Svitlana Moshchych, winner of the Business Ideas and Startups Competition, about the history of her floral success
Grow flowers, don’t chase butterflies... and the butterflies will come to you on their own!
Who would have thought that a specialist with an economics education and academic achievements would fall in love with flowers so much that she would make them her life’s work? Svitlana Moshchych, the mother of three lovely daughters, an associate professor at the Department of Deposit Development and Mineral Extraction at the National University of Water Management and Nature Management, and a winner of the Business Ideas and Startups Competition, is not only engaged in scientific activities but also passionate about growing peonies. Her collection includes over 600 varieties of these flowers, many of which are unique to our region.
Ms. Svitlana felt a connection to nature from a young age, but her professional path was tied to economics. Years of study, scientific research, and teaching filled her life. However, it was in her passion for peonies that the winner of the competition found a retreat from everyday concerns.
Initially, it was just a hobby that gradually turned into a true passion. I spent hours studying peony varieties, experimenting with different growing methods, and attending specialized forums and exhibitions. Each new flower in my collection was a small victory.
My business idea involves growing exclusive peony varieties for selling planting material (roots), as well as selling flower cuts and seeds, ready-made bouquets, and engaging in selection. The flower business is a promising sector in the Ukrainian market. It’s no wonder that floriculture holds an honorable place among the most profitable agricultural activities. I have been growing and propagating peonies for many years, and now I am at the stage where I can turn my passion into a successful business.
The peony business requires significant startup capital and is quite labor-intensive, but I have been involved in this activity for 10 years. I have a large personal collection of peonies, developed agronomic techniques for plant care, established a clear supply schedule for planting material from well-known European nurseries, and organized a sales system through the Internet.
With each passing year, the planting areas for peonies are expanding. Additionally, I plan to plant a large area with varieties specifically for cutting, so the soil treatment process needs to be optimized. Participating in the project "Makership, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Chervonohrad coal microregion" allowed me to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to implement the idea of automating soil treatment, which in turn will contribute to the development of my business and increase its competitiveness.
The business idea realized through my project will stand out favorably from competitors who sell flowers. Currently, 95% of peony cuts are sourced from the Netherlands, mostly 'standard' cutting varieties. I offer high-quality fresh cuts and bouquets from exclusive peony varieties, as well as the opportunity to purchase planting material for more than 600 varieties. My collection is one of the largest in Ukraine.
Svitlana Moshchych's story inspires us not to be afraid to dream and pursue our desires. No matter what we do in life, there is always room for a beloved activity that brings joy and satisfaction. And who knows, maybe your hobby will become your life's work!
In the video, watch about the hobby of Ms. Svetlana and her plans for the future!
