December 18, 2021 - In today’s edition of TCN’s Vukovar 365 series, meet Lidija Mlinarević, the owner of Slatkoteka, a sweet shop in the Vukovar city centre.

So many times have I heard my friends and acquaintances complain of nowhere to sit down for cake and tea. Lidija is still in the process of acquiring her license to be able to offer a place to sit down, but the cake is ready. Her offer includes traditional recipes, as she says “from our grandmothers”, which are usually rich in walnut and butter and never fail to bring back memories of warm winter nights by the fireplace. Though she built her business on that idea, Lidija does also provide some modern little treats, including cupcakes, cake pops, letter cakes, modelled cakes, desserts on the go, and more. She is always happy to listen to her clients and bake the most delicious and stunningly decorated cakes for various occasions.

She was happy to take some time out of her incredibly busy day and share her thoughts and opinions with TCN.

Tell us about your business, what do you do exactly?

I sell cakes and sweets, including custom-baked and decorated cakes for any occasion.

Where did you get the idea and what makes your offer unique?

I would not really call this an idea, but rather a calling. Some people dream of becoming doctors, police officers, some are called to serve God, while I wanted to become a baker since I was little. The offer is unique not only in our city but in a wider area, because it focuses on traditional recipes of our grandmothers instead of a more modern approach.

What was it like starting a business in Vukovar? What were the main challenges?

In short, Vukovar is my city. I am a mother of two beautiful little girls and I wanted to make sure I inspire them to love the city just as much as I do, along with all its traditions and history. That is where it all started and eventually resulted in me deciding to start my business here. The challenges were your standard clerical little quirks, but it was all worth it.

Are you satisfied with how your business is developing? What is your perspective for the future?

I would dare say that I am more than satisfied considering the fact that my business has only been open for a few months, though the paperwork is a bit tough. As for the future, I truly can see how much this city offers and I can see so many opportunities in general, but even more so in the tourism sector.

Do you think that the fact that you are in the east of Croatia influenced your success?

I would not say so. The location has nothing to do with it. I really believe that if you love something and give it your all, success is guaranteed. 

What opportunities are there in our city and region?

There are opportunities to develop our economy, especially focusing on tourism and gastronomy. We have got such a rich cultural heritage. In our region, I would say Osijek is an excellent example. Rural tourism was developed in a very clever way there. If there were opportunities to connect and create itineraries that would get tourists to experience both Vukovar and Osijek, that would certainly create a better offer and ensure that our visitors stayed for longer periods.

What is your view on other small businesses in Vukovar?

Firstly, I would like to say that I never really viewed them as competition, but I was quite surprised when owners of businesses similar to mine came up to me to start some kind of cooperation. I am happy to work with others.

If we were to implement the Vukovar Card, would you participate and offer our guests discounts or special packages?

I would love to take part! I think that is an excellent, clever, and much-needed incentive.

Finally, tell us something about life in Vukovar. What do you like most, what would you say to all potential visitors?

One thing that I love the most about my city is the fact that I can really see my future and my families’ future here. It is a city with perspective and there is so much to learn and do.

Where can we find you?

My shop is located on Ulica I.G. Kovačića 3 in Vukovar. You can also find me on Facebook – Slatkoteka Vukovar and Instagram @slatkoteka_vukovar. 

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 12, 2021 - Need something unique this Christmas? A look a 10 Vukovar Christmas gifts you can buy online. 

Christmas shopping – a favourite festive activity or just fa-la-la-stressful? Maybe it depends on the person, the place, and the weather. In any case, shopping for your loved ones online makes things significantly easier. Whether its clothes, gadgets, knickknacks, snacks and sweets, toys… I mean, you could buy a house online these days. In a world of choice, however, analysis paralysis sets in quickly. You started browsing mugs, went over lamps and rugs, somehow ended up in the stationery department. There needs to be a better way. 

Why not make your presents special and unique in a different way? Today we will help you help the local economy of one of the most beautiful yet sometimes overlooked places in Croatia. In a bid to keep things developing and implement some new strategies, Paul Bradbury of TCN officially proposed the idea of the Vukovar Card and presented an itinerary for your visit. Here, we will show places where, once you do visit, you can buy souvenirs, but for now, browse through their offers and find the perfect Christmas presents.

1. Ella Design: Facebook Mamine Ručice, Instagram mamine_rucice

To open a series that aims to explore positivity in Vukovar, we presented Lidija Azinović with her brand Mamine Ručice. Lidija runs a small family business creating gifts of wood, plywood, acrylic, MDF, etc. Among the many beautiful things that she and her husband design and create by hand, there is a variety of Christmas-themed presents to discover.

