Transcript A.Katkevica & L.Elmane "Gusto" Ltd. Success story.

Success Story in Bauskā
WISER
project
Bauska, 2011
SIA (Ltd) “GUSTO”
Andra Katkeviča and
Līga Elmane
SIA “GUSTO” was established in 2010
The enterprise is located in Bauska – administrative centre of the
Bauska County. The production unit and sales is here and, although, the
place is temporarily quite small, but it is cozy and full of good feelings.
The enterprise produces natural cosmetics – cosmetics from natural raw
materials without any destructive preservatives –
• Face creams;
• Hand and feet creams;
• Body scrubs, butter, creams;
• Lip balsams.
The initial profession for both entrepreneurs is a work with children: Andra
Katkeviča is a psychologist; she works in Islice Secondary School and in the
Social Department with families and children. Also Līga Elmane works in
Bauska Secondary School nr.1 as a psychologist and teaches psychology to
senior students.
This enterprise is the first
business for both ladies and
the first experience as
entrepreneurs. After the
work at school and Social
Department it is a quite
sharp change. At this
moment they both have
managed successfully their
work in profession and work
in the cosmetic production
unit.
Idea of creating the own enterprise arose as a desire to create, to take
responsibility about the own welfare, to do something feminine and pleasant.
Such an entrepreneurship – as Andra and Līgu accent – is a great opportunity
where to “invest” own creative potential!
“All starts with a faith: we believe in our idea and our close, beloved one
believe in us,” say Andra and Līga. During the first WISER project local
meeting both ladies announced loudly: we want to become entrepreneurs!
Alongside the WISER project in Bauska County the Business Garden with
the Norway Grant support was established. This project foreseen different
support opportunities for the new entrepreneurs - just started their business.
And both ladies decided to take this chance.
The both owners mainly work in the enterprise, but they have a contract
with a chemist who supervises formation of prescription and producing; and
they have also an agreement with a sales-women for visiting trade.
The working time is not limited in the enterprise, of course. As both
entrepreneurs have also the basic work then working for “Gusto” are just
evening, nights and weekends. As Andra says: “We work in case of need.”
As the main supporters and teachers in entrepreneurship Andra and
Līga name Business Incubator of Jelgava Innovation Centre and
consultant Edgars Letinskis. Support the enterprise receives from the
JIC is not only financial but also the real life lessons. “JIC work like
instructors teaching us drive a car,” stāsta Līga, “being knowledgeable
specialists with their own business experience, they keep the foot on a
pedal to protect us from useless and needless failures. At the same time
we learn in “alive”.”
As a very special supporters entrepreneurs name their family and
closest friends – everybody helps how they can.
As the main advantage being
a woman in business Andra
and Liga first of all name the
attitude. “Our clients often say
that we smile a lot, we are
positive and enthusiastic. I do
not know...maybe it is because
we are women and we simply
are such persons!”
Even if at first it seems unreal,
everything is manageable.
There are a lot of unknown
things, so you need not be
ashamed – just go and ask,
ask for help, explanations.
Prudentials is important. Then
in the every-day’s work you
do not take risks unnecessary.
The entrepreneurs are sure that
have not faced big problems or
difficulties yet. Andra accents:
“If any problem will appear we
consider that step by step
everything is solvable.”
Initially they were afraid of the
myth dominating in society:
about arrogance of the state
institutions
towards
entrepreneurs. However, by now
it is not affirmed upon the
enterprise’s work. In every
institution – either it is the
Enterprise Registering Office or
SRS, or the Health Inspection,
they have faced just a very
encouraging, interested and
professional officials.
Women’s families are their
greatest support. They help
as they can. However,
sometimes, of course, it is
difficult. As Andra says:
“At least now they are more
proud of us than being
angry about the took-away
time we could spend with
them.”
Work in the enterprise takes
all the free time. Andra has
almost no time for her
hobby – belly dance. Also
Liga’s hobbies are covered
completely with a work in
“Gusto.”
Future Plans
There is very much to do:
• Have to look for new clients;
• Have to find an opportunity to export the production;
• Have to create new produc lines.
Lots of ideas!
“We as beginners have a fantastic opportunity – there is a lot of things
we have to grow, and we will simply grow!” says Andra, “We will
have a bigger production unit and we will sell a lot, but anyway – it
will be our handwork and work of our hearts!”
Believe in your idea and
simply do!!!
Andra un Liga