Balkan Business Brief
Pieces of Montenegro: Capturing the beauty of nature in innovative and luxurious souvenirs
As a passionate lover of the nature of Montenegro, the photographer @Marija Stanković was disappointed by the fact that there are no souvenirs in the field of photography that showcase the unique beauty of this country in an innovative, high-quality and slightly more luxurious way. A few years ago, postcards with outdated motifs or ordinary photographs could be found at the souvenir market. Identifying this gap in the market and considering Montenegro's reliance on tourism, she conceived the idea of creating souvenirs in a different way, thus beginning the story of @Pieces of Montenegro.
Pieces of Montenegro brings a unique souvenir in the form of a scroll, available in several exquisite packaging options: neatly folded and tied with a ribbon within an elegant box, delicately enclosed in a refined envelope, or elegantly framed in a minimalist white picture frame. Marija's captivating photographs of Montenegrin landscapes are printed on premium A5 canvases, ensuring the highest quality. The collection features not only renowned locations in Montenegro but also hidden gems, as Marija aims to inspire buyers to explore and discover new places. Every aspect, from the careful selection of details to the choice of materials, has been thoughtfully considered by Marija to create a visually luxurious product that remains accessible to a wide audience. To purchase these exquisite souvenirs, customers can conveniently place orders through the Instagram page @piecesofmontenegro or visit retail locations in Podgorica (Loft Design Store, Kakao Concept Store) and Budva (Penso Bookstore).
In the development of this unique and creative business, Marija emphasizes that the main challenge she faced was the production process and the need to source certain forms from neighboring countries. Nonetheless, Marija is determined to overcome this challenge as her goal is to ensure that every aspect of the product originates from Montenegro. The pivotal catalyst for starting this business for Marija was the grant and support received from the institutions of the European Union and Montenegro. Within a year, Marija successfully introduced various product forms, including a recent addition of a set of exquisite postcards. This set includes 10 unique motifs from different parts of Montenegro, elegantly packaged in small refined boxes. Looking ahead, Marija is particularly excited about participating in significant upcoming events, which will contribute to the promotion of her distinctive souvenirs. She will also continue to expand the distribution points and seek partnerships to provide customers with wider, more convenient access to her products. If you ever find yourself visiting Montenegro, now you know where to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir while supporting the continued growth of this exceptional startup.
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professional photographer/ Owner and CEO at Pieces of Montenegro
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