First place for kindness, or what impressed us about team “Priana Kazka”

Thanks to its distinctive approach, the "Pryana Kazka" (Spiced Fairytale) team managed to turn the craft art of decorating gingerbread into a powerful instrument of social support. Taking part in the Impactpreneurship 2.0 program became a defining moment for this team from the Zaporizhzhia region: they won first place and secured funding for further development. This is a story of persistent work and a desire to create conditions in which children from vulnerable groups can feel the support they need.

Team captain Daria Holovnia learned about the course by chance, after seeing a promotional post on social media. The idea of combining her favorite pursuit, making craft gingerbread, with a social mission captivated her at once. Daria is the owner of the "Pryana Kazka" craft workshop, and her work has now grown beyond ordinary business. She strives to help children from socially vulnerable groups through creativity.

The team was formed with an eye not only to professional qualities but also to shared values and a belief in the power of social change. "At first, I paid attention to those who had already taken part in social initiatives and had experience working with children." Maryna Dmytrevych and Yuliia Onyshchenko joined "Pryana Kazka." "We don't just work together, we are a team of like-minded people who want to do good," Daria notes.

The team has a clear mission: to help children feel joy, safety, and warmth through creativity. The gingerbread-decorating master classes have become not only a way of learning but also a form of therapy for children. "When we see how eagerly children decorate their first gingerbread, their smiles become our motivation." In addition, the team supports local producers by sourcing ingredients from local farmers.

The project's core values are quality, creativity, social support, an atmosphere of warmth and care, and the preservation of traditions, along with promoting the art of gingerbread decorating as part of Ukrainian culture.

The project's target audience covers several key groups: children and their families in difficult life circumstances, members of the local community who value quality craft goods, and companies and organizations interested in developing social responsibility.

The team understands the importance of adaptability amid today's challenges. If circumstances make in-person master classes impossible, the team is ready to move its activities online. Interactive lesson formats have been developed, and the necessary materials are delivered by mail. The team is ready to cooperate with local schools, children's centers, and charitable organizations. Attention has been paid to expanding their presence on social media. "Understanding the importance of moral well-being in difficult times, we plan to involve psychologists" to support both participants and the team.

The training within the course was an important step. The program helped the team refine its business model and develop its presentation skills. "Thanks to the course, I learned to clearly articulate our value proposition," Daria says. The course mentor became an important source of support. "I really liked how practical the course was", the assignments were geared toward real application.

The team has many plans ahead. They dream of opening a creative center and reaching new cities and regions. "We want 'Pryana Kazka' to become an example of how even a small business can change lives for the better."