AMBULANCE MOBILE SISTER

1. How and at what moment did you come up with the idea to start your own business?
The need arose when I found myself as a patient. I broke a toe, which required me to stay at home for two months recovering. I realized how limiting it is when you physically rely on help from neighbors or relatives. Nurses have always been assistants to doctors. According to our law, a nurse has the right to independently open her clinic. I decided to first find a space for the clinic, and then move forward with the idea of providing medical assistance to people.

2. Have you always wanted to be involved in your current line of work?
As a young person, I loved biology. It directed me towards the medical sector and providing healthcare. After years of experience in the public and private healthcare sectors, I started my own business, "Mobile Nurse - Home Health Care Clinic," which provides medical-technical services in people's homes, from birth to old age.

3. What are you proud of in your business?
I am very proud that "Mobile Nurse" has become synonymous with "home care" for many citizens of Belgrade. For nine years, we've been providing high-quality medical services quickly or at times most needed by patients. Satisfied patients who consistently return to us are our greatest pride, as well as their recommendations to others.

4. What is the secret of your success?
The secret to my success is perseverance, overcoming the fears that come with entrepreneurship, and the desire for continuous improvement and new knowledge.

5. How understanding has your environment been, and who has been your biggest support?
My transition to the private sector had two phases: transitioning from the public sector to working in a private hospital and, after more than a decade, transitioning to entrepreneurship. When I started my own business, I didn't receive particular support from my environment. People found it very unusual at that time for someone to leave a "secure" job (a director's position) to enter the uncertain waters of entrepreneurship, which bring a lot of unpredictability, unknowns, and hard work. However, that didn't stop me from starting my own business because I recognized an unmet demand in the market for professional home health care services. I was confident that my knowledge and long-term experience were enough to lead me to entrepreneurial success.

6. What is your guiding motto?
The motto of my company is: "If you can't come to us, the Mobile Nurse comes to you!" because the patient is always our top priority.

7. Do you have role models that have motivated or continue to motivate you in your work?
One of my role models was my dear friend, an anesthesiologist, Dr. Gordana Roknić. She was a woman and a lady who was an example to me in every sense, both in business and in private. Unfortunately, she passed away last year.

8. What have you had to sacrifice?
In the beginning, it was difficult because in the company, you're everything: a nurse-operator in the field, a financial and marketing manager, a director, and an owner. I had to sacrifice most of my free time. An entrepreneur, during the founding period of their company, almost doesn't have defined working hours. But when you work three shifts, it has to yield good results. As the business grows, you can delegate responsibilities and tasks to associates. Meanwhile, you sleep less, rest less, and work more.

9. What has driven you forward, and how did you motivate yourself during tough times?
I started working at a very young age, and by the age of 26, I reached the position of head nurse. By the age of 47, I had amassed 13 years of service in a public hospital and another 13 in a private one. At that point, I decided that I didn't want to work for others until retirement. I believed that, with my accumulated knowledge and experience, by opening the "Mobile Nurse Home Health Care Clinic," I could further help the people who need me. Selfless dedication, expertise, and success undoubtedly contribute to healing. As an entrepreneur, I can use my extensive experience and knowledge to serve the sick. Helping those in critical need always motivates me to keep going. Additionally, medicine and entrepreneurship require continuous investment in knowledge and personal development. We haven't encountered tough times; we continuously and diligently worked on growth and development.

10. Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than be employed in a company?
Being an entrepreneur primarily means being your boss. Through entrepreneurship, you fulfill your dreams and turn your ideas into reality instead of spending 8 hours a day for most of the week working to achieve someone else's dreams. Additionally, entrepreneurship in many sectors offers the potential for greater financial benefits resulting from the greater effort and hard work invested. As a female entrepreneur, you are also a positive example for other women who often fear venturing into entrepreneurship.

11. How would you advise new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself?
I advise new female entrepreneurs to empower themselves, educate themselves as much as possible, and gather information from all available sources. Today, there are many free educational programs, support initiatives, and training for young female entrepreneurs organized by the government and other non-governmental organizations promoting the growth of female entrepreneurship. The education doesn't stop when you start a company; then you must continue to stay abreast of innovations and market changes. Basic knowledge of entrepreneurship and marketing is essential because even the most fantastic idea can fail if it's not presented properly to the target audience.

12. On a scale from 1 to 10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia?
Being an entrepreneur, male or female, is always challenging, around 9 or 10. In our country, the importance of entrepreneurship is slowly being recognized, and programs are being established to promote and expand entrepreneurship. Small businesses form the backbone of any economy and must be recognized as such. The most challenging part for female entrepreneurs is balancing business and personal life, especially when the business demands most of your time. Therefore, support and help from family and the environment are essential because, ultimately, the entrepreneurial success of one family member will bring benefits and a better quality of life to the entire family.

13. When you're a woman in the business world, how common are inappropriate offers?
Meeting and networking with new people are integral parts of entrepreneurship. I enjoy connecting with other entrepreneurs and exploring new business opportunities. Fortunately, I haven't received inappropriate offers as a woman, even after meeting many successful individuals at various conferences and B2B meetings.

14. Where do you see yourself exactly in 5 years?
In retirement, taking care of my two grandchildren from my daughter because I made the cardinal mistake of moving across from her, so the grandchildren will easily learn where grandma lives. 😊