Category: Stories from our entrepreneurs

Sometimes a business idea doesn't happen overnight. She's been there for years, moving through interests, education, and personal experiences, until the moment comes to dedicate ourselves to her more seriously.

For Coral this link has always been coloured.

Today through Studio de Carina It helps women find out which colors suit them best and how to use them when choosing clothes, make-up and hair color. But her color story began long before starting her own business.

From Color Interest to Business Idea

Coral's interest in color analysis dates back to childhood. Her mother used the book. Color Me Beautiful and according to her palette, she chose the colors of clothes, so Koraljka met with the concept of personal color analysis long before she started thinking about him as a possible business.

During a study of information systems in the United States, she herself made a professional color analysis and received a personalized palette. The interest in this topic was later associated with the profession. As a Master of Graphic Technology Engineering at the Faculty of Graphic Arts in Zagreb, she dedicated her master's thesis to colours and colorimetrics. Colour standardisation in the fashion industry by colorimetric methods, which also dealt with seasonal colour analysis and the relationship between clothing colours and a person’s natural colour.

Over time, she also noticed the interest of the people around her. Friends increasingly asked her what colors suited them, what to wear for a particular occasion or how to choose something that would stand for them. It was precisely such questions that showed her that there is a need for this type of service and that she could turn her knowledge and experience into a business idea.

Decision to start your own business

The idea existed for a long time, but the decision to do a job came after moving from Zagreb to Rijeka. After some of the initial business plans had not been achieved, Koraljka decided to take a step towards entrepreneurship.

"I wanted to wake up in the morning and do what I love."

As she says, until then she mostly did the jobs she chose because of her existence, but not necessarily because she enjoyed them. With the launch of the Studio de Carina, she decided to combine her knowledge and experience with a field she had been interested in for a long time.

More than the question "What color is good for me?"

The basic service of Studio de Carina is Personal color analysis, intended primarily for women who want to better understand which colors suit them and make them easier to apply when choosing clothes.

The analysis does not end with the determination of the pallet. They also talk about personal style, the existing wardrobe and the way in which the recommended colors fit into what the client already has.

‘After the analysis, I want the client not only to obtain ‘their colours’, but also specific knowledge that she will be able to apply every day.’

He sees the practical application of the Coral as an important part of his approach. She has also organized her own wardrobe according to her color palette, and from her personal experience points out that this makes it easier for her to combine clothes, reduces impulsive shopping and helps her to use what she already has in the closet more often.

Incubator as support

Koraljka openly says that her entrepreneurship is a new area. When launching Studio de Carina, she needed not only a space where she could work and receive clients, but also support in business matters.

Entering into Torpedo Business Incubator has been given the space to work, but also the opportunity to participate in trainings and workshops and to consult on issues that arise in the first stages of business.

"In Porin, I got exactly what I needed, a place to work and support people who have experience in entrepreneurship."

As she points out, she faces new issues and challenges on a daily basis, which is why at this stage of business it is important for her to have access to advice and support that can help her further development.

Plans for further development

At this stage of business, Koraljka is primarily focused on developing the presence in Rijeka and bringing the personal color analysis service closer to more women.

At the same time, he is developing an online service that will be based on color analysis, but also include advice on hair color, decorative cosmetics and personal style. He wants to further develop the offer towards personal stylistic counseling, from combining clothing items to creating a functional wardrobe tailored to the specific person.

He also works on collaborations with hotels, salons and wedding organizers, while keeping the focus on personal work with the end user.

The long-term goal is to build a recognizable brand that will connect color analysis with personal style and a more convenient choice of wardrobe.

Worth trying

The stepper is itself at the beginning of the entrepreneurial path, and the experience of starting one's own business is still being built. To those who think of a similar step, he says:

For her, Studio de Carina is precisely such an attempt – an opportunity to develop her long-standing interest, knowledge and experience through her own business.

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Do you want to build your story with the support of an incubator?

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From our incubators a new phase of development of the Carpathia – Robotic System project is coming Harter Robotics for grinding and polishing vessels.

The latest version of the prototype was presented on 8 April and marks an important step in the development of technology towards actual application in the nautical sector.

