Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anastasia Chernetska. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anastasia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Our story began with creativity—it’s something I’ve been drawn to since childhood. I still remember the first dress I ever made when I was seven years old. It was for my doll, inspired by Belle’s gown from Beauty and the Beast. That project sparked something in me, and over the years, I started sewing clothes for myself.
My professional journey began in banking. I built a solid foundation in the corporate world, but the creative spark never faded. It was always there, quietly waiting for its moment. While my weekdays were focused on building a contact center, my weekends and free time were spent learning everything I could about design and construction. For six months, I attended pattern-making courses, perfecting my skills in creating the technical foundation for clothing.
Oleksii, my husband, encouraged me to take the leap and turn this dream into reality. With his support, we started working on our first collection. It wasn’t easy. I spent weeks researching fabrics and sketching designs.
Without our own production facilities, I started calling sewing workshops, trying to find someone who could produce our designs. Eventually, I found a small workshop that agreed to work with us. I passed them my very first patterns, and they turned them into actual garments. Seeing those first pieces completed was an unforgettable moment—it was the start of something real.
We launched our shop on Etsy with just a few designs and some simple photos. Our first order came from Saudi Arabia, a moment that felt like a turning point. It was proof that what we were creating resonated with women, even halfway around the world.
In those early days, we handled everything ourselves—design, marketing, customer service, and logistics. Every challenge was a lesson, and with each step, we refined our approach. Over time, we moved production in-house, hired talented seamstresses, and took full control over quality and design.
Looking back, the journey from that first doll’s dress to launching a clothing brand has been one of persistence and passion. Every step—whether sketching patterns, calling workshops, or packaging orders—has brought us closer to our vision. And while the road hasn’t always been easy, it’s been deeply rewarding, and we’re excited for what’s yet to come.
Anastasia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Anastasia, and I’m the co-founder of a women’s clothing brand Tavrovska that combines modern design, exceptional quality, and a personal touch. The journey that led me to this industry was one rooted in creativity, perseverance, and the belief that beautiful, well-made clothing has the power to elevate the everyday.
The spark for our brand came from my lifelong love of creating. My mother had a passion for sewing and from a young age I followed in her footsteps, making clothes for myself. I also loved painting on fabric and embellishing pieces with beads – it was my way of making something unique and personal. This creative side of me always took the lead, inspiring me to dream of creating something truly special. My husband, Oleksii, encouraged me to channel that passion into fashion and together we made that dream a reality.
We specialize in timeless, sophisticated clothing that celebrates femininity and individuality. Our range includes elegant dresses, comfortable business-casual pieces, and versatile outerwear. We’re proud to offer a wide size range and even customizations, ensuring every woman can find something that fits her perfectly. Our mission is to create clothes that not only look beautiful but also feel like they were made just for you.
What sets us apart is our commitment to craftsmanship and personal connection. Each piece is made with care, from selecting quality fabrics to adding thoughtful details. We don’t mass-produce; instead, we focus on slow fashion, ensuring our garments are timeless and made to last. This approach allows us to maintain high quality and gives our clients something truly special.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come despite the challenges. We’ve shipped our clothes to some of the world’s remotest corners, dressed TV presenters, and built a loyal customer base that shares our values. Our clothes are part of women’s lives – from milestones to everyday moments – and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’ve contributed to their confidence and joy.
Every time you buy from us, you are supporting a vision of craftsmanship, sustainability and local production.
At the heart of everything we do is a desire to empower women through clothing, to help them feel their best, and remind them that they deserve to shine in every moment. If you’re someone who values authenticity, quality, and timeless design, we hope you’ll feel at home in our world.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Yes, we manufacture our products and this has been one of the most transformative aspects of our business journey. When we first started, we didn’t have the resources or expertise to manufacture in-house, so we partnered with a small workshop to produce our designs. Finding the right manufacturer was a challenge; I remember spending hours cold-calling potential suppliers, explaining our vision and looking for someone who could bring our designs to life while meeting our quality standards. It was a great starting point, but as we grew we realized we needed to expand our range and increase our production flexibility.
As orders became more consistent and systematic, we decided to invest in our own equipment and set up our own production facility. Having our own production facility gives us a greater degree of creative freedom and control over quality.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Several resources have significantly shaped my management philosophy and entrepreneurial approach, providing both strategic frameworks and day-to-day inspiration:
Books
“Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne: This book inspired us to think beyond traditional competition and focus on creating unique value, a mindset that continues to guide our product development and brand positioning.
“Screw It, Let’s Do It” by Richard Branson: Branson’s boldness and out-of-the-box thinking resonate deeply with me and encourage me to embrace risks and innovation in business.
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz: This book is a masterclass on facing and overcoming challenges in business, helping me navigate tough decisions with resilience.
“How Brands Grow” by Byron Sharp: It provided a scientific approach to understanding customer behavior and building brand loyalty, which has been invaluable as we scale our business.
Ongoing Learning
Staying on top of trends and sharpening my skills is crucial, so I frequently engage in specialized courses and business training, primarily on online platforms. These programs help me stay tuned to new opportunities and refine our strategies.
Expanding Perspectives
Recently, I’ve found that regular interactions with AI have become an unexpected yet fascinating source of insights. It’s broadened my horizons, allowing me to explore creative solutions and gain new perspectives on both business challenges and growth strategies.
These resources and experiences continually fuel my motivation, refine my leadership approach, and inspire me to keep evolving both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tavrovska.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tavrovskaworld/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tavrovskaww
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tavrovska/