SALON OF INNER BEAUTY AND AWARENESS

1. How did you come up with the idea to start your own business?
The idea wasn't initially about starting a business. I did what I loved, educated myself, and simultaneously opened an Instagram account where I began posting texts about astrology, psychology, and coaching. More and more people became interested, and I had a lot of work. I organized free lectures in my community to spread awareness about the importance of personal development and ways to achieve it. I conducted individual consultations and group programs for personal development. Then, during meditation, the idea for natural and astro-healing cosmetics came to me, which connected with the theme of inner development.

2. Have you always wanted to pursue your current activity?
I've always wanted to help people, and I've been doing that all along. I first worked with children, then started working with adults, raising awareness about the importance of personal development so that they could be more aware and successful, and parents to their children. I've always loved beauty, aesthetics, and skincare, so that also fits into what I do as the owner of the Yassessential brand.

3. What are you proud of in your business?
I'm proud of how easily I've built everything so far, even though I didn't know much about business, entrepreneurship, or commerce beforehand.

4. What is the secret of your success? (List three attributes, behaviors, beliefs, or abilities)
Three attributes: perseverance, initiative, and a sense of purpose, as a result of believing in what I do.

5. How understanding has your environment been, and who has been your greatest support?
My greatest support is my family, and I am my greatest motivator because I believe in myself, as what I do comes from the heart rather than number crunching.

6. What is your guiding principle?
If you want something badly enough, everything is possible!

7. Do you have role models who have motivated or motivate you to continue working?
I don't have and haven't had role models who motivated me. I've always wanted to be true to myself and authentic.

8. What have you had to give up?
The only thing I've had to give up is maybe a set period of time when I work. In entrepreneurship, you work even when others don't, but you can also not work when everyone else has to.

9. What has driven you forward, and how have you stayed motivated during tough times?
What drives me forward is expansion and mastering new levels, conquering new perspectives, and change. When crises come, and everyone goes through them, I just try even harder and strengthen my belief that the crisis will pass.

10. Why is it better for a woman to be an entrepreneur rather than being employed in a company?
As someone who has worked in the system and for others but also as an entrepreneur, in my eighth year now, I prefer working for myself. I love creating content, workload, and the time and energy I'll invest on my own.

11. How would you advise new female entrepreneurs or a younger version of yourself?
To believe in themselves and to find out as soon as possible what their true nature and identity are so they can live their purpose and mission through a meaningful business.

12. On a scale of 1-10, how challenging is it to be a female entrepreneur in Serbia?
Generally, I work mostly with women, so I don't feel like I'm in a "male profession."

13. When you're a woman in the business world, how common are indecent proposals?
There's some of that, I have to admit.

14. Where exactly do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself having everything I've achieved so far but on an even higher level. I want the cosmetics to be sold worldwide.