BALLET STUDIO RUZICA

1. How and at what moment did you come up with the idea to start your business?
Towards the end of studying law at the University of Belgrade in 1987-1988.

2. Have you always wanted to be involved in your current activity?
That desire existed within me for a long time; the idea was born out of love for children and ballet, and it has been going on for 36 years now.

3. What are you proud of in your business?
I am proud that my students stay in my studio for a long time—three, five, or more years...

4. What is the secret of your success? (List three qualities, behaviors, beliefs, or abilities)
Imagination, consistency, and patience.

5. How understanding was your environment, and who was your biggest support?
My family and my ballet teachers were my greatest support. The wider community didn't quite understand back in 1988.

6. What is your guiding principle?
Investing in children (in their schooling and education) is a sure path to a healthy society.

7. Do you have role models that have motivated or continue to motivate you for further work?
Walt Disney.

8. What have you had to give up?
I don't think of them as sacrifices; I believe it was my choice, what I wanted. Without investing in oneself, there is no success.

9. What propelled you forward, and how did you motivate yourself during tough times?
Tough times are merely tests you face, learn from, and move forward as long as you have the strength to fight. Children are always my motivation.

10. Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than be employed in a company?
Because that way, she can organize her own time and life and not depend too much on others. As a woman, you're always divided between being a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and work.

11. How would you advise new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself?
To be brave, not to give up on their dreams, to view obstacles as something to overcome and strengthen themselves.

12. On a scale of 1-10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia? (or to be in a "male-dominated" field)
It's always a challenge (an 8 on the scale), regardless of the job, as there's always a certain level of mistrust towards women, thinking they might not persist due to all the other things that are part of their lives (especially motherhood).

13. When you're a woman in the business world, how common are indecent proposals?
During my time in the business and when I started, they were common. I believe it hasn't changed much even today.

14. Where do you exactly see yourself in 5 years?
In retirement, as a supervisor who has handed over the reins to a younger woman willing to combine my experience with her youth and enthusiasm for wonderful work with children (music, movement, and imagination can do wonders!).