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SOLIS SRLS, the Italian partner of the Erasmus Plus
BusThink project, has developed a program in Modena
to support five women in transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into concrete projects.
From Modena to Málaga, the participants had the
opportunity to be part of a European project and to
meet others who share the desire to embark on their
own entrepreneurial journeys. Here, we share their stories: a journey filled with challenges, personal growth, and ambition, madepossible thanks to the SOLIS SRLS team.
ELISA – THE REVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION
The BusThink project came at just the right time, when I needed to believe that dreaming was still possible. Through this journey, I developed an innovative business plan in the sustainable fashion sector. At first, my idea seemed too ambitious, but Ana Maria
taught me how to break it down into small, achievable steps.
I learned to use tools I didn’t know about, perform calculations that once seemed impossible, and view my zero-waste creations
not just as a hobby, but as a true business opportunity. Each week was a discovery: I realized that my experience, combined with this new training, could truly open up a new path
for me. Thanks to Domingo and Ana Maria, what once felt like a leap into the unknown is now becoming a concrete path toward a new professional life.
GALLIA – THE ART OF BEAUTY TAKES SHAPE
BusThink was much more than just entrepreneurial training for me. The innovative methodology opened up new perspectives: I discovered how Design Thinking can revolutionize the approach to aesthetics by truly placing the client at the center of every decision.
The business plan for my future beauty center grew richer with
elements I had never considered, from detailed market analysis to
innovative customer retention strategies. But most importantly, Ana
Maria believed in me even more than I believed in myself.
The trip to Málaga was a turning point: presenting my project in a
foreign country showed me that I could do it, that my dreams have no borders. I still remember the mix of fear and excitement before my presentation and the immense joy afterward, realizing I had managed to convey my passion for beauty despite the language barriers.
Ana Maria and Domingo were not just mentors—they were true guides who believed in me from the start, giving me an opportunity for growth and training that has changed my life.
OUASSILA – SEWING DREAMS, CREATING REALITIES
When I arrived in Italy from Tunisia, I carried with me the art of sewing assed down through my family.
My dream has always been to open my own tailoring shop in Modena, a place where I could build my independence in this new country.
At the start of the BusThink project, words like "business plan" and "marketing" felt like insurmountable mountains. I had spent my life working with needle and thread, and my limited Italian made everything seem even more daunting.
But Ana Maria transformed those complex concepts into simple, actionable steps, much like sewing a garment stitch by stitch. The most exciting moment came during the final event in Málaga: my first time in Spain, presenting my project to people from all over Europe. I remember the trembling in my voice, the fear of making mistakes, but also the immense joy of seeing everyone understand my dream despite my imperfect Italian.
Thanks to Ana Maria and Domingo, I learned that my dreams deserve to become realities. This journey gave me not only practical tools but also the confidence that I can build a different future, with sewing as my foundation and passion as my drive.
KLAUDIJA – BALKAN CUISINE IN ITALY
The BusThink experience completely redefined my vision of what it means to start my own business. At first, all I saw were recipes and flavors, but this journey taught me how to structure a real business.
I carry the flavors of Serbia with me, recipes passed down through generations, b ut I never thought they could become a viable career When I joined BusThink, I knew how to cook, but I had no idea how to run
a business. Every meeting was a challenge: first, I had to understand the concepts, and then imagine how to apply them to my dream of offering
catering services and eventually opening a restaurant.
Ana Maria patiently explained everything to me multiple times, using practical examples tied to the cuisine I know so well. Slowly, I began to see beyond the recipes: I learned how to calculate costs, present my dishes as not just food but a cultural experience, and connect with
Italian customers.
It was like learning a complex new recipe, but even the most difficult dishes become achievable with the right ingredients and a patient guide. Thanks to Domingo and Ana Maria, I realized that my knowledge of Balkan cuisine is not just a connection to my roots but a bridge to my
future in Italy. Now, I no longer just dream of cooking—I dream of creating a business that brings a piece of my homeland to this country that has welcomed me.
PATRICIA – ELDER CARE WITH EMPATHY AND PROFESSIONALISM
The BusThink project gave me the opportunity to transform my dream into a concrete plan: providing personalized elder care services that combine professional assistance with emotional support.
Through this journey, I learned how to structure every aspect of a business: calculating staff costs, managing logistics, and planning sustainable growth. My proposal focuses on meeting the real needs of users while prioritizing empathy and quality.
This experience not only equipped me with practical tools but also helped me rediscover my strengths.
Week after week, I saw my project grow and take shape, as I learned to integrate my cultural perspective with local expectations.
Domingo and Ana Maria not only provided me with guidance but also valued and supported me, helping me build a future in Italy.
Now, I am confident that my elder care service can make a real difference in the lives of many people—and in my own.
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