Founder portraits Intercultural - Success stories

Simply fROH, Julia Ryvkina

What were the biggest hurdles in the start-up process?

The biggest hurdle for me was the bureaucracy. I focus on the production and sale of raw vegan foods - in order to get approval, I first had to prove that I was a master confectioner. Fortunately, I was soon able to sort that out, as my range of products goes in a completely different direction.

Who or what helped you the most in the start-up process - and how?

Family and friends were a great support for me. They motivated me or gave me a clear opinion from time to time. It also helped me when I was able to present my dishes somewhere. The positive feedback spurred me on.

What financing path have you taken?

I have financed myself exclusively from my own resources. Now, however, I have to plan how to proceed in the future.

To what extent were there setbacks in the founding process that required a rethink or that helped you to grow?

Apart from the problem with the permit, I have fortunately been spared any setbacks so far. But you have to be prepared for the fact that there will be difficult situations. However, you can grow by solving them.

How would you say you benefit from your intercultural competence as a founder?

I can't say that I have benefited from it in any way. I produce and sell vegan raw food - there were no points of contact.

Agency Sprachkultur, Vardanush Gevorgyan

What were the biggest hurdles in the start-up process?

For me, these were mainly mental hurdles: Can I do it? Can I afford it? But then I realized that there was basically nothing to stop me and just got started.

Who or what helped you the most in the start-up process - and how?

On the one hand, it was my family who supported me and gave me strength. Friends and acquaintances also accompanied me on my journey, as well as some people I met while networking. But there were also people who were against my plan and tried to dissuade me. Ultimately, however, this only encouraged me even more to go my own way, so these people also helped me. Today I can say that I simply met the right people at the right time.

What financing path have you taken?

I did everything myself back then. With my current level of knowledge, I would perhaps do one or two things differently and look for support.

To what extent were there setbacks in the founding process that required a rethink or that helped you to grow?

Fortunately, there have been no setbacks so far. But I've also grown and developed as a result of my challenges. That's just part of it.

How would you say you benefit from your intercultural competence as a founder?

I can't say that I benefit directly from it. Although I have Armenian roots, I grew up in Germany and am also at home here. In my opinion, it's more about what you radiate and who you are as a person. However, I am now receiving more and more requests for intercultural training. We have been offering these officially since April of this year.

Tab Upholstery, Alexander Tokmakov-Adler

What were the biggest hurdles in the start-up process?

For me, it was the "getting my act together". Starting your own business is always associated with risks, for example when it comes to financing. I first had to pull myself together and take the plunge.

Who or what helped you the most in the start-up process - and how?

I received a lot of support from my parents and my wife, be it financially, emotionally or by actively helping to set up the workshop. Without the support they gave me, setting up would have been virtually impossible. hannoverimpuls also helped me. I was able to acquire a lot of knowledge there.

What financing path have you taken?

I managed everything under my own steam or with the help of my family.

© hannoverimpuls GmbH

To what extent were there setbacks in the founding process that required a rethink or that helped you to grow?

I imagined some things would be a little easier, especially when it comes to the authorities. I now know that there can always be problems with customers. Sometimes you have to wait a long time for your money, which can put a lot of strain on small businesses in particular. But there are always difficulties and challenges, and as an entrepreneur you simply have to be able to deal with them.

How would you say you benefit from your intercultural competence as a founder?

I have business relationships with Spain, Italy and Eastern Europe, some of which have come about through my family. But not only. Above all, it's important to do things right. But that's not necessarily just a question of intercultural competence.