NEWS AND BLOG

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world in 2020, many businesses faced failure. On the other hand, the unique business environment gave rise to many new ideas. This change in the business world was an opportunity used by Amina Kamenjašević and Aida Kurtalić, who boldly decided to open their own business.

Like Zenos, the idea for NAMA School was born out of friendship. Two friends and colleagues founded this school, which focuses on online English language teaching for adults. Their aim is to create a space where their target audience has the opportunity for personal and professional growth with flexibility and time savings. Through the use of an online platform and innovative learning methods, the school provides personalised support to all participants.

NAMA School also collaborates with the business sector, offering a unique service of business language training made forspecific industries, setting them apart from the competition. That NAMA is growing and developing is seen through theaddition of Lamija Mršo to their team, another English language teacher and their friend and university colleague. According to Aida and Amina, this growth primarily comes through referrals, which provides them with validation that they are on the right track.

The desire to offer adults a safe learning environment for language acquisition was the primary motivation for launching NAMA.

What inspired you to start your own business?

We found our inspiration in our shared passion for education and the desire to create a safe space for language learning. We studied English language and literature together, and during our studies, we discovered we shared similar views, interests, and skills. Our vision was to create a place where people not only learn a language but also grow both professionally and personally.

Were you friends before starting the business? What is it like to open and run a business with a friend?

Yes, we were friends long before we started NAMA. We met at university, and we were fortunate to find common ground in our values and interests, which became the foundation of our entrepreneurial journey. Working with a friend brings a special level of trust and support.

What do you enjoy most about running this business?

We enjoy working with our students and witnessing their constant progress. Seeing them gain confidence and recognise their potential gives us the greatest motivation and satisfaction. As NAMA continues to grow, we are delighted to have our friend and former university mate, Lamija, join us. This growth signifies that our clients trust us and recommend us to others, which provides further encouragement and confirmation that we are doing the right thing.

Administrative procedures are the biggest challenge for young entrepreneurs

What has been the biggest challenge on your entrepreneurial journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenges were related to the process of opening up the company. The process was lengthy, with lots of paperwork and often unclear regulations. This held us back initially, but we were determined to overcome all obstacles and start the business.

How long did it take to start generating revenue with your business?

It took several months of intensive work to start generating stable revenue, but every step forward was a sign we were on the right path.

How do you handle failure or obstacles?

We see every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and improve. Failure doesn’t discourage us, instead, it motivates us to be better. We focus on solutions, not problems.

Balancing private and professional life is the biggest challenge for most female entrepreneurs

What unique challenges have you faced as women in entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome them?

We haven’t faced particular challenges as women in entrepreneurship, except for the need to balance additional jobs and running the company. This is a challenge many women share, but we managed to make it work through good organisation and mutual support.

What initiatives or changes do you believe are key to achieving greater female representation in entrepreneurship?

It’s important to create more opportunities for education and financial support for women. Also, more flexible working conditions can make it easier for women to start and run their own businesses.

Being prepared for challenges is key to future entrepreneurial success

What activities at the state or city level could help overcome barriers for young people who want to start their own business?

Simplifying administrative processes and providing more support through grants and mentoring would help. Young entrepreneurs should be encouraged rather than burdened with paperwork and bureaucratic obstacles.

What advice would you give to young people who want to start their own business in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Be prepared for challenges, especially administrative ones, but don’t let that discourage you. It’s important to have a clear goal and believe in your idea. Also, be prepared for continuous learning and adaptation.

NAMA is a great example of how friendship can be a solid foundation for a successful business. We hope that this school will maintain its growth in the future and that their business will never shake their friendship.