Women's entrepreneurship
Dušanka Nedeljković
1. How and when did you come up with the idea to start your business?
In the distant year of 1996, when state-owned enterprises were on the brink of collapse and workers were left to fend for themselves, when overnight they were left on the streets exhausted with minimal personal income, those of us who couldn't bear the shame and humiliation, and who didn't learn to ask our parents to support us as adults, had to face life and start our own path. Private business, but how, where? Those were the questions swirling in my mind. I feverishly sought answers to the questions posed to me. And so, I came up with the idea to open my own construction material depot because I had worked in that field in a state-owned company. It wasn't easy, but you have no choice; you bite the bullet and go for it. That's how I decided; I didn't even think I would be successful and persevere for 27 years and still keep going, always working with the same enthusiasm. Every day except Sunday, happy and cheerful, grateful, happy, and above all, well-off.
2. Have you always wanted to be involved in your current activity?
No, because I am from the generation of the '50s, raised in socialism where state-owned companies were almighty, and private entrepreneurs were humble servants of that society.
3. What are you proud of in your business?
Work and only work.
4. How understanding has your environment been, and who has been your biggest support?
My parents, both my father and mother.
5. What is your guiding sentence?
To be independent and manage your own life.
6. Do you have role models who have motivated or continue to motivate you in your work?
The motivation for work is to remain true to oneself.
7. What did you have to give up?
I haven't given up anything; I enjoy my work and the vacations I can afford.
8. What drove you forward, and how did you stay motivated during tough times?
I simply couldn't bear failure; once you set and establish high criteria, you have to fight, and when you fight, results come, and then you enjoy the laurels. Maybe this might seem little to someone, but it's my happiness because I succeeded and manage my finances on my own. I fought for my employees to receive a personal income worthy of a human, to work freely, to be insured, and for their families to live decently.
9. Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than being employed in a company?
Because in your own company, your worth contributes directly to yourself, whereas in another company, regardless of your worth, finances are limited by some owner.
10. How would you advise new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself if you could?
If you believe in yourself, start and don't give up, whether you have the wind at your back or not. If you want to change something in your life, you have to make an effort yourself; don't let anyone change you. Start and channel all your strength and energy into your work; success will not elude you.
11. On a scale of 1-10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia?
There is no division between male and female jobs; only strength, desire, and will are needed.
12. When you're a woman in the business world, how common are inappropriate offers?
What is that? I haven't had them, even though I started my business at the age of 37. It's all about how you present yourself; that's how people see you.
13. Where exactly do you see yourself in 5 years?
I say in the same place if my health allows because I'll be 70 then. Let me tell you, work shapes a person, and successful work creates happiness. I can tell you I am a happy woman. I am grateful to myself for having the energy and will to get up every day with the same enthusiasm, prepare and go to my job that I conceived, created, and succeeded in. Goodbye.
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