Background

In today's fast-paced world, the idea of success is being redefined by entrepreneurs who set up their
enterprises at a young age. By breaking free from traditional career paths, they prove that it is
possible to create a fulfilling working life based on what they truly love. Their journeys are a mix of
courage, creativity and determination, showing the incredible possibilities of pursuing their dreams at
an early age.
This article presents some remarkable stories of brave people who turned their hobbies into thriving
businesses at a young age (developed under SkillsXcellerate project). Their experiences offer valuable
lessons about resilience, innovation and staying true to your values. Whether you are considering
your entrepreneurial path or simply looking for inspiration, these stories reveal the limitless
possibilities of following your heart.
These entrepreneurs are distinguished not only by their ability to foresee opportunities, but also by
their determination to overcome obstacles early in their careers. They embraced failure as a learning
opportunity, adapted to changing circumstances and continuously improved their skills. These
qualities and a deep connection to their passions have enabled them to perform well in competitive
environments.
For young people considering becoming entrepreneurs, the stories presented here can be both a
guide and an encouragement. They remind us that the road to success is rarely straight, but that
passion and hard work, from a young age, can open the door to unimaginable opportunities. By
exploring these stories, you may be able to find the spark that will help you turn your aspirations into
reality.

Story of Mikael, Sweden

Mikael started his own business at the age of 28 by setting up a youth home to help young people
diagnosed with NPF. Motivated by a desire to improve public health care methods and drawing on his
extensive experience in the Swedish health care system, he has created an educational environment
that aims to make a difference in the lives of children facing academic and social difficulties. In order
to finance his venture, Mikael partnered with Investor Stomak, a key stakeholder who provided the
necessary financial support for the start-up. The company operates with the approval of social
services and relies on strategic marketing efforts, including networking, brochures and open days, to
reach out to potential clients and their families. Mikael's journey reflects a powerful combination of
passion, experience and strategic collaboration driven by a commitment to making a lasting impact
on the lives of young people.

Story of Pavlos, Greece

Pavlos Vasileiadis established his company UPIRIA in his early 30s, inspired by his background in
business application development and his experience designing software in previous roles. The idea
for UPIRIA—a platform connecting travel providers with hotels and travel offices in both B2B and B2C
models—stemmed from Pavlos’ personal frustration during a trip to Amsterdam, where he missed a
travel experience due to a lack of services. Combining innovative ideas from his professional journey
with this personal experience, Pavlos teamed up with a small, dedicated group to turn the concept
into reality. Guided by lessons learned from a role model during his internship, Pavlos embraced a
collaborative and adaptable approach, believing that the best time to start a business is when
inspiration strikes.

Story of Karmen, Slovenia

Karmen founded her sustainable clothing brand, Reinkarmika, at the age of 28, driven by a lifelong
fascination with clothing and design. After studying at the College of Design in Ljubljana and gaining
experience in costume design for film and television, she realized her true passion lays elsewhere.
Inspired to create a space for sewing and showcasing vintage and upcycled pieces, she moved from
the Slovenian capital to her home village and opened a shop in the nearby town of Kobarid.
Financially supported by a women’s entrepreneurship initiative, Karmen turned her idea into a reality.
Her shop not only houses her own creations but also promotes the work of other Slovenian artisans,
embodying her vision for sustainability and community.

Story of Gintare and Tomas, Lithuania

Gintare and Tomas Slausgalviai’s shared love for ballroom dancing blossomed into a professional
partnership and later, a thriving business. As five-time Lithuanian 10 Dance Champions, their global
experience inspired them to teach young dancers, which eventually led to their creation of
Dance4fun, a studio offering dance lessons and event organization. Combining their 30+ years of
experience, they built their studio by focusing on quality, creativity, and responsiveness to client
needs, growing their business even amidst challenges like strong competition and the COVID-19
pandemic. Gintare and Tomas emphasize personal growth, perseverance, and using technology to
enhance their business processes. They encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their dreams,
stressing the importance of starting with passion and embracing the journey's ups and downs as
invaluable lessons.

More inspirational stories were collected during the implementation of Erasmus+ project
SkillsXcellerate and could be found in its website https://skillsxcellerate.com/. Youth workers could use these stories to motivate disadvantaged young people they are working to make meaningful
changes in their lives by exploring the entrepreneurship path.