Anna Shturmak and Nastya Berest from Dnipro were excited to open a shop in Ukraine until the Russian invasion forced them to leave.
This time last year the pair were looking forward to starting a candle-making business in Kyiv, but they had to divert their dream to the UK when the war began.
The pair initially headed to Germany, before coming to the UK and moving in with a host family in West Didsbury who helped them set up their business, VIRA.
Anna and Nastya say they couldn't have done it without the 'warm welcoming and guidance' of their hosts in Manchester, Liz and Matt Neidhardt, who introduced them to all their friends and neighbours after they moved in in May last year.
Anna, 28, told the Manchester Evening News: "It was a very difficult time for us to begin with - especially with English not being our first language. But our English family made us comfortable in this big city, and we have come to love it.
"We spend a lot of time with the family, Liz, Matt and the three kids Grace, Joseph and Patrick. We enjoy holidays and events together, like celebrating Liz and Matt's anniversary, they include us and make us feel involved in their lives - we can't repay them enough for their huge support."
VIRA sells a range of candles made from soy wax a with wooden wick - all natural and vegan ingredients, with packaging made from recycled materials. The candles can be ordered online via the VIRA website.
Since they started trading in late 2022, they have had scores of orders. "We are overwhelmed with the support from everyone," Anna said. "We didn't think making the business here would be possible, but through the overwhelming support from the Neidhardt family and all our new friends, we made it work.
"We want to make a high standard product that adds appeal to homes. And since we handmake the products which can take several hours to finish, we really make them with care and quality."
Anna and Nastya celebrated orthodox Christmas on January 7, as did many other Ukrainian residents in the UK, having spent the festive period cooking and celebrating with the Neidhardt family.
"It's exciting to be experiencing two Christmases here," Anna added, "We do miss our families deeply, and it makes me grateful that we have one another during this time."
Anna and Nastya now hope to develop a Valentine's Day collection, with another collection potentially following in March.
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