Olesya Zgonnik
Meet Olesya. Founder of award-winning wellbeing product Cool Flush.
| Current job role | Founder of Cool Flush & Product Experience Designer |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2023 |
| Course of study | BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design |
Life at Herts
Olesya’s experience at Herts played a significant role in shaping her career. Working on a variety of projects allowed her to explore different design approaches, helping her discover her true interests and strengths. This broad exposure enhanced her skills and gave her the confidence to tackle more complex design challenges. The opportunity to engage in various projects provided a solid foundation in human-centred design, which has been invaluable in her role as a Product Experience Designer at Designability.
Olesya says ‘My time at Herts wasn't just about theoretical learning; it was about applying what I learned in a practical context. I developed a strong understanding of design thinking and various research methods, skills that have been crucial in my role as a Product Experience Designer and in daily life too. I found this practical and hands-on approach to learning made these skills transferable and applicable to many areas beyond design’.
Design solution for women’s wellbeing
Olesya’s career is driven by her desire to use design to address some of society’s most complex needs. Olesya’s business Cool Flush is a portable yet fashionable necklace, providing an immediate drug-free cooling at just the push of a single button. The product is designed to helps women manage menopausal symptoms to enhance wellbeing and daily routines.
Olesya says ‘My approach to design is deeply informed by qualitative research, ensuring that my design solutions are genuinely tailored to the needs of women’.
‘My entrepreneurial drive is to make a real difference in people’s lives, and I was delighted to be recognised at the university’s flagship Flare awards in 2024’, The award acknowledged my dedication to human-centred design and leading a project that brings about real-world change. The recognition from the Flare competition, along with the support and feedback I have received from the Flare mentors has fuelled my ambition to develop the product’.
Oleysa’s Advice
Olesya advice for current students is ‘embrace the nonlinear nature of learning and to explore diverse interests. It’s important to stay active, maintain healthy lifestyle, and build strong connections with mentors and peers. These are the habits that I believe are crucial not only for academic success but also for personal and professional growth. I also encourage students to take full advantage of the resources available at Herts, including career and enterprise support services, which played a vital role in my own career development.’