When the Russian invasion struck Ukraine in February 2022, Paulina Krzywosińska found herself facing a significant challenge as her babywear brand’s summer collection was still in production at a factory in western Ukraine.

Reflecting on those tumultuous days, Krzywosińska, who originally relocated to the UK from Poland in 2004 and founded Organic Zoo in 2010, expressed her mixed feelings. “We prioritized safety, but we couldn’t help but think about our summer collection and its uncertain future,” she explained.

The factory owners promptly notified her about the closure, assuring her of their transparency amidst the crisis. They emphasized their need to build bomb shelters to ensure worker safety, acknowledging the difficult situation.

Upon reopening two weeks later, the factory was still under threat, with air raid sirens disrupting operations frequently. Workers often had to abandon their tasks to seek shelter during air alerts, with bombings occurring just under two kilometers away.

Electrical supply interruptions further complicated matters, with workers adapting their schedules to fit inconsistent power availability. “Some days we had electricity for just a few hours, and the staff were incredibly flexible, willing to adjust their hours,” said Krzywosińska.

Eventually, the much-anticipated summer collection from Brighton-based Organic Zoo was delivered in late April, two months later than originally planned. Krzywosińska credited her stockists, including major retailers, for their support and patience during this challenging period.

Despite the difficulties, not all clients showed understanding. Some brands distanced themselves, but Krzywosińska felt that the experience strengthened the partnership with her Ukrainian manufacturers, emphasizing the human connection and the shared need to maintain livelihoods.

Currently, over half of the factory’s 300 employees are women, as many men have been conscripted into military service. “The factory functions like a family during these difficult times,” noted Krzywosińska. She praised the exceptional quality of work produced under such challenging circumstances, stating, “The team truly goes above and beyond to meet expectations.”

Organic Zoo, which employs seven staff members in Brighton, anticipates achieving sales exceeding £2.5 million this year.

Unfortunately, the war also prevented Krzywosińska from visiting the factory, which would have been her first trip. However, the factory’s leaders have made several visits to the UK, allowing for crucial face-to-face meetings to discuss product development and design.

“Our collaboration is built on a true partnership,” she remarked, highlighting the bespoke nature of their product designs. Regular in-person meetings are essential for discussing strategies and innovations, especially regarding fabric selection.

Although logistical challenges persist, including longer lead times due to border delays, Krzywosińska noted that transport remains effective, emphasizing the need for better organization in some aspects of their operations.

In navigating these complexities, she has urged other British businesses to explore partnerships with manufacturers in Ukraine, stressing that supporting these factories means supporting the local population.