In this interview, we will talk with Olena Stelnikovych, the founder of the ELEN OST brand, who opens new horizons in the fashion world through her unique dresses. Olena will share her thoughts on the challenges she faced during the war, the importance of quality and creativity in her work, and the inspiration that helps her create magical clothing.

Olena, could you please tell us about the challenges you have faced while managing your brand ELEN OST, and how you overcame them?

We all know that we are going through tough times right now, the war has been going on for nearly three years. Naturally, I face problems such as the delivery of fabrics. If it used to be very easy and quick to receive them, then high-quality fabrics sometimes take quite a while to arrive, sometimes over a month. This is due to customs and other factors that, unfortunately, are slower nowadays. Additionally, during the war, there were always difficulties with business, and I understood this when I started my business in such challenging times. But I wasn’t afraid, even though I knew it wouldn’t be easy… I understand that where it’s hard, there will also be results. So, I believe in the best and move towards my goal.I also face the need to put a lot of effort into advertising so that people understand what my brand is about and what it represents. That’s why I always emphasize that it’s not just clothing, but stylish clothing, beautiful dresses made from high-quality fabric. Yes, that’s important, but I strive to convey something more. And even though not everyone immediately understands it, many do feel it.

Your brand is known for its unique approach to design and clothing production. How do you maintain high quality and creativity in your clothing?

Yes, I’m a very meticulous person; I love everything to be at the highest level, for every stitch in a dress to be perfect, for everything to be as perfect as possible. This is very essential to me, so I always check. If I don’t like something, I send it back to the girls to redo. They already know that I will be checking because it’s important to me that the fabric, threads, and workmanship are of the highest quality.

My creativity lies in the fact that I love creating clothing with its uniqueness so that it stands out from others. I want my clothing to carry a unique value and be remembered as a special signature.

I just immerse myself in the process, and trust myself and my intuition. When things are not done by the standard, not by the plan, but come from the soul, that’s when something that amazes me appears. I feel the mood, go and buy the fabric, it resonates with me. Then I start creating something beautiful from this fabric. I fall in love with the fabric, and we develop a special connection. And then a special dress emerges.

What inspires you to create collections under the ELEN OST brand?

What inspires me most of all is my mood. If I’m not in the right mood, creating something new becomes impossible. We all know that creative people are emotional, their state fluctuates between highs and lows, and this is reflected in their mood. So, I always try to create with a positive mood, on a wave of positive energy. That’s my source of inspiration.

Meditation also inspires me. It helps me dive into the magical world that exists within me. Yoga is another source of inspiration, I adore it. All things beautiful and feminine inspire me. I see something magical, and special in every woman, and I strive for each woman to feel her magnificence.This feminine energy flows through every piece I create. Every cell of this energy is transmitted through the clothing, which makes my brand unique.

Olena, you have received recognition as an international fashion designer. How has this recognition impacted your brand and your career overall?

Of course, it’s very pleasant. It’s always nice when you are recognized and awarded. It gives you inner confidence, and reinforces your self-respect. You feel like you are on the right path, moving in the direction you dreamed of for many years. Even though there were many fears and worries, you decided to overcome them. When you receive such an award, you understand that everything is going exactly as it should.

As for the impact on the brand and career: people begin to trust more, they perceive your brand and your clothing with greater respect. So, recognition is important both for the brand and for life in general.