From Refugee to Retail Success: Ukrainian Entrepreneur Builds Thriving Judaica Store in the U.S.
When the war in Ukraine began, thousands were forced to leave their homes in search of safety. Among them was Maryna Shatashvili, a talented artisan and mother who fled to the United States with her family. What followed was not just a story of survival, but one of resilience, creativity, and business success.
A New Beginning from the Ashes of War
Back in Ukraine, Maryna had a small sewing business and a deep connection to her Jewish roots. She handcrafted kippahs and other Judaica items for local synagogues and families. Her work combined tradition with quality, something that earned her respect in her community.
When the war escalated, Maryna and her children left everything behind. But she didn’t leave her skills or passion. Settling in New Jersey, she quickly realized there was demand in the U.S. for meaningful, well-made Judaica that didn’t look mass-produced.
Building Judaica.City
Maryna launched Judaica.City, an online store that specializes in high-quality Jewish ritual items. The heart of the store is its wide selection of custom kippahs and yarmulkes, available in various fabrics, sizes, and colors.
Unlike many mass-market retailers, Maryna offers:
· No minimum order quantities
· Fast turnaround for urgent orders (sometimes under 3 weeks)
· Personalized designs for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and holidays
Her production remains partially in Ukraine, allowing her to support fellow artisans back home while providing unique products for customers worldwide. Explore the collection here: Custom Kippahs & Yarmulkes
A Community-Driven Brand
Maryna’s first clients were members of her local Jewish community in New Jersey. What started with a few orders quickly grew as word-of-mouth spread. Today, children in local Jewish schools wear her kippahs, and synagogues across the U.S. place custom orders for their congregations.
Her dedication to quality and meaning has made Judaica.City more than a store — it’s a story of cultural pride and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
Maryna continues to grow her brand while balancing family life. She’s now collaborating with other artisans to expand her offerings — including leather tefillin bags and personalized challah covers.
In a time when so many stories from Ukraine are marked by loss, Maryna’s journey is a reminder of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. And for families seeking Jewish ritual items with heart and authenticity, her store is a trusted destination.