How I Built a Tobacco Factory from Scratch and Entered the US and European Markets

One of the most interesting projects in my career was the creation and launch of a licensed hookah tobacco factory. It was a challenging but incredibly inspiring journey.

Here’s What I Achieved in 2 Years:

🔧 Obtained a state license to produce tobacco products.
📦 Built a full production cycle, including own quality control laboratory.
🌍 Organized product exports to international markets, including the US and Europe.

The process started at the end of 2019. We began with an ambitious plan — to create the first licensed factory in Ukraine that would operate according to international standards and produce a premium product.

But reality quickly showed that the road wouldn’t be easy.

📌 2020: The licensing and excise approval process coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Government agencies slowed down, and raw material deliveries became impossible. The production launch process was delayed and postponed.

📌 2021: After obtaining the excise and production licenses, I faced numerous inspections from the tax authorities and various other institutions. I also encountered internal team issues. There were betrayals from partners and employees. Some left at the most inconvenient moments. Despite all the checks and delays, I kept moving forward and believed that success was achievable.

📌 February 2022: War. The tobacco raw materials arrived at customs on the night of February 22 and got stuck there for six months. Production stopped. People scattered. But I didn’t give up.

On this journey, I have faced everything:
❌ Covid-19 pandemic.
❌ Defective supplies from contractors.
❌ Delays in market entry due to bureaucracy.
❌ Inspections from tax and regulatory authorities.
❌ Betrayal and deceit.
❌ War.

Key Takeaway:
Every crisis is a test of strength. If you keep moving forward, even when everything around you is falling apart, success becomes inevitable.