From Determination to Radiant Confidence

"After the birth of my second child, I decided to start my own business. It was a step that changed me" Thanmila says.

Like many women and young entrepreneurs, she faced numerous challenges—from high rental and contribution costs to the constant need for further education. But instead of giving up, she chose to invest in herself. A dermapen treatment course was expensive, but it quickly paid off: the new services attracted more clients, and the salon’s operations became sustainable.

Support from the European Union through the EU PRO Plus programme marked a new phase of growth. With an EU grant of 7,560 Euros, Thanmila acquired modern equipment—a facial treatment device with a skin analysis camera, as well as body contouring and lymphatic drainage machines. Today, alongside massages and cavitation treatment packages, she has a steady base of returning clients.

As she explains, the new equipment has brought both relief and security, giving her the opportunity to expand her business by offering new services. However, what truly sets her salon apart is not only the quality of its services, but also its social responsibility—through the project, she has provided free massages for persons with disabilities.

When asked about the greatest advantage of running her own business, Thanmila answers simply: "I organize my own time. I am more dedicated. Clients become friends." The biggest challenge? Sustaining the business during the off-season and finding the right collaborators. But her advice remains clear: "Start doing the work you love. Knowledge will come. Just don’t give up after the first obstacle."

This initiative was part of a broader effort by the EU PRO Plus programme to strengthen local economic development through backing of micro and small enterprises in local self-governments across Šumadija and Western Serbia, and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The Public Call for Support to Women and Youth Entrepreneurs resulted in 42 selected projects. The European Union provided 337,919 Euros in support to entrepreneurs aged up to 30 and women. The funded equipment and services focused on improving products and services, enhancing productivity, introducing high-value and import-substituting goods, and supporting innovation to facilitate market expansion. All 42 projects were successfully completed, resulting in the creation of 64 new jobs.