Women's entrepreneurship
Jovana Đerić
1. How and when did you come up with the idea to start your own business?
I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I decided to become independent around the age of 24.
2. Have you always wanted to be involved in your current line of work?
I've been in the salon business for a long time; my aunt has been a hairdresser for 40 years, and I used to spend every school vacation there since the 6th grade. After enrolling in the School of Beauty, I simultaneously attended both school and the salon. It became a part of me. Even after completing a degree in Management, it was clear that my dream was to have a salon like the one I have today – everything women need in one place.
3. What are you proud of in your business?
I take pride in being versatile, involved in various areas that require creativity and organization.
4. What is the secret to your success? (List three qualities, behaviors, beliefs, or abilities)
Persistence, thoroughness, hard work, and dedication.
5. How supportive has your environment been, and who has been your biggest support?
I had the support of my family, friends, and husband. I had to convince my father of my ideas first, but once he saw that it made sense, he became my biggest supporter.
6. What is your guiding principle?
Hard work always pays off!
7. Do you have role models that have motivated or continue to motivate you in your work?
I have several role models, including family, home, cooking, socializing, business, physical work, and relaxation. As an absolute hedonist, I only care about enjoying everything I do. Sometimes my role model is someone who travels and rests all the time, and the next day someone like me, who is busy in many directions.
8. What have you had to give up?
There have been many sacrifices, especially when everyone else was partying, and I could rarely join because I had lectures or the salon the next morning.
9. What drove you forward, and how did you stay motivated during tough times?
There were ups and downs, but keeping up with trends in the areas I work in helped me always have "something going on."
10. Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than employed in a company?
The ability to organize tasks and time independently is definitely the biggest benefit of entrepreneurship.
11. What advice would you give to new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself?
Dive into your knowledge, improve, and educate yourself in the areas you've chosen.
12. On a scale of 1-10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia? (or in a "male-dominated field")
Given our not-so-favorable position, being a new mom in our country's system is very challenging.
13. When you're a woman in the business world, how common are inappropriate offers?
In the spheres I'm in, there are more women, so there haven't been such offers.
14. Where exactly do you see yourself in 5 years?
I ask myself this question every other night because I'm always at extremes. It's either everything or nothing. I have many plans, but I've already achieved a lot at 32. So, maybe I'll slow down, or maybe who knows.
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