Alexander Horondi: From Homeless to Successful Designer

*At just 26 years old, Alexander Horondi, the owner of the Horondi brand specializing in bags and backpacks, has lived an extraordinary life. Nine years ago, Alexander was a homeless 17-year-old with a two-year suspended sentence for theft and contemplating suicide. Against all odds, he found the strength to change his life and become an inspiration to others.**

Childhood and Troubles

Born and raised in Mukachevo, Alexander grew up in a fatherless household with his mother and younger brother. Despite being a promising student, by the sixth grade, he had fallen into a bad crowd. Essentially, it was a gang with its own hierarchy, where younger members were tasked with bringing money—often stolen—for their older peers. Leaving the gang wasn’t an option without facing severe repercussions. After being caught stealing, Alexander received a suspended sentence and decided it was time to escape. He boarded a train and ended up in Lviv without any specific plan.

Life on the Streets

Alexander’s decision to flee may not have been the wisest, but he feared retaliation from his former gang. In Lviv, his fear and lack of local language skills kept him from seeking work. Homeless, he initially slept outside during warmer months and later found shelter in an abandoned building near the railway station. His luck changed on December 19, the Feast of St. Nicholas, when he discovered the “Dom” (“Home”) community, part of the international Emmaus movement that aids the homeless.

Joining “Dom”

Dom” provided Alexander with food, shelter, and work, provided he avoided drugs and alcohol—rules he had no trouble following. His first job was clearing snow. Fortunately, Alexander had only been homeless for three months, avoiding the long-term social isolation that often plagues the homeless. With the community’s psychological support, he began to open up and grow as a person.

Alexander worked in various roles within the community, including moving services and a social store. Later, he found a job with a private entrepreneur, earning his first honest wages. These experiences gradually helped him reintegrate into society.

Building a Career

Leaving the comfort of “Dom” was a major step forward for Alexander. With the community’s support, he rented a room in a hostel where he also set up a small workshop for upholstering furniture. Despite initial setbacks in his attempt to design clothing, a chance experiment with sewing a backpack led to a breakthrough. His first batch of 10 backpacks sold out immediately, inspiring him to focus on this niche. Two years later, a grant enabled him to invest in professional sewing equipment.

Horondi Brand and Beyond

Today, Alexander is the proud owner of the Horondi brand, known for its unique and practical designs. Despite his success, his ultimate goal is to open another “Dom” community in a different city to support others like himself. His journey from the streets to success is a testament to resilience and the power of second chances.

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