Eglė Mikalauskienė – founder and manager of authentic ceramic, porcelain and glass products shop – gallery “Amfora”.
I was born and grew up in Klaipeda (Lithuania). This year I celebrated 30th anniversary. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Studies at the University of London. We thought with my husband that when we return to Lithuania we will start our own business, but the reality was different…we have spent so many years abroad, so firstly we needed to re-adapt to society. So we became employees in other companies.
After maturing our thoughts, we have determined and together started to develop “Amfora”. But still many people are skeptical about our idea and don’t understand how we can survive from ancient vases. But we have answered two key questions to ourselves, which I think are necessary to answer to all start-up entrepreneurs:
– Does our idea solve any problems (market failure)? The answer is – yes, because “Amfora” can offer an alternative to mass-produced worthless products;
– Will I be able to do that work 24/7? The answer is – yes, because although very suddenly, but we fell in love with ceramics, and namely that was made before 40 or more years.
In the beginning the whole idea seemed distant and inaccessible. In the creating process of the Galleries there were a very large number of variables and unknowns. But when you start to organize everything and do everything, it’s like a puzzle –everything fits in their places. I admit that I had a lot of fears. However, the twentieth century ceramics enslaved us; we already had started collecting it and we had a lot of knowledge about it. Now I can say that one of the success factors was specialization. This is exactly what I expressly advocate for all who enter into their own business – not to be afraid to specialize and be exceptional. Primarily the business development tutorials undoubtedly offer to test the market, but when you are going to offer something unique to do a market analysis is extremely difficult. My advice – create market ourselves which is not created yet. Of course it is more complicated path, but with people’s educational way it is possible to create it.
Another indisputable truth – starting a business money will not come easy. We worked a lot and earned little during the first year. Although there were a lot of emotional downfall, but thanks to the stubbornness and big wishes, our team consists of 5 very nice people today. We develop market not only in Lithuania, but also around the world via the Internet. We have ambitious expansion plans. Starting from the gallery in Klaipeda, we now sell all over the world: EU, North America, Middle and Far East and Oceania. We are regular suppliers of other shops in the USA, Canada and Great Britain.
Also, I gained self-confidence: I know, no matter what happens or where would I live, I will always be able to earn money on my own and keep myself. I have the freedom to create! I have the freedom to discover and realize myself. I enjoy when I see the results of my work. But if something goes wrong, I can only further improve. I enjoy my work every day. I am a mother who comes to balancing work and family. Of course own business has major challenges too. You never notice how one becomes a workaholic. However, as far as possible, I try not to bring work home, because in any case, the hours of day are still not enough. I have a lot of things to learn and it does not allow me to get bored.
