By Sophie Swain
A mum from Ukraine whose shop was destroyed during her country’s invasion by Russia opened a new curtain shop on Tulketh Street in Southport town centre.
Liudmyla Redka, 39, moved to Southport two years ago with her 15-year-old daughter after Russian soldiers occupied their town.
She has been in the curtain and fabric business for 13 years and used to own a shop in her Ukrainian home however, one day she came back and her shop was burnt to the ground.
The talented mum-of-one has now opened Curtains & More at 66 Tulketh Street and loves living in Southport.
She said: “It was horrible. All my stuff had gone and the Russian soldiers had occupied my town.
“That’s when I decided to leave with my daughter, it’s still a very dangerous place.”
Liudmyla decided to set up a new shop called Curtains and More, in Southport town centre, as her favourite thing is working with fabrics and curtains.
She said: “When I first came to Southport, I was in different jobs like cleaning but I knew I wanted to work with fabrics and curtains again, it’s my favourite thing.”
She was supported through Sefton@Work, a team which offers free advice and guidance on all aspects of jobs, education and training.
Ukrainian curtain maker Liudmyla Redka has set up a new shop on Tulketh Street in Southport town centre.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
They helped her set up the business, register as self-employed and gave her a job coach.
Liudmyla was able to open the shop on 1st April 2024 and has already made a few curtains, working on her own, six days a week.
She said: “The people are amazing and so kind.
“Customers who have already picked up their orders still come in to say hello.
“I hope it will get better and better.”
Everyone is welcome in her store, she can do alterations – not just to curtains but dresses too – repairs and make ‘made to order’ materials.
In the future she plans to get more suppliers, so customers can have more choice of fabrics.
She said: “I have taken courses about types of English curtains and special linings. I have noticed people in Ukraine prefer different styles, such as full-length curtains.
“I don’t want to stop, I want to keep improving.”
Liudmyla enjoys living in Southport because of the friendly people and how quiet it is. She told us she is still learning to improve her English and her daughter is enjoying school.
Curtains and More is based at 66 Tulketh Street, Southport, PR8 1BX and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Call 07565733067.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: [email protected]
