Your Interview Maryana Popyk

Introduce yourself (name, company, position, country) and tell us how you got into lighting design (including education/qualifications).

My name is Maryana Popyk, and I am the founder of a Ukrainian manufacturing company specializing in lighting equipment and interior design products. At the same time, I am a mother of two wonderful daughters, Zlatka and Bohdanka, who inspire me every day. My life revolves around light in all its forms, from the warmth of family to cutting-edge innovations. Our product range includes over 300 lighting models designed for commercial and logistics centers, administrative buildings, street lighting, residential spaces, as well as specialized lighting solutions for medical institutions, educational facilities, and even bomb shelters.

My journey into lighting was quite accidental. We were among the first in Ukraine to import LED fixtures from China. However, the quality of these products often left much to be desired, and as we had warranty obligations to our customers, we initially established a service center for repairs and pre-sale inspections. Over time, we realized that we could manufacture certain lighting models ourselves. We acquired the necessary equipment and launched our first line of linear aluminum profile fixtures. We then expanded into more complex designs, such as square MG SHADOW, triangular MG ARROW, and hexagonal MG SIDE. Step by step, we scaled production, adopted new technologies, continuously expanded our product range, and refined quality. Today, in addition to serial models, we produce custom-designed lighting solutions tailored to our clients' specifications and even offer private-label production.

Tell us about your work – is there a specific type of project you like to work on or an area you specialise in and why?

My work is more than just business—it is a mission. I focus on developing our company, setting strategic goals, and addressing the challenges brought about by the war. We take pride in having established our own R&D center, where we develop unique lighting models and integrate innovative technologies. One notable example is our hybrid street lighting system, which operates on battery power at night and charges via solar panels during the day. If solar energy is insufficient, these fixtures can seamlessly switch to the power grid. This product was developed in response to Ukraine’s ongoing energy crisis, aiming to reduce peak-hour electricity consumption while ensuring safe and comfortable public lighting. Our goal is to make it known worldwide that Ukraine produces stylish, high-quality, and innovative lighting solutions that meet the needs of modern times. Every day, we work to assure international partners of the safety and reliability of doing business with us. We have signed an agreement with ECA, providing financial security for our foreign partners without requiring prepayments.

What project are you most proud of and why?

We take pride in every project we undertake. Each one carries a part of our soul, and we always strive for excellence. Our clients include leading companies such as Raiffeisen Bank, Ukraine’s largest online retailer Rozetka, the Epicenter DIY hypermarket chain, and shopping malls across Ukraine and abroad.

Some of our most meaningful projects were implemented during the war. We understood that proper lighting could save lives, particularly in hospitals, schools, and bomb shelters. Imagine a basement where children, the elderly, and families seek refuge. Light in such spaces is not just about convenience—it is about psychological comfort, mobility, and a sense of security.

What is the biggest challenge that you have overcome in your career?

The greatest and most difficult challenge for us has been the war. Our primary task was to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees and partners. From the first days of the war, we established a coordination center to help our team members and their families find shelter. Our offices and homes became temporary refuges. The next challenge was maintaining production, preserving our workforce, reestablishing supply chains, finding new partners (as some of our suppliers' factories were destroyed), and fulfilling our commitments. Despite these difficulties, we managed to complete all pre-war orders by April 2022, thanks to our resilient team.

It was heartbreaking to call clients and find out they were no longer alive. In such cases, we refunded payments and provided additional support to their families from our special funds.

Supporting Ukrainian manufacturers is more than just choosing a quality product—it is a direct contribution to our victory. Battles are won by soldiers, but wars are won by economies. Every order placed with a Ukrainian company translates into tax revenue, job creation, and financial stability for hundreds of families. Moreover, we allocate a portion of our profits to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

During the war, we have sent dozens of vehicles to the front, provided tons of humanitarian aid, and funded the purchase of essential equipment for our defenders. We do not help because we can; we help because it is our duty. If you are reading this interview and want to support Ukraine, choose Ukrainian-made products, share our story, and promote Ukrainian brands in your country. This is how you can contribute to the fight for freedom.

How does light inspire you?

Light is like my third child. It is not just a physical phenomenon but an emotion, a source of comfort and security. It has the power to transform spaces and enhance people's well-being. I am fascinated by how lighting influences mood, productivity, and ambiance. Seeing our fixtures brighten up modern interiors or save lives in operating rooms is the greatest motivation.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

Never be afraid to dream! As Winston Churchill once said, “Never, never, never give up."” Through our work, we bring light and goodness into the world. And light created by women carries a special magic—it embodies aesthetics, functionality, and soul.