Today we’d like to introduce you to Iryna Malook.
Hi Iryna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Iryna Malook. I am 51 years old, originally from Ukraine, and I am the founder of a window design business that I rebuilt from the ground up in the United States.
In Ukraine, I spent 22 years developing a successful curtain and window design salon. I collaborated with architects and worked on both private and government projects, including hotels, resorts, bathhouses, offices, and custom homes. I truly loved my work. For me, beautifully dressed windows complete a home the way a hairstyle completes a woman’s look. They bring harmony, personality, and warmth to a space.
Four years ago, when the war began in my country, my family and I had to leave everything behind to protect our children and ensure their safety. We arrived in America with very little and had to start over completely.
I came here with minimal English. It was frightening and overwhelming at times. I worked in a cleaning company during the day to provide for my family. But I always knew that cleaning was a temporary…. designer is who I am.
In Ukraine, I owned a production workshop where professional seamstresses created our custom drapery. I did not sew myself. But in America, I had to adapt. I began searching for local sewing professionals, building new partnerships, and eventually teaching myself how to sew as well. During the day, I worked cleaning homes, and at night I was sewing, learning, practicing, and improving.
Step by step, I studied the American market: suppliers, materials, client preferences, and design trends. I quickly realized that window treatments here are approached differently than in Europe, and there were moments when I questioned whether there would be demand for the level of detail and softness I love to create.
But I did not give up.
My first large project came through a Ukrainian client who trusted me to design an entire home. From there, word of mouth began to grow. With every project, my professionalism increased. Today, I create a variety of custom window treatment models and continue expanding my skills with every installation.
What drives me most is growth. I believe we should never stop developing ourselves. My goal is not only to decorate windows, but to bring comfort and beauty into a home.
Starting over at 47 in a new country, new language, and new system was not easy. But resilience, faith, and hard work have shaped who I am today. I am proud of how far I have come, and I know this is only the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been smooth.
Leaving behind a 22-year business, my home, and my established reputation was deeply painful. In the United States, I had to rebuild not only a business but my identity as a professional.
Language barriers, cultural differences, and starting without connections were major challenges. I worked long days cleaning houses and spent evenings learning new technical skills. There were moments when I questioned whether I could truly rebuild.
But every obstacle strengthened me. I learned patience, adaptability, and perseverance. Those years taught me that setbacks are not endings; they are turning points. Today, I see those struggles as the foundation of my success.
What I am most proud of is not only the beautiful spaces I have created, but the courage to begin again in a new country and continue doing what I love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a window and interior designer specializing in custom drapery, curtains, and personalized window treatments for both residential and commercial spaces.
With more than 22 years of experience, I combine European design sensibility with hands-on craftsmanship. Since moving to the United States, I rebuilt my business from the ground up, developed my own sewing expertise, and built a reliable team to deliver high-quality, custom designs.
What sets me apart is the level of detail and personalization I bring to every project. I do not just decorate windows I create atmosphere. I listen carefully to my clients and design solutions that reflect their personality and lifestyle.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is measured by impact.
It is the moment a client walks into their home and feels comfort, beauty, and joy. It is overcoming challenges without losing passion. It is building something meaningful that improves people’s daily lives.
When my work transforms a house into a place that truly feels like home, that is success.
Pricing:
- Custom drapery and curtains start at $1,200 per room, depending on size, fabric, and complexity of the desig
- Full home window projects (all rooms) typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on scale and materials.
- Additional services, such as installation of advanced curtain rods or motorized shades, are available upon request.
- I work with a variety of curtain rods and mechanisms, including motorized, manual, and specialty track systems for custom designs.
- Additional services include installation of advanced curtain hardware, automated systems, and specialty window treatments.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imdesignerjax?igsh=ZHZzbjF4NTR4YXVl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JuKYFsxfc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
