A family of medical workers in Căușeni has established the first enterprise in Moldova that produces down feather duvets. Those who have tested the production enthusiastically recommend it to relatives and friends, as the duvets are ecological, lightweight, and very warm. The business was launched two years ago with the support of the European Union, as part of the Programme "Support to Confidence Building Measures," implemented by UNDP.

Until a few years ago, Petronela and Victor Verejan worked in a private clinic in Russia. They returned to Moldova with the intention of making a living at home and shortly after, they managed to set up a unique business in our country – a workshop that produces duvets from goose down. Currently, four employees work in the small enterprise.

In addition to duvets, the factory produces pillows, wool mattresses, bed linen sets for children and adults, as well as other textile items. Since many people hesitate to part with old duvets inherited from grandparents, the workshop also provides restoration services.

The launch of the business became possible thanks to a European grant awarded through a competition. To obtain the 14,300 euros, the young entrepreneurs went through several competition phases, during which they developed a business plan and assessed potential risks and challenges. At each stage, they were supported and assisted by a mentor, a business administration specialist.

With the grant money, they purchased sewing and overlocking machines, as well as a machine for carding wool, which untangles and cleans fibers. Originally planning to produce wool duvets, the entrepreneurs gradually transitioned to goose down due to its enhanced comfort and warmth, but also because of the challenges faced in obtaining suitable wool in Moldova.

"The difference is in weight - a wool duvet weighs over three and a half kilograms, while a down feather duvet weighs less than 2 kilograms. They are very easy to maintain and do not take up much space. During summer, they can be washed more often, in the washing machine. Otherwise, they need care like any other duvet, being cleaned once a year, after the end of the cold season," says Petronela Verejan.

The family sells their products at fairs and markets, as well as through social media networks, but most recommendations come from former buyers. Clients include families from Chișinău, Soroca, Bălți, Căușeni and last year they received their first international order – a batch of duvets sent to Russia.

They procure the raw materials from Ukraine and Transnistrian region

The equipment for the enterprise was purchased in Russia and the first to test it was Victor Verejan. The goose down raw material is obtained from Ukraine because there is no enterprise in Moldova that processes this type of material. They also source textiles from Ukraine and partially from a specialized factory in Tiraspol, after experimenting with various fabrics from Moldova and abroad. "One of the purposes of this project is to bring the two banks of the Nistru River closer. We can proudly say that we have very good cooperation with our partners in Tiraspol," says Victor Verejan.

The business grows along with the family

Last year, the couple became parents for the second time, and currently, Petronela is on maternity leave. Even so, she manages the business remotely, taking orders by phone and talking to customers, while Victor comes to the factory daily.

Besides this business, the family also operates a laundry and textile cleaning point for clothes, pillows, etc. Their next big dream is to accommodate the two businesses in one location, making it easier to manage and administer. Another plan is to increase production, create new jobs, and expand their product reach worldwide.

"The difficulties do not scare us." 

The Verejan couple acknowledges that it was not easy to decide to return home and start a business. "Many scared us that it is difficult to launch a business in Moldova because of problems with taxes, the state, bureaucracy. Over time, however, you realize that if you work with integrity, there's no reason to be afraid," says Petronela Verejan.

The Verejan couple is among the 70 young men and women from both banks of the Nistru River who have obtained European grants of up to 13,500 euros to create or develop a business. Moreover, the young people have also benefited from the services of personal consultants who, for 14 months, have helped them manage their business as efficiently as possible.

The program funded by the European Union, "Support to Confidence Building Measures," implemented by UNDP, contributes to building trust between residents on both banks of the Nistru River by involving representatives from the business community, local communities, and civil society in joint projects for business and social infrastructure development.