PIZZERIA OKO

How and at what moment did you come up with the idea to start your own business?
When I finished high school, I got a job at a car salon, as that's my great passion. However, given that the automotive industry in Serbia isn't developed enough, I decided to follow in my father's footsteps and open a local cafe. From this perspective, I'm certain I made the right decision.

Have you always wanted to be involved in your current activity?
Yes. Since I've spent my whole life in a 'tavern,' when the time came to choose what I'd do, I didn't have many doubts. I was sure that hospitality was what I wanted.

What are you proud of in your business?
I'm proud that I've never allowed others' opinions to influence my stance and decisions because I've always stuck to my principles. Specifically concerning running the business and the cafe, what I'm most proud of is having almost 90% of regular customers who have been coming since the cafe opened in 2018. One of the initial comments was about the friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

What is the secret to your success? (List three attributes, behaviors, beliefs, or abilities)
Responsibility, the belief that everything is possible if you want it enough, and the ability to find the best and most efficient solution in every situation.

How supportive has your environment been, and who has been your greatest support?
My greatest support has always been my dad, who always understands me, advises me, and even when I make mistakes, guides me in the right direction. In terms of work, there's no one else who could offer better advice and steer me where I need to go.

What is your guiding principle?
Never give up. It's a phrase I repeat to myself every time I feel that something isn't going as planned or as I envisioned.

Do you have role models that have motivated or continue to motivate you to work further?
Once again, I go back to the previous question; the only role model I have, and will always have, is my dad. For me, there's no better motivation than seeing him, at 55 years old, waking up at 6 am with the same energy, coming to the cafe in the morning to have coffee with me, and then continuing with his responsibilities.

What have you had to sacrifice?
Since I started working at 18, I didn't have time for outings, coffee meetings, etc. Essentially, I don't consider it a significant sacrifice because I always had a clear goal I was working towards.

What drove you forward and how did you motivate yourself during tough times?
I've been driven and continue to be driven by the desire to progress, to strive to take the business to a higher level, and to think about the next step and business move.

Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than employed in a company?
I believe being your own boss is invaluable because then you have the opportunity to build yourself, organize your own time, and allocate tasks. Employment in a company where you can progress can serve as a stepping stone for developing your own business. Personally, I think it's always better, as I mentioned, to be 'your own boss.'

How would you advise new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself?
It's essential to focus on moving forward and not pay attention to the comments around you. The most important thing is to have a clear goal and relentlessly pursue it despite obstacles.

On a scale of 1-10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia (or in a 'male-dominated industry')?
Let's say 9. It's challenging because unfortunately, we still live in a country where it's mostly assumed that women should stay at home and be homemakers. I disagree with that because I believe women can often handle situations better than men, and there are women who don't want to depend on others but want to earn and make their own living.

In the business world as a woman, how common are inappropriate offers?
Personally, I haven't encountered such situations so far, but I think it depends on personality and attitude to some extent.

Where exactly do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'd like to still have the cafe, but in addition to that, I hope in the next 5 years I'll be able to open my own restaurant.