The Story Behind This Cigar Case Model from the Secret Brotherhood Collection

This model was born during challenging times. In 2022, while many manufacturers were relocating their businesses to Europe, I chose to stay in Ukraine. The war had begun, and mobilization was still largely voluntary, so I decided to remain and keep my workshop and team together. But after June 16, 2024, the situation changed — mobilization became mandatory and enforced, and I could no longer safely visit my own production facility without risking forced conscription into a military system with grim survival odds.

My decision to stay away from war doesn’t make me weak or indifferent. Since childhood, I knew I would never follow the military path like my father or uncle. I respect their choice, but I’ve always felt my mission is to create and build, not to fight. When my university classmates were signing up for military training, I chose another route — pursuing a PhD to focus on research and development. Even today, as my country faces difficult times, I remain true to myself — continuing to work, to create, and to bring value and inspiration through my craft.

It was during this turbulent period, in August 2024, that I received a bulk order request from a cigar club in Dubai. For me, it became a symbolic bridge to a peaceful, free world. The club's CEO personally gathered feedback from other members and passed on a clear vision — they wanted something special: a unique cigar case, crafted to perfection and designed with flawless functionality.

At the same time, I faced another personal challenge — my wife wanted to divorce me. But I didn’t give up. I fought for her heart while simultaneously perfecting the cigar case. It was a time of intense trials, balancing between saving my family, leading my team, and bringing this project to life. In the end, I succeeded.

My production team played a crucial role in this success. They showed incredible resilience and dedication, working under difficult circumstances while I could only guide them remotely. I especially want to highlight Tatyana Staroverova, who took on great responsibility and became a reliable force throughout the process. We were also joined by a new team member — designer Vira Bondar — who brought a fresh perspective and helped elevate the visual aspect of the project to a new level.

One of the signature features became the handle. I spent a long time searching for a solution that would be both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical. Eventually, I designed a unique construction inspired by a men's jeans belt — a detail that not only looks sleek but also adds a distinct sense of masculine energy to the piece. This handle reinforces the cigar case’s character, giving it a confident, bold presence while remaining highly functional for everyday use.

The final design you see in the photos is the result of three months of hard work and thirteen prototypes. Throughout this time, members of the cigar club were anxiously awaiting the outcome — and in the end, they received a product that fully met and even exceeded their expectations.

For me, this model is more than just a product — it’s a symbol of resilience, love, and belief in my craft. Even in difficult times, you can create something unique and stay true to who you are.

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