Your CHACHKI suppliers: Olga, Natasha and Slava
Sharing Our Culture in a Time of Crisis
The Spark
When the full-scale war in Ukraine began, the outpouring of support from the American community was immediate and overwhelming. For founders Olga and Natasha, who had already been living in the US for over a decade, witnessing this generous spirit was deeply moving. However, they felt a strong desire to do something more meaningful than simply organizing another traditional fundraiser. They wanted to connect with their American neighbors not just through words, but by introducing them to the vibrant, beautiful world of Ukrainian craftsmanship.
Driven by this vision, Olga and Natasha pooled their own funds and ordered a small batch of goods from the very same Ukrainian vendors they personally loved and shopped with. That initial leap of faith was how Chachki Shop was born. Shortly after, Slava joined the team to help carry the vision forward. Together, the three founders established UA DNA, a volunteer-led organization based in Wake Forest, NC. Chachki Shop operates as the retail storefront for UA DNA, functioning entirely as a nonprofit shop—meaning it exists solely to fund a mission rather than to generate private profit.
Crafting Hope
Our Mission and Growing Community
Today, Chachki Shop is a bridge between talented creators and a compassionate community. We consistently feature the works of over ten Ukrainian artists, showcasing unique jewelry, intricate pottery, and beautiful fashion items. By purchasing these goods, we are directly helping these artists sustain their livelihoods during unimaginable hardships. The proceeds from our shop are then channeled into trusted projects across Ukraine, where we personally know the people involved and exactly how the funds are utilized. So far, this initiative has helped provide lifesaving medical supplies, generators for families without power, humanitarian aid for the frontlines, and rebuilding assistance for war-damaged homes.
Along this journey, a beautiful and unexpected phenomenon has taken root. As our mission grew, friends from both the local Ukrainian community and our American neighbors began creating and donating their own handmade products for us to sell. Now, our shelves proudly display a blend of Ukrainian and American artistry, a profound symbol of the unity and shared humanity we all need in times like these.
Throughout the year, we take our mission on the road, participating in about seven pop-up markets. Our most significant event is the St. Nicholas European Christmas Market at the NC Fairgrounds. It is here that our community gathers to raise funds for our largest, most ambitious annual project: building a tiny home for a family displaced by the war. Every piece of art we sell, and every connection we make, brings us one step closer to bringing another family home.
Other Ways to Support
While every purchase at Chachki Shop directly empowers Ukrainian artisans and funds critical relief, you can also support our nonprofit, UA DNA, through direct donations.
Consider becoming a monthly donor. Recurring contributions provide the reliable funding we need to sustain our most vital, ongoing projects—from delivering lifesaving frontline aid to building tiny homes for displaced families.
Whether you shop with us or set up a monthly gift, your generosity brings tangible hope where it is needed most.
