YBBP is six months old! Thank you for reading us. We’ve picked out 10 best articles — here are stories that inspire

1. From a Ukrainian startup to the shelves of the largest Canadian and American chains

Ukrainian healthy sweets Bob Snail have become a hit in the Canadian market. After more than ten years of working in international corporations — including Danone, Polpharma, Biocodex, and Biopharma Plasma — Dmytro Shuhaiev ended up in Toronto and headed the Canadian representative office of Bob Snail. In less than two years, the company achieved national distribution in all Canada's provinces and territories, and its products appeared in key Canadian and American chains, including Loblaws, Bulk Barn, Metro, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Dmytro Shuhaiev spoke about Bob Snail's entry into the Canadian market, rapid business scaling, working with national chains, and the skills often lacking in Ukrainian entrepreneurs for working in North America. Interview.

2. From a small workshop in Kyiv to working on major international film projects and an Oscar for technical solutions

Back in 1996, technologies from the Ukrainian company Filmotechnic helped James Cameron film Titanic. In 2007, a Filmotechnic branch appeared in Canada. In the Toronto office, one can see equipment now used worldwide, from Netflix to Warner Bros. Filmotechnic founders Oleksii and Mykyta Zolotarov told YBBP about working in Canada, the differences between the local film industry and the American one, and the role of reputation in this business. Interview.

3. From international logistics and work at the Mariupol sea port to his own floral studio in New York

Ruslan Chyhryn went from event agencies in Ukraine to collaborating with Netflix, Michelin stars, and launching Buzok Flowers in Manhattan. He had long dreamed of working with the Plaza Hotel in New York — a place where contracts with florists are signed for decades. In 2025, Ruslan finally made this dream come true. He spoke about the floral business in the USA, Ukrainian service for American clients, and competition in one of the toughest markets in the world. Interview.

4. From life in provincial Kherson to his own beauty salon in the heart of Manhattan

Leo Hrabko is a fashionable and sought-after hairstylist. But the path to this wasn't easy. He was born in Kherson — a provincial city in southern Ukraine, where it was physically dangerous to be different from others. He arrived in the USA in 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with only a suitcase, ambition, and $10,000. Now his salon, INSTITUT DE BEAUTÉ in New York, is appreciated for incredible service and high, exemplary Ukrainian quality. Leo spoke about his personal and professional journey, launching a business in the world's toughest rhythm, and how Ukrainian masters are changing the perception of the beauty sphere in the USA. Feature story.

5. From three people in a Kyiv apartment to one of the most famous men's clothing brands in Ukraine and beyond

Founded in 2009 by Kateryna Vozianova, the Indposhiv brand has tailored over 12,000 bespoke suits in sixteen years and entered the international market. Indposhiv suits are worn by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, and other famous Ukrainians, and the brand operates between Kyiv, London, and Vienna. Kateryna Vozianova spoke about building a business during the war, working with international clients, and the "Kingsman-style" Indposhiv Bespoke House atelier. Reporting interview.

6. From the first restaurant in Kyiv to a chain in seven countries

Founded in 2013 by Olha Kopylova, Chornomorka began actively developing abroad after Russia's full-scale invasion — new establishments opened in Europe every few weeks. One of the reasons for the brand's success is Olha's sensitive attitude to Black Sea traditions, which she, as a Crimean, tries to preserve in her own business. Kopylova told how the war changed business development plans, how Chornomorkas differ in different countries, and what the restaurant business is like in constant motion. Interview.

7. From bandanas sewn in a kitchen for her own dog to a pet clothing brand sold in 55 countries

Oleksandra Vakarova, together with partner Natalia Pasichnyk, founded Bark&Go — a brand of bright and non-standard overalls for dogs that became popular in Asia. The impetus was the founders' great love for dogs and the desire to turn a hobby into a useful endeavor. Vakarova told why her designs became a hit in South Korea, China, and Japan, and how these markets differ from the American and European ones. Interview.

8. From landscape architecture and random jobs to internationally recognized documentary cinema

Irish director Gar O'Rourke made his first films in Ukraine — from the short film Kachalka to the feature film Sanatorium, which was shown at CPH:DOX in 2025. The film was acquired by BBC Storyville, and Ireland submitted it for an Oscar. Gar O'Rourke spoke about his professional path, filming in Ukraine during the full-scale war, and the common traits of the Irish and Ukrainians. Interview.

9. From medicine in Kyiv to a grueling residency in the suburbs of New York

Ivanka Nebor is a 29-year-old otolaryngologist who combines work in an American hospital with humanitarian missions in Ukraine, during which foreign surgeons reconstruct the faces of wounded soldiers and civilians for free. Ivanka told YBBP about her path in medicine, the competition for a residency spot in the USA, and the INgenius and Face to Face projects. Interview.

10. From decline to new life: how the oldest salt production in Ukraine is seeking a second chance

Lawyer and former serviceman Oleh Petrenko headed the Drohobych Saltworks, improved production, increased revenues, and is launching premium products and tourism projects. He spoke about the path from court defenses to modernizing the enterprise, the prospects of Drohobych salt on the domestic and world markets, and how to preserve a heritage with over a century of history. Feature story.