Technical progress towards real world application

Compared to the previous version, the new prototype brings a number of improvements that significantly increase its functionality and adaptability to field work.

The robot is now:

• 30% lighter
• 30% smaller
• more compact for use on mobile parts of vessels

These changes make it easier to operate and apply in real working conditions, which is an important step towards the commercialization of solutions.

Advanced sensory and further development of autonomy

One of the key developments is the integration of more advanced sensor systems.

New version of Carpathia robot includes six cameras, Thermal cameras and additional sensor components. This upgrade enables more precise monitoring of system operation, better monitoring of the environment and lays the foundations for the further development of autonomous functionalities.

The presentation of the new version marks the beginning of a new phase of development. The focus in the coming period will be on extensive use of robots, real-world testing, performance validation and further system improvement;. This phase is essential to prepare the technology for wider market application.

Innovation with international potential

The Carpathia project is being developed with the aim of automating demanding processes in nautical engineering, while increasing efficiency and safety in vessel processing and maintenance.

It is a solution that goes beyond the prototype level and is the basis for the development of future technologies in the field of marine robotics.

The project is co-financed by the European Union through the instrument NextGenerationEU, with the support of HAMAG-BICRO as part of the project Carpathia - Ship polishing robot This further confirms its development potential and relevance in the context of modern technological solutions in nautical engineering.

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Business is often about ideas and opportunities. Less about the moments when entrepreneurship becomes the only viable choice. It was from this moment that the story of EROSI emerged, a construction company that is today building its way through continuous work, investment and gradual growth.

Between Multiple Jobs and One Decision

Behind EROSI stands Josipa Končar, an entrepreneur who, before starting her own business, worked simultaneously for several serious systems and performed various jobs.

She organised over-the-counter transports, participated in the purchase and export of logs to the international market, worked in the field of insurance and coordinated shipping. All this in parallel, at a time when her children were small, and family life required stability and presence.

In such circumstances, starting your own company was not a matter of ambition, but a decision to create a sustainable framework for work and family.

The only way out was to open my own company and build my own foundation for the family business.

The opportunity emerged through a concrete job that was not recognized as a priority by the employers at the time. For Joseph, that was the moment when he had to take the risk.

Start without certainty, but with a clear decision

The beginning for Joseph wasn't easy. She missed almost everything. Capital, equipment, security. What she did not lack, and was crucial, is knowledge, experience and willingness to take the job and do it responsibly.

I lacked everything except knowledge and courage.

This was not a decision made in ideal circumstances, but at a time when one had to choose between safety and one's own path. She chose a path that carries risk, but also control. She took her first job without support, without resources and without a safety net. And she did it successfully. That moment was a break. Not because everything was ready, but because she was ready.

Incubator as the first stable framework

An important step in our development was to enter our Coworking Space, And when the opportunity opens up for it, Torpedo Business Incubator.

In addition to financially affordable space, the incubator has provided what is crucial in the initial phase, stability and a professional business framework. A place where she could organize her work, but also meetings with investors and partners.

At the same time, the incubator opened space for connecting with other entrepreneurs and sharing experiences, which further contributed to the development of business.

Gradual growth and investment in capacities

Today, EROSI is active in the field of construction and earthworks, covering projects in construction and civil engineering, from preparatory works and excavations to the execution and organization of works on the construction site.

In their work, they combine precise manual interventions and the use of modern machinery, which allows them efficiency, but also quality control at every step of the project. They put special emphasis on planning, site safety and compliance with all administrative and technical requirements. In addition to classic construction works, they also develop specific projects, from infrastructure interventions to more technically demanding installations and solutions tailored to the needs of investors.

From the beginning until today, Josipa has continuously invested in equipment and development of operational capacities, and the team has grown to six employees.

I only work for my company that is progressing slowly, but surely.

Such an approach enables stable growth, with a focus on reliability, quality of performance and long-term customer relationships.

A message to those who are thinking about their own business

Josipa's experience shows that entrepreneurship does not always start from ideal conditions.

In the end, Josipa's story is not about ideal beginnings, but about the decision to move despite everything that is missing. Not from safety, but from the need to take matters into their own hands.

