In the vibrant city of Antwerp, nestled among its charming shops, lies Objekty, a unique Ukrainian store that has become a beacon of cultural exchange and entrepreneurship. Founded by Oksana Senyczak, the shop offers a rich collection of Ukrainian home decor and handcrafted items.
In an exclusive interview with EU Today, Oksana shared the journey of her business and the profound impact it has had on the local community and beyond.
The Genesis of Objekty
Objekty is not just a new venture; it represents a culmination of five years of hard work and passion. Oksana recounted the early days when she started with a small popup in November 2018.
“”I wanted to see how people would react to Ukrainian home decor,” she explained.
Encouraged by her sister Nadia, who urged her to stop talking and start doing, Oksana embarked on her entrepreneurial journey.
Initially, the store focused solely on home decor.
“The idea was to sell something made in Ukraine, to show Belgian customers something different from what they were used to hearing in the news,” she said.
With the support of her family, including her husband Ihor and her brother Andriy, Oksana transitioned from popups to a permanent store in March 2019.
Challenges and Resilience
Like many small businesses, Objekty faced significant challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 tested Oksana’s resilience.
Despite the difficulties, she managed to navigate through the tough times. “It was not easy, but I struggled through,” she admitted.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 added another layer of complexity. The war had a profound personal impact on Oksana, as her sister Nadia passed away during this tumultuous period in January 2020.
Despite these hardships, Oksana’s commitment to her business and her community remained unwavering. “These five years taught me a lot. I met wonderful people in Ukraine and Belgium, and I learned to persevere through difficult times,” she reflected.
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Oksana’s personal history is deeply intertwined with the Ukrainian community in Belgium. Although she did not grow up in Antwerp, her family roots trace back to the eastern part of Belgium, where her parents settled after World War II. “They came to Belgium from DP camps in Germany and worked in the coal mines to earn their residence permits,” she shared.
This rich cultural heritage influenced Oksana’s desire to maintain and promote Ukrainian traditions.
The Ukrainian community in Antwerp, though relatively young, is vibrant and active. “Since the Maidan Revolution and especially after the full-scale invasion, the community has become even more active,” Oksana noted.
The store has become a hub for cultural exchange, showcasing Ukrainian crafts and fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s rich traditions.
Showcasing Ukrainian Craftsmanship
Objekty is more than just a shop; it is a showcase of Ukrainian craftsmanship. From ceramics to wooden boards and intricate textiles, each item tells a story of resilience and creativity.
“I’ve been working with some of these crafters for five years,” Oksana said, highlighting her long-standing relationships with Ukrainian artisans.
One such brand is located near the Russian border in Sumy in eastern Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war, the company, now run by women as the men have gone to defend the country, continues to produce beautiful wooden items.
“It’s incredible how they manage to keep working under such difficult conditions,” Oksana remarked, emphasising the importance of supporting these artisans.
Building Bridges
Oksana’s vision for Objekty goes beyond commerce; it is about building bridges between cultures.
“I started Objekty to reach the Belgian customer, to show something beautiful from Ukraine,” she explained.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a growing number of both Belgian and Ukrainian customers appreciating the unique offerings.
The shop also features a café, providing a cozy space for visitors to enjoy Ukrainian wines, beers, and desserts.
“It’s not just a store; it’s a place where people can learn about Ukrainian culture in a relaxed atmosphere,” Oksana said.
The café also serves as a venue for cultural events, discussions, and exhibitions, further enriching the cultural tapestry of Antwerp.
Looking Ahead
As Ukraine moves towards EU accession, Oksana sees a bright future for Ukrainian businesses in Europe.
“Ukrainians are integrating well because they have a similar mentality to Belgians, which helps,” she noted. Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: “If you have questions, ask. If I can help, I will.”
Objekty stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian artisans and the power of cultural exchange. In the heart of Antwerp, Oksana Senyczak continues to shine a light on Ukraine, one handcrafted item at a time.
Objekty store is located at:
Anselmostraat 13
2018 Antwerp
Belgium
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday from 12:00 to 18:00
Web shop: https://objekty-design.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/objekty/
Contact: oksana-sen@outlook.com
Read also:
Alexander Kudriavchenko & Irene Ku, 2 Ukrainian artists exhibit in Mechelen, Belgium
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