I had dreamed of running my own business since around the tenth year of Secondary School.
After graduation, I received offers from universities in both Denmark and the Netherlands. I chose the Netherlands because the study programme seemed more interesting and the country appeared to offer a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs.
I did not want to study Business only in theory. I wanted to use what I learned to create something of my own.
Shortly after moving abroad, I found a job washing dishes in an Italian restaurant. The work was not especially difficult, but it became repetitive. I stayed for two months because I wanted to save additional money for my future business.
The idea of working for myself had been in my mind for years. During previous summers, I had completed different temporary jobs, including working in sales, assisting with manual tasks, and supporting staff at conferences.
While many people my age spent most of their summer earnings, I tried to save mine. I knew that one day I wanted to invest the money in an idea of my own.
I had also enjoyed drawing and creating sketches since childhood. Eventually, I realised that I could transfer my designs onto clothing.
That was how the idea for my business was born.
I started selling colourful sweatshirts decorated with different illustrations and photographs. The products were manufactured in Bulgaria and then shipped to customers in the Netherlands and my home country.
An interest I had carried since childhood became a product that real people could buy and wear.
I built the business independently. Most of my starting capital came from the money I had earned and saved before moving abroad, while my part-time job in the Netherlands helped me cover the remaining costs.
Once the online shop was operating, I left the restaurant job and focused more of my energy on developing the business alongside my studies.
Combining university with entrepreneurship was demanding, but it also made my education feel much more meaningful. Business concepts were no longer only information discussed during lectures. I could immediately connect them with pricing, production, promotion, customers, and everyday decisions.
The university environment encouraged students to be active from the beginning. I felt that I did not need to wait until graduation before trying to create something.
University became not only a place to prepare for a future career, but also a place where I could begin building it.
Financial independence was another important part of my experience. At the time, working students could qualify for financial support under the applicable Dutch rules. Together with income from employment or business activity, this helped make student life more manageable.
However, financial support conditions change, so future students should always check the current official requirements and prepare their own realistic budget before moving.
My experience showed me that you do not need to begin with a large company, a perfect plan, or unlimited capital.
I started with saved summer earnings, a temporary restaurant job, an interest in drawing, and the belief that I could turn an idea into something real.
The first version of your business may remain small. You will make mistakes and need to learn things that no lecture can fully prepare you for. But every customer, decision, and problem gives you experience.
The most important step is moving from “one day I would like to” to “I am starting now.”
Studying abroad gave me a new environment, business knowledge, and the independence to test myself. Within only a few months, I was no longer simply dreaming about working for myself — I was already doing it.
My advice to future students is to use the opportunities around you. Work, save money, develop your skills, speak about your ideas, and do not assume that you are too young to begin.
A university degree can open doors after graduation, but your student years can also become the moment when you create your first opportunity yourself.