And that is why today it is not about coincidences, but about work, responsibility and everyday decisions that build it further, step by step.

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Do you want to build your story with the support of an incubator?

Contact us and find out how we can help you.

Business is often about growth, investment and the market. Less about people who otherwise find it difficult to find their place in the labour market. This is where the story of the SEC Lab, a social enterprise founded in 2023 with the aim of creating quality and sustainable work opportunities for people with disabilities, begins.

DIP lab d.o.o. was created as a logical continuation of the long-term work of the association Research and Support Society (DIP), which has been conducting work-occupational programmes, rehabilitation and professional support for persons with disabilities for more than ten years. Today, five people with disabilities work in the DIP lab with the support of two work assistants, and activities include cleaning of residential and business premises, landscaping and maintenance of gardens, packaging, sorting and finishing products.

But what makes the DIP lab special is the way it was created.

They started with people, not a business idea.

Setting up a business was not a quick decision. Unlike the classic ‘first idea and then search for workers’ model, the DIP lab went the other way.

We didn't start with the idea, so we were looking for workers. We started with people and their abilities.

Long-term monitoring of DIP users showed what their working abilities are, how much they can work and under what conditions they achieve the best results. Monitoring has shown, for example, that for most of the optimal working hours are around four hours a day.

If the optimal working time is four hours, then we need to develop jobs that can support this.

Thus, the business model arose from the real capabilities of employees. Instead of adapting people to the market, the DIP lab looked for market activities that could be adapted to people.

Challenges: space, processes and production

The beginning required a lot of planning, adaptation and patience. Work processes had to be clearly structured, safe and tailored to each employee, while at the same time being market-sustainable.

One of the biggest challenges was finding and arranging adequate space for the development of production. The aim was to establish a model of an integrative or protective workshop, a form of employment that allows continuous support to persons with disabilities in the production process.

For us, this was not just a technical requirement, but a step towards creating a place where people with disabilities would systematically participate in the entire work process.

In Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, there is still no such form of support in work, which is why DIP Lab is a leader in social entrepreneurship and the establishment of a sustainable business model.

The Incubator as a Space for Growth

Entering into Incubator for Torpedo manufacturing activities enabled the DIP lab space adapted to their needs for the further development of production.

In addition to infrastructure, they emphasize the importance of mentoring support and education. Workshops on business improvement, planning of further growth and development of new products were especially useful for them. Through education, they say, strengthen their capacities and ensure that production is of high quality, safe and sustainable.

For them, the incubator is the space of a positive socio-entrepreneurial environment. A real community. A place that allows you to connect with other entrepreneurs, experts and potential partners, making it easier to find new business opportunities and develop the market.

In the long term, this program provides us with the basis for strategic planning of production expansion, which creates additional jobs for people with disabilities and strengthens the sustainability of the entire business model.

Where are they today?

DIP Lab is currently investing significant resources in business expansion. They hired new work assistants and people with disabilities, developed a new visual identity and are preparing a web shop. They are especially proud of the production of scented candles and candlesticks that allow employees to work in a creative environment.

In 2026, they also expect to launch the production of the first “river” liquid hand and body wash gels and cleaning agents that do not harm the environment, in cooperation with the Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development of the University of Rijeka and the Jadran Galenski Laboratory, without whose support they say, this project would not be possible.

They are our mentors and we are our mentors. This synergy ensures sustainability.

DIP lab is also successfully operating in the system of replacement quotas through cooperation with business partners, which ensures stable business and opens up new employment opportunities.

Message to those who are just starting out

In the DIP lab, they point out that social entrepreneurship is not just a business venture.

As they point out, it is a long-term investment that creates equal opportunities and benefits both society and business.

Entrepreneurship, they add, requires patience, good planning and willingness to learn. It is important to have a clear goal, but also enough flexibility to adapt to new challenges. It is equally important to have the support of the community, and such support often needs to be fought for.

Creating work opportunities for those who otherwise struggle to find them makes sense for both the community and business. Their experience shows that it is possible to develop a sustainable model that combines social responsibility and market sustainability, step by step.

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Do you want to build your story with the support of an incubator?

Contact us and find out how we can help you.