In the profit-driven world of fast fashion, Victor Lytvinenko chose to take the road less traveled. It wasn't the easy path or the fast one, but a deep desire to make something real, something that disrupted the status quo, pushed him forward.    

From woodworking to making wine in his mom's garage, Victor knew he had to find his passion. But it wasn't enough to simply create something; the brand had to be radically transparent with uncompromising craftsmanship while refusing to abandon local manufacturing.  

And Victor stuck to these pillars, even when it hurt. His secret? "It wasn't obsession," he says, "It was curiosity." A curiosity that drove him to think outside the box and embrace the power of staying small, which, as you'll learn, became a bold move that would change everything.  

This is the story of how Victor built a denim brand that utilizes locally sourced North Carolinian fabric while embracing its role as a small business that supports the local community and embodies the American ideals of innovation, resiliency, and hard work. 

If you love hearing inspirational stories of everyday men and women who personify the American spirit of resiliency, self-reliance, and disruption, you'll want to check out the Freedom & Glory Podcast. Each episode highlights individuals who aren't afraid to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams, proving that it only takes a small spark to create a fire of change. Listen to Victor's full story now on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform.  

The Raleigh Denim Philosophy 

Raleigh Denim Workshop is an enterprise like no other. Equal parts passion project and creative expression, each pair of jeans is as unique as the jeansmith who made it. For the Raleigh Denim team, it isn't about pumping out products just to turn a profit; it's about creating jeans that are impossible to mass-produce. And you can see that quality in the details. But what else would you expect from a brand that's built on the American dream? Raleigh Denim is proof of the power of innovation and boldness in the face of the ordinary. 

Curiosity, Not Obsession: Raleigh Denim's Origin Story 

For Victor Lytvinenko, being an entrepreneur came naturally. Growing up, he loved learning, hands-on crafts, and figuring out how things worked. That curiosity would lead him on plenty of adventures, starting with cooking. Victor began at the Second Empire Restaurant in Raleigh under his mentor, Chef Daniel Cher. Being in the kitchen soon became a passion, and he made his way to New York City. With high ambitions, Victor decided to try his hand at one of the most decorated restaurants in the state. He recalls, "I walked into what was then the best restaurant in the city seven years in a row...and thought, I know this, I want to work here."  

After finding success in New York, Victor chose to return to Raleigh following September 11th. He continued working with his mentor, where he developed a love for making wine. During this time, he happened to meet people involved in the denim industry, both from the oldest mill in America and the Levi's factory. Those chance encounters fanned his flame of curiosity, and it wasn't long until Victor set his sights on a new venture: creating quality jeans. 

Quality Jeans: Made in North Carolina 

Victor may not have known anything about making jeans at first, but what he did know was that he only wanted to use materials from his home state of North Carolina.  

He recalls, "We said from the beginning: we're only going to use fabrics from North Carolina. We weren't trying to make things in America—we were trying to make things in North Carolina, using North Carolina materials."  

The problem was he didn't have any sewing experience. So, he got to work with a sewing machine in his apartment, practicing day and night. He also asked for help from others in the industry. These everyday heroes showed Victor the way, allowing him to bring his dream of creating a truly local fashion brand to life. For Victor, "It wasn't obsession, it was curiosity...and that's what really drives everything." 

Overcoming Challenges: One Thread at a Time 

Eventually, sourcing materials from North Carolina, like cotton, became a challenge. The local mill and wash house shut down, and Victor's team had to figure out how to keep the business going without sacrificing their locally-made philosophy.  

When Victor thinks back to this moment, he recalls, "That period hit us hard. It was a real crisis." After some trial and error, they were able to find a solution that still allowed the brand to use American products and finish each pair of jeans in North Carolina. But that wasn't the only challenge they faced. The pressure to grow was taking a toll. "We were trying to become a bigger brand, and honestly, it was really painful. It just wasn't working."  

Finally, enough was enough. Victor let go of the push to become bigger, instead focusing on becoming a better one. He's proud to say, "We found the right balance, the right buoyancy." Now, when Victor tells his story, he's sure to stress the importance of using your curiosity to learn and keep pushing forward. He stresses, "Don't just do two—do three. Do a hundred. Personally, I expect less than a 1% success rate. And those other 99? I don't see them as failures. I see them as education, as learning. As long as you're learning something at every step, it's not failure. It's free education."  

Victor is a shining example of the power of the American spirit of hard work, innovation, disruption, and resiliency. His curiosity and determination led him to create a successful denim company that supports hardworking North Carolinians, perfectly showcasing the American dream. 

Help Carrot-Top Support Local Artisans and Flag Makers 

Like Victor, Carrot-Top believes in the importance of supporting local artisans who create quality goods. He's a shining example of the philosophies embodied by the Freedom & Glory Podcast, using innovation and disruption to accomplish the American dream. Carrot-Top is proud to support hardworking American flag makers by offering top-quality American flags that are proudly made in the U.S.A. Learn more about how flags are made and show your support with Carrot-Top.