularly through social media.
“Social media is a powerful tool to communicate with clients and partners, showcase new designs, and receive instant feedback,” she notes.
In conclusion, Iryna Kotapska sums it up simply:
“Don’t be afraid to take risks and follow your own path. The world values sincerity and innovation. Ukrainian women have every opportunity to build thriving businesses and conquer the global market.”
Presented by: DN News Desk