2. Cvjetni Studio Čarolija, Instagram Čarolija Vukovar

You can never go wrong with flowers! Whether it’s flowers on their own, beautiful bouquets, arrangements, door or table wreaths, advent decorations, tree ornaments – you name it, the girls make it. 

3. Vu Creator, Instagram VU Creator

Lucija and her husband, as they say, enjoyed making and decorating baby furniture so much that they decided to make it into a business. With the main goal for all their creations to be unique and of outstanding quality and durability, Vu Creator will surely provide you with something special for your little ones to love this Christmas.

4. Lima baby, Instagram lima__baby

Talking about little ones, Lima baby will delight you with the offer for the youngest members of any family. Stuffed with the softest hypoallergenic materials, they sew all their crib protectors by hand, and the same goes for the cutest all-natural and baby-friendly bedding that you’ll find.

5.  Vu Life Shop, Facebook Vu Life Shop

Whether it’s gifts for the young ones you’re looking for, natural cosmetics, clothes or traditional footwear, even souvenirs, Vu Life Shop liaises with small businesses in the Vukovar area to put out natural, homemade and handmade products that will bring a smile to every face. 

6. The Vučedol Culture Museum’s souvenir shop 

For all those history buffs and archaeology nerds, the Vučedol Culture Museum is the place to shop! Whether you’re looking for decorative items and want to go for replicas of the essential findings, clothes with Vučedol motives or jewelry inspired by the fashion of the 3000s (BC), you are in the right place.

7. Slatkoteka Vukovar, Instagram slatkoteka_vukovar

The sweet tooth is strong with this one. Of course, cake is always a good idea, but nothing beats festive cakes in green and red, gold, filled with delicious chocolate, vanilla, fruit, whatever your heart desires. The shop’s offer includes cake pops, cupcakes, a dozen other little wonders. And a partridge in a pear tree. 

8. Opg Štalmajer MED

If you decide to bake yourself, why not get some homemade honey? Even if it’s just for tea, make sure that you enjoy this top product. The Štalmajer family keep their bees and produce the finest honey and beeswax products like beautiful advent candle sets and single candles, propolis, pollen powder, and more.

9. Vrhunsko Vukovarsko, Facebook Vrhunsko Vukovarsko

When the search for presents makes you hungry or thirsty, quickly stopover in Vrhunsko Vukovarsko. This collaborative of top local produces of homemade deli meats, cheese, honey, wine, and so much more will make you want to shop for yourself secretly. On top of all that, they offer unique souvenirs, business gifts and packages for different occasions. So give them a call or send a message and see what they can put together.

10. Mesnice Bođirković

And now for those who feel like they lack protein. Presents or Christmas dinner – you pick. Mesnice Bođirković is an old local butcher’s shop where you know for sure that you’ll find the finest and freshest cuts of meat. That is not the main reason you should visit their website, though. It’s the sausages with the perfect balance of spices, smoked meats, ćevapi and čvarci. The best of Slavonia, all in one place.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 12, 2021 - Last week we introduced a new TCN series exploring talented local businesses in Vukovar, with innovative and persistent owners behind them with the right mindset for Vukovar's future. This week, meet Cvjetni Studio Čarolija. 

Cvjetni Studio Čarolija is a small flower studio in the city centre, run by two amazing, ambitious and incredibly hard-working young women.

Neither Mirjana nor Dijana had any formal education or experience before they started their florist business and, as they say, decided to go based on their instincts and pure passion. In the meantime, they did acquire formal education and now hold certificates, but they achieved so much more. In the past three years, they have gained the trust of Vukovar's residents and there is not a person in this city who doesn't know about their studio. Besides building flower arrangements, they decorate venues, events and festivals, and create personalised gifts working together with other Vukovar's creatives and businesses. They have also done projects for the city and its tourism board, including the magnificent autumn fair held in September 2021.

Čarolija (Magic) is what they call their studio, and there is no denying their magic touch. 

This is the kind of passion and energy that will drive Vukovar, including its tourist offer, forward, and I was delighted to speak to Mirjana.  

Tell us about your business, what do you do exactly?

We are a Flower Studio and we design flower arrangements, bouquets and decorations from living and fresh flowers, as well as dried and artificial. In addition to that, we also offer decorations for various ceremonies such as weddings, christenings, birthdays, and all other celebrations. We also make personalized frames with prayers, graduation celebration texts, etc. Other than the mentioned, you can also find various gifts such as chocolate cakes and pralines, special gifts for newborns, savory and sweet packages that often include a few bottles of alcoholic beverages to cheer up our stronger halves. 

