Laura Cocetta, Vela Sea Storie
www.velaseastories.com | Instagram @velaseastories | Instagram @laurasseastories | Facebook @velaseastories | Facebook @laurasseastories
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I come from Piran and it is difficult to say that I am a self-employed entrepreneur, although I am entering the 4th year of my independent career. Maybe because it all went very organically and I just felt like I didn’t belong in a classic job. Together with my boyfriend, we create a story in Piran, by the sea, where we offer accommodation and we have a shop with our products from alluvium and beach parts.
What inspired your career?
I got a full-time job very early and I went to a regular job with a two-shift schedule while studying. I was very successful in the eyes of my family, acquaintances, parents, and friends, but I felt that this was not it. It took me quite some time to realize that neither the job nor the field of study makes me happy. When I graduated, I felt I had to do something and so I gave up and go to my own path. I’m not sorry. Quite the opposite: I should probably do it sooner.
What does your day look like? Walk us through your typical day…
I can divide my working day into 2 categories: a working day in the winter and a working day during the season. As the tourist season approaches, my workday is crazy 24/7. It starts with unlocking our store – studio in Piran and during the day guests leave the apartments, I have to arrange reservations and prepare documentation for incoming guests, welcome guests, reply to emails, and if there is some time left I dedicate it to creating for sale in the studio. There is more of the latter in the winter and I try to spread it over the whole year over time.
What is your favorite failure that sets you up for later success?
Maybe the fact that at the beginning of my independent journey I thought that my partner and I would be able to do everything on our own, without additional help. So that everything will be “as it should be”. Perfect. There is a bit of so-called “control freak” in me.
After the first season, the pace, scope of work, and responsibility made me feel so that I knew that if I wanted to continue in this direction, I had to change the way I work thoroughly, accept the fact that I could not have everything 100% under control and that work needed to be divided. So I expand my team.
When you feel unfocused or not motivated what do you do?
My mistake or advantage is that I do things “by feeling”, which of course suits me very well. But there are days when work is waiting and there is no drive and inspiration to do it. Then I think discipline and focus show the most. It helps me the most to write down the tasks and goals I want to achieve and a regular dose of walks in nature. Focus on yourself and your work is essential for entrepreneurs.
If you could send a mini message to all people, what would it be?
If I focus on everyone who has stepped on their own path or is thinking to start their own business: “What will people say?” Unfortunately, those words ruined more dreams than any other.
“What will people say?” Unfortunately, those words ruined more dreams than any other.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business journey?
Believe in yourself – if you don’t believe in yourself, others won’t. So simple, and so true.
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