Today we’d like to introduce you to Yulya Butler
Hi Yulya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Origins of My Passion for Fashion Design
The roots of my journey into the world of fashion began in childhood, watching my mother—a skilled seamstress—design and sew custom garments for the women in our town. I remember spending hours playing with fabrics, draping them around myself, and imagining the beautiful clothing they could become. I witnessed my mother transform an idea into a pattern, then into a finished garment, eventually seeing it come to life on the happy faces of her clients. It was in those early years that I first dreamed of becoming a renowned fashion designer, with my creations worn by celebrities around the world.
After earning a degree in linguistics, my passion remained tied to the beauty and fashion industry. I chose to follow my heart and became a makeup artist, leaving my hometown to pursue my career in Moscow. My business grew quickly through word of mouth, and before long, I was the owner of and running a studio with 15 makeup artists and hair stylists, catering exclusively to bridal parties for weddings and pre-wedding photo shoots. As our reputation expanded, we began working with Russian celebrities, musicians, and TV stars, often traveling with the wedding party to special wedding destination sites, such as Lake Como, Italy, and other destinations throughout Europe.
During pre-wedding photo sessions, I introduced the idea of photographing brides in elegant lingerie, but I found that the available lingerie options lacked the class and sophistication I envisioned. This sparked the idea to design my own line of high-end bridal lingerie and sleepwear that captured the essence of elegance, sensuality, and grace. My designs were well-received, and soon I had launched my first collection, which included lingerie, pajamas, resort wear, and exclusive wedding dresses. However, just as my bridal collection began gaining traction, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, temporarily halting the progress of my burgeoning business.
The Birth of ALOIYA
In 2018, I married my husband, an American entrepreneur who had built and sold 13 companies. With his extensive experience in scaling ideas into large international businesses, he became an invaluable partner in my creative journey. We planned to settle in the United States, but due to the long process of securing visas and green cards for myself and my son. Therefore, we spent the next three years traveling the world as we waited for our documents to reside in the USA.
These global travels, combined with my close encounter experiences in nature, interactions with wild life, exploring remote landscapes, and getting to know the cultures of local people inspired me to create a clothing sustainable brand that blended my love for travel with my commitment to using echo friendly fabrics. From this vision, ALOIYA was born.
ALOIYA is a brand for the modern traveler—women who lead active lifestyles, are passionate about exploring the world, and care deeply about preserving nature. Our collections focus on creating clothing that combines comfort, quality, and elegance, using environmentally friendly materials. We specialize in swimwear, resort wear, pajamas, and accessories that offer sophistication and sustainability. Each ALOIYA collection is crafted from unique and limited fabrics, ensuring that our designs remain exclusive and in harmony with nature.
ALOIYA’S debut collection, The Positano, draws inspiration from the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. From the turquoise and royal blue waters of the bays to the fragrant citrus and cedar trees that line the landscape, every piece in the collection evokes the charm and beauty of this iconic destination. The collection is designed for women who appreciate quality and style, offering a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication.
The Positano collection will be available worldwide through ALOIYA’s online store, Amazon, select boutiques, and resort-based shops located in coastal destinations. As we continue to grow, ALOIYA remains committed to producing timeless, sustainable fashion that aligns with our values of exploration, elegance, and environmental responsibility.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Developing ALOIYA
The journey to building ALOIYA has been filled with both excitement and significant challenges. One of the first major hurdles I faced was the transition from Russia to the United States. Due to political tensions between the two countries, I could no longer access the human and technological resources I had come to rely on for production, such as pattern makers, seamstresses, and my established distribution channels. In addition, I lost access to my social media accounts and the follower base I had built in Russia.
Another challenge was the language barrier. While I am fluent in English, I quickly realized that I had to increase my vocabulary to include terminology of specific jargon and slang commonly utilized in the American dialect of English. This was increasingly important in developing and implementing the SEO strategy of my website and other online media.
On a personal level, I was also navigating major changes in my family life. I was thrilled and grateful for the growth of my immediate family, with the addition of my husband and four new children. But any working mother can understand the delicate balance required to be present as a mother while managing the demands of launching and growing a new business. Juggling both roles was quite challenging and required a lot of time, energy, and focus.
Despite these obstacles, I remained focused on my vision for ALOIYA. Every challenge was an opportunity to learn and refine my approach. The lessons I’ve gained from these experiences have only made ALOIYA stronger, and I’m excited for the road ahead.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What I am most proud of is my entrepreneurial spirit and my ability to take an idea and turn it into a reality. ALOIYA is my fourth, and by far, my most exciting venture. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in creating niche businesses that cater to specific markets and meet the unique needs of a defined customer base.
With ALOIYA, I’ve built a brand that is known for its exceptional quality, sustainable fabrics, and impeccable fit. Each piece reflects my dedication to creating something special for women who value both style and environmental responsibility.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up and spent most of my childhood and teenage years at a ski lodge training and competing as a cross-county skier. I learned the values of discipline, the importance of routine, setting goals, and achievement.
Pricing:
- swimwear $50-75 per piece
- dresses $75-120
- accesoriesses $30-70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aloiya.com
- Instagram: aloiya_com
- Facebook: Aloiyastore
Image Credits
Neil Jou Agency