Where did you get the idea and what makes your offer unique?

Primarily the idea came about because we had nowhere to buy any of the above when we needed it. So, we made the decorations and gifts ourselves. Realizing that something like this was missing in our city, we first did a floristry course, passed the exam in the Chamber of Crafts and then embarked on this little journey. What makes us unique? Hmm, simply put, everything we do. We are not a classic flower studio with a classic offer. We can really find something for everyone, and when clients come to us with an idea that we haven't tried so far, we don't turn them down, in fact, we really look forward to creating something for them. Our studio itself is different from anything you can see in Vukovar, so often people come to us just to see “what we made of the space now".

What was it like starting your own business in Vukovar? What were the main challenges?

It is not enough to say that it was challenging. However, we are one of those who really do not give up easily so we have successfully overcome all the obstacles so far. One of the bigger challenges was finding a space where we could open our own studio. When we resolved that, everything else somehow just came together. With the support of our families and their help, we put everything in order very quickly. Our clients quickly recognized us as something valuable in the market and we did not have any difficulties in this segment either.

Are you satisfied with how your business is developing? What is your perspective for the future?

We really are. Although I am by nature never completely satisfied, I always think that something can be better, I would dare say that is not a bad thing. During the first year of our existence, we managed to hire our first employee. In the future, we hope and want to expand our business to some other segments, hire at least one more person and provide something good again for Vukovar. We also hope that the cooperation with all our fellow entrepreneurs will continue but also expand. For now, we are cooperating really well, but good things can always be improved.

Do you think that the fact that you are in the east of Croatia influenced your success?

Yes and no. Eastern Croatia has its advantages, but unfortunately also its disadvantages. I got the impression that it would take us much longer to be recognized in the market if we were in another part of Croatia, even though we are followed by people from all over the country. On the other hand, if we were in a bigger city, maybe the demand would be so high that we would already have more employees, more space to work and more clients. We are really pleased with what we have brought to the east and that the east of Croatia has recognized us in turn.

What opportunities are there in our city and region?

So many! Both Vukovar and our region are not just about the war. We are a city of joy, friendship, companionship, love, work and so much more. Vukovar and its surroundings have positive young people who are eager for progress and change. We still need some restaurants, pastry shops especially, where you can sit and eat some fine cake, drink a cup of hot tea and simply enjoy life. We do lack some places where we can relax and enjoy our free time.

What is your view on other small businesses in Vukovar?

I see them as great support. We recently had a gathering where the need was expressed for this support that we provide to each other. Most of us have the same problems and it's easier when you know you're not alone. By buying from each other, we give each other support and express how much we appreciate the local products in Vukovar.

If we were to implement the Vukovar Card, would you participate and offer our guests discounts or special packages?

Of course. Vukovar Card is something that would further connect us and encourage people to shop locally.

Finally, tell us something about life in Vukovar. What do you like most, what would you say to all potential visitors?

Vukovar is one of the most beautiful cities in eastern Croatia. We have a lot to offer no matter what others think. We have beautiful museums that you simply must visit, great family farms that have top local products, a lot of creative people who run their own shops and crafts. Finally, I have to mention the promenades along the Danube, as well our park forest Adica which you can visit and rent bikes to cycle around and see some beautiful nature.

Where can we find you?

Our shop is located in Ulica K. A. Stepinca 9, in Vukovar.

You can also find us via our Facebook page Cvjetni studio Čarolija Vukovar and our Instagram carolijavukovar. 

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

December 6, 2021 - In our new TCN series, we meet the Vukovar businesses that are changing the landscape of the city. First up, introducing Ella Design. 

Vukovar, oh Vukovar. What comes to mind when you hear the name? Most likely war, the parade, the memorial museums. Its citizens are leaving, searching for a better life in Ireland, Germany, Austria. Fortunately, that is not all it is. It is a living breathing city, full of wonders and full of amazing people with passion and a vision for a bright future right here. The thing is, not many people realize how much potential there is in a place that is now brand new. How many smaller cities (bigger, too) can show off their refurbished baroque facades, perfectly maintained parks and greenery, strategically grown all around the city centre to allow for walks of several kilometres along the river? New infrastructure, housing, and roads? A 10-minute drive or a pleasant walk to get anywhere? An abundance of schools and kindergartens? What a dream. And yet, rarely is this a picture that is painted. There is tradition, culture, gastronomy, you name it. And with the implementation of Vukovar Card, outlined here who knows where we can go? Though the challenges are numerous, so are the advantages. 

