Age: 29
Education: Philology, journalism, Taras Shevchenko National University
Profession: Founder of Guzema Fine Jewelry
Did you know? Despite her busy schedule, she makes time for learning French and attending piano and ballroom dancing classes.
Valeriya Guzema had a long and thorny path on the way to establishing her own jewelry brand. When she finally saved up enough money and created her first collection, the precious pieces got stolen.
But Guzema did not give up. Now, over four years later, Guzema Fine Jewelry is among the best-known brands in Ukraine and a holder of two Elle Style Awards.
Ukrainian celebrities such as the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest Jamala, TV host Kateryna Osadcha and pop singer NK are among the brand’s fans, along with Canadian-American actress Kim Cattrall, who was spotted wearing golden rings from Guzema.
In 2019, Guzema added another celebrity to her customer list when she designed earrings for Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska that she wore for the inauguration of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“I had no expectations, but I was sincerely doing what I really loved,” Guzema told the Kyiv Post.
Guzema grew up in Chernihiv, a city of 280,000 people some 140 kilometers northeast of Kyiv, but moved to the capital to study philology and later journalism.
Guzema has always been passionate about fashion. Before establishing her brand, she worked for Elle Ukraine magazine and HD Fashion TV channel.
But nothing excited her more than jewelry, so, in 2015, she decided to get into the business. At the time, she had only $500 in savings, a ridiculously inadequate sum. The start-up capital came from an unexpected source. Guzema’s mother gave her golden dental crowns that belonged to her grandfather. After selling them, Guzema had enough to create her first pieces.
Even though the first collection was stolen, she kept her spirits up. In March 2016, she founded Guzema Fine Jewelry. Since then, Guzema has created nearly 19 collections and opened a store in Kyiv.
Guzema designs all the jewelry herself. Minimalist, chic and stylish, the pieces are made to emphasize a woman’s beauty, but not overshadow it. The brand offers a variety of thin-band or massive rings with or without gems, earrings, embellished anklets, necklaces, chokers and more.
But helping others is also on her mind.
In 2017, she launched a charity project “Charity Chain” with Maria Yefrosinina, a television presenter and human rights advocate. Guzema created a necklace with five pendants on it, all adorned with words such as love, believe, pray, share and help. Each necklace costs $475.
The money is donated to Tvoya Opora charitable foundation, which helps children with congenital heart conditions. The project has raised over $140,000, paying the cost of vital surgeries for 71 children.
The designer also cooperates with the “I Can” project launched by the Olena Pinchuk Foundation, where she mentors aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Guzema has big dreams for her brand to enter the international market. But she plans to keep doing good in Ukraine.
