She is 49 years old and a fourth-year student, all in order to do the job she loves and does in the best possible way
Love of work is one of the key “factors” we must have if we want to survive in the business world, especially entrepreneurs. Knowledge and will are at a similar level, but love is the driving force. And this story is proof that without perseverance and a sincere love for the job and job you love, the outcome is unlikely to be a success.
Entrepreneur Mirela Bašić from Zavidovići and her life story can be a motivation for many.
What do you think when someone asks you about your job?
I always think and say, “If you do what you love, you won’t work a single day in your life” and I really stand behind it. This is not just a phrase. This is my motto that I have been following for years, a motto that leads me.
What, in your opinion, is necessary for a successful business and the title of entrepreneur?
They say that as a child I was very ambitious, persistent, and brave. To tread a path called life, I’m sure these are exactly the qualities listed. This has led me to become and remain an entrepreneur and owner of Koka-S since 1999. I believe that everything in life happens for a reason, as well as many getting to know and connecting with people because of similar or the same destinies, thoughts, interests.
At what point did you decide to turn to entrepreneurship?
Unfortunately, in 2003, I lost my daughter. That year, for me, was a turning point and a trigger for everything I am currently going through. Struggling with myself and my fears, at one point I realized that I wanted to give the children everything I hadn’t given to my daughter. And, it is a happy and carefree childhood.
Who was your support in such an emotionally difficult decision?
Through conversations and excellent cooperation with the then director of the Public Institution City Kindergarten, I came up with the idea to establish the First Private Preschool Institution in our city. The two of us went through similar, unenviable and difficult periods of life, so we understood each other very easily and simply. I must not forget that many years before the realization of this idea, I used the space for children’s gatherings, birthdays, Zumba for children and adults and the like. Love for children has always lasted.
When did the decision turn into reality?
My dream became a reality in 2019. I founded PPU Mašta/Imagination. I must stress that it is never late to get an education. I enrolled in Preschool education because I was eager for knowledge and experience. And, of course, that desire is the reason I would be educated for the business I do, with love.
So, you’re a student now?
That’s right. I am 49 years old and currently in my fourth year. This is a sufficient sentence and motive for all those who think that they do not have time, that they are “old” to fulfill their desires and to do what they love. Behind me is really a lot of practice, books, recommendations written, projects and suggestions. Children inspire, give will and strength. They make us better people than we really are and they move in us everything that we didn’t even know made sense, that is, that we never even tried.
Why the name Mašta/Imagination?
I find it an indispensable word with which my day begins, but also ends. It is the name of my Preschool Institution and it represents all my dreams, hopes and just fantasies. Through the name itself, I realize all the activities with the employees and I try to make the children “small and brave people” who will follow their dreams, just as I followed mine.
We believe there were a lot of difficulties in realizing the dream, but you didn’t give up at any point?
It is a thorny path to the goal. Paperwork, choice of associates, employees, psychological readiness/ unpreparedness, choice of means of work, counseling, interviews and much, much more, but… When you firmly decide to reach the goal, no one and nothing can stop you.
Of course, we all strive for the support and words of encouragement of those who are important to us. I certainly had it from my husband Adnan and daughters Sara and Amina.
Melika Hrvić
