Success stories

New entrepreneur:
Žanete Petkuna (Latvia)
Age: 29
Company name: https://zanetepetkuna.lv (Start-up)
Sector of activity: Crafts, art materials and accessories

Host entrepreneur:
Vivita Kaupere (Finland)
Age: 35
Company name: ViviCreates / https://vivicreates3.wordpress.com (5 years of experience)
Sector of activity: Music, theater, events and related cultural and entertainment services

Žanete is an artist, designer, and branding consultant from Latvia. She discovered the EYE program through a business community where other members shared their experiences of international collaborations. Inspired by the idea of working with another entrepreneur abroad, she decided to take part and published a post on her social media channels expressing her interest in connecting with entrepreneurs in Nordic countries who might be open to collaboration and willing to participate in the program as host entrepreneurs. That’s how the HE discovered the project and was immediately interested in joining as well. Vivita, the host entrepreneur, is a highly talented and professional artist, but she faced challenges with branding and was looking for support in exploring her brand more deeply, creating a visual identity, and developing a complete brand book.


Žanete and Vivita built a strong connection from the first meetings, with a clear understanding of objectives, easy communication, and efficient meeting management to carry out their activities. The NE mainly contributed with strategic and design-related tasks, analyzing the HE’s brand and developing visual materials such as social media content, pricing signs, and a brand book. Together they discussed strategies to maintain a consistent visual presence on social media, also organizing a professional photoshoot for the HE’s jewelry. The HE gave the NE the opportunity to