In today's column, we bring an interview with a young married couple from Zagreb (the capital of Croatia) who are both less than thirty, have two children and two private businesses (one of which we present in this article). They are a true example of the courage and audacity…
Where did the idea come from? It was the first question I asked, thinking - it's so simple, how come no one had thought of that before?
"The Bačva(barrel) was made one evening, talking at our terrace, which we wanted to arrange. So in fifteen minutes we have developed the idea: How about planting flowers and plants in a metal barrel? Five minutes after that, we bought a domain on internet, and I made the logo that same evening", says Nera Marušić (29), describing the moment when the brand was born.
Nera Marušić
They quickly realized they have a great idea…
"Our barrel does not hold water, its drainage process is specially designed to drain excess of water. These are steel construction, steel perforated sheet metal, rubber profiles and permeable foil. It can be of a different height depending on the plant and the position”, Nera continues.
"As well, there is a wine cork on the barrel for draining excess water, if it happens to rain. Also if your friend, who takes care of your plants while you are on vacation, is watering your expensive flower too much," adds Nera's husband Luka Marušić (29).
At the very beginning, I was amazed – you have thought of everything. But behind every simple and successful idea there is a big and a hard work…
"We have been developing the product for seven months. When it hit the market, we noticed that we have fallen into a 'market hole', according to the reactions of clients, architects, interior and exterior designers. So, we realized that the market will appreciate our product, because the supply of big flower pots is relatively poor", says Nera.
Nera Marušić
What is the ‘Bačva’ (barrel)?
"It is a used metal barrel of oil, petroleum or some other liquid that is ready for waste. This is where we buy the barrels and repurpose it. This additionally protects the environment, because the barrel does not go into the classic recycling of melting metals and making a new product, which bypasses the release of CO² into the atmosphere. Our product is completely handmade. We repair it if necessary, remove the paint, put a new one, cut, and install a drainage system, tiles, wine cork, wheels, handles… Clients can choose the size, colour, accessories. Thus, it is personalized, and due to the various functional accessories, the ‘Bačva’ is also functional ", explains Luka.
”Reactions have been more than positive, from the very beginning when we introduced ourselves to the others and asked for advice. It makes us very happy and encourages in patience. We are aware that it will take time for our brand to develop to its maximum potential, and we would like to take it beyond the borders of our beautiful homeland", adds Nera.
You are known to me as ‘Nera & Luka Weddings’, what about that business?
"We still work as photographers, it didn’t stop. People are constantly recommending us, and we actually like this change of trend into the more intimate weddings that happened due to the pandemic", both agree.
Nera Marušić
Where does this courage to develop your own projects come from? And what about successfulness?
"We have always been like that and we have found ourselves in that. We are always thinking about how to do some things ourselves, and how to develop a new idea. So we have made a bed and a sofa for our first apartment, for example. We think creatively and still are full of new ideas, even now when we have already developed some of them", says Luka.
"When you think 'out of the box'and you are ready to step bravely and come out of the comfort zone, then life surprises you and it is really possibleto succeed, of course with the God's help", Nera concludes.
Guys we wish you all the best!