UNDERTAKER AGENCY MILENNIUM

1. How and when did you come up with the idea to start your own business?
The idea for this business arose in the challenging '90s when I was still young and my parents were supporting my education. Unfortunately, they lost their jobs as the companies they worked for went bankrupt. In 2000, my mother started her own company.

2. Have you always wanted to engage in your current line of work?
Considering that I provide funeral services, I must admit that it's hard to find someone in this world who would "dream" of being in this profession.

3. What are you proud of in your business?
I am most proud of our persistent work and knowing that word of mouth is our best advertisement.

4. What is the secret to your success? (List three qualities, behaviors, beliefs, or abilities)
In our business, we are very fast, efficient, and approach each case with a huge amount of empathy. We operate not only in Belgrade but throughout Serbia, Europe, and even provide transoceanic services.

5. How supportive has your environment been, and who has been your greatest support?
Without the support of my loved ones, I wouldn't find satisfaction in any profession. My husband and daughter are my biggest support, along with my brother, who also works in our company.

6. What is your guiding principle?
Always lend a helping hand when you can and have understanding for others' pain and misfortune.

7. Do you have role models that have motivated or continue to motivate you in your work?
My greatest role models are definitely my mother and my late father, who built a business from nothing. This small company continues to thrive, earning respect from over 5000 families we've assisted in saying farewell to their loved ones.

8. What have you had to give up?
Given the nature of the job, you simply have to understand from the beginning that there is no fixed working hours, no holidays, and no weekends. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. It's just the way it is because, just as we don't choose the day we come into this world, we can't know when it will end.

9. What propelled you forward, and how did you stay motivated during tough times?
I believe it's inherent in every human being to fight, persevere, improve, and surpass oneself. I belong to a generation that unfortunately hasn't been spared from challenges, and it seems like nothing will continue to pass us by. You realize that every day you do everything in your power, rely on yourself, don't expect anyone else to do it for you.

10. Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than employed in a company?
Because only by working for oneself can one be truly independent, without uncomfortable situations, and therefore won't have any excuses for any failures.

11. What advice would you give to new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself?
Be prepared for a lot of sacrifices, but also be ready to respect your work. Above all, work with a lot of love. It may be tough at the beginning and often during years of operation, but from experience, you'll always be satisfied in the end because you're independent in both good and bad decisions.

12. On a scale of 1-10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia?
I would give it a 5, hoping that it will become more challenging in the coming years.

13. When you're a woman in the business world, how common are inappropriate offers?
Honestly, I have never had unpleasant experiences. Probably, due to the nature of my work, but I believe that female entrepreneurs in other industries surely encounter unpleasant experiences. I don't know how common it is, but I also believe it depends heavily on the type of business or services they provide.

14. Where exactly do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself still as a funeral director, doing everything to provide space and time for families to mourn their loved ones. I will be there to organize everything down to the smallest detail, allowing them to say a dignified farewell to the "other" world.