In this edition, we will discuss business, ideas, perspectives. 

Running a small business anywhere in the world is quite a challenge. Doing so in Croatia is a slightly bigger one. Starting from scratch and running one in the east of Croatia, in Vukovar – mission impossible. Or is it? In a series of interviews, we present some excellent businesses in Vukovar. We talk to the owners to see how they are doing at the moment, the challenges they are facing, and their plans for the future. We also discuss the Vukovar Card idea with them to see what they think and if they would be willing to take part. Let their stories inspire you to visit and shop their products in Vukovar! 

Today we present Ella Design, a family-run creative design business. The owner, Lidija Azinović, is a bubbly personality with lots of stories to share and ideas to discuss. Her family's way into this was not very straightforward, but eventually, Lidija and her husband, who is now her employee, decided that it's worth pursuing a hobby if you love it.  They built a successful business selling personalised gifts such as picture frames, hanging decorations, and keychains. All their products are custom designed and made by Lidija and Kristijan in their home in Vukovar. Even though the times are quite challenging with the price of materials having gone up 100% for some, they keep a smile on their faces and a more than positive outlook with ambitious plans for the future. After our conversation, I had a sudden urge to go home and create something, start a business, be colourful, imaginative. I'm much better at writing though, so for now, I will only share what Lidija said to some of my questions:

Tell us about your business - what do you do exactly? 

I am the owner of Ella Design, more specifically the brand “Mamine Ručice” (Mother’s Little Hands), and I make custom gifts for various occasions. The materials that I use include wood, MDF panels, different kinds of plywood, acrylic sheets, etc. We cut the shapes out with a CNC laser and then sand, paint, put together, and pack by hand.

Where did you get the idea and how did you begin? 

I got the idea when I gave birth to my little daughter Ella as I was searching for something to decorate her room. Two months later, my husband and I created our first MDF wall decor and handed it as gifts to our little friends at my son Leon’s birthday party. Back then we did not have a laser but used my father-in-law's manual CNC machine which was, you can imagine, slow and tedious. We managed to surprise our friends and family who immediately wanted to order more! And so it began.

What makes your product unique?

I think that our offer is quite unique in the sense that it is really wide-ranging and customizable. I really dove deep into the idea of setting up a business and used all the advantages that I had. We did not need to rent space since we had some spare rooms in our house. Also, I made sure that my products are available outside of Vukovar in all of Croatia. 

How was it setting up a business in Vukovar? What is your outlook for the future? 

I am really pleased with the way we were able to set up our business, conduct it and grow so far. The fact that our efforts are seen even outside of Croatia makes me so happy. I am looking forward to all future projects and collaborations and I think that we will soon expand our business. 

Do you think that the fact that you are located in eastern Croatia affected your success?

The fact that we are located in the east did not affect our business in any significant way. I truly believe that the things that matter for success include willpower, desire, and hard work. With these combined, success will come your way no matter the location. 

What opportunities are there in our city and region? 

The opportunities in the city, as well as the region, are numerous, with a good business plan and vision, any business owner can create an amazing story of their business. I believe that it is important to connect with the city, the county, as well as the end client. Long-term success is not about how much money you make, but about how well connected you are and how much you matter to the community. 

What is your view on other small businesses in Vukovar? 

I liaise with other business owners, I buy their products and use their services because I want to encourage them and support their work and effort. Those who really try I support through my social media accounts, I praise their effort and recommend them to my followers. They do the same for me, creating an amazing circle of positivity. I see them as my partners and not competition. 

If we were to implement the Vukovar Card, would you take part and offer our guests discounts or special packages? 

The idea is excellent! I would be more than happy to take part in order to boost the local economy and connect with other stakeholders and express our support in such a way. To make it all worth it, we would be happy to offer discounted prices of our products for the holders of Vukovar Card. 

Finally, tell us about life in Vukovar. What is it that you love the most, what would you say to all potential visitors? 

I love everything about Vukovar! I love the fact that there is more to our city than war tourism and that is slowly but surely coming out to the surface. An excellent offer of restaurants, wine, museums. Vukovar is a place that is only about to reach its peak and our generation will make sure that it does soon. 

Where can we find you? 

On my Facebook page “Mamine Ručice” and my Instagram - mamine_rucice.

Welcome! Hopefully, you can find something you’ll love. 

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.