{"id":79172,"date":"2021-10-12T18:39:26","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T15:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eu4moldova.eu\/?p=79172"},"modified":"2022-02-01T01:40:42","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T23:40:42","slug":"toys-of-natural-textiles-are-manufactured-in-ungheni-with-the-financial-support-of-the-european-union","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eu4moldova.eu\/en\/toys-of-natural-textiles-are-manufactured-in-ungheni-with-the-financial-support-of-the-european-union\/","title":{"rendered":"Toys of natural textiles are manufactured in Ungheni, with the financial support of the European Union"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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In Ungheni, in Cristina Lupu\u2019s workshop, future friends of babies and children are crafted. Cristina Lupu, the creator of Bubulino brand, conquers hearts of the children with toys made of natural, hypoallergenic textiles, which may be easily part of a fairytale invented by kids.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, thanks to a European grant, Cristina Lupu buys equipment to develop her business: a zigzag sewing machine, toy filling equipment, specialized furniture, and others necessary for toy manufacturing. Thus, half-automation of the production will be possible, as well as the improvement of quality, development of new toy models and not least \u2013 creation of two new jobs. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grant in the amount of \u20ac18,367 was offered with the financial support of the European Union within the EU4Moldova: Focal regions Programme, implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toys with personality, manufactured of natural textiles <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The elephant was the first toy model manufactured in Cristina Lupu\u2019s workshop. The toy, made of cotton, pleasant to touch, of beige color, catches the eye, with its chic aspect: \u201cOur workshop is the place where we create friends for children. We create personalities with which children will gather memories and live adventures, we create memories for generations.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of developing her own brand came in 2017. At that time Cristina was 25, she was on maternity leave, and she felt the need to create something beautiful and unique. \u201cFor several years my husband and I launched a toy store in Ungheni, and I have taken over the management of the business. As time passed, I understood that I didn\u2019t want to just sell foreign toys, I wanted to create my own, original toys. The market research showed that we had few textile toys made in Moldova: several businesses of handmade toys and for the rest \u2013 a market full of imported products.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cristina Lupu looked for ways to develop her idea and for funding opportunities, she developed a business plan, found a niche on the market and left room for a lot of creativity to bring to life some unique toys. And so, since 2019 she started to manufacture soft toys of natural materials, under the Bubulino brand name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur toys (elephants, bunnies, mice) are made of natural textiles, they are non-allergenic, have clothes with embroideries and detachable accessories\u201d. <\/em>She has always liked handicrafts, but she admits she didn\u2019t dare to pursue this. \u201cI studied journalism at the University, but I always liked handicrafts, and everything related to creativity. Maybe this comes from my family, my grandmother is still sewing national blouses, towels, tablecloths,\u201d <\/em>notesCristina. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toy making requires a lot of patience  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three people work in Cristina\u2019s workshop, but in the future the number of employees will increase to up to five. The entrepreneur says that her main challenge is to find dedicated people with whom she could build a team. \u201cIt is very difficult to find the right people, they should have a lot of patience and dedication. Now the process of filling the toys is manual, it is very meticulous takes a lot of time,\u201d <\/em>the developer of Bubulino explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the grant offered within the EU4Moldova: Focal regions Programme, in the amount of \u20ac18,367, and to her own contribution of \u20ac 2,570, the entrepreneur bought new equipment which will soon be in her shop and will allow her to diversify and half-automatize the production.  \u201cThanks to the EU4Moldova: Focal regions Programm,e we bought a zigzag sewing machine which will allow us to make decorations on the clothes, furniture for the distribution of our toys, maintenance equipment, as well as equipment to fill the toys \u2013 the filling is done manually now, and this is a very thorough process\u201d.<\/em> With these purchases, Cristina Lupu will be able to bring her business to a new level, she will optimize the production process and will enlarge the range of goods.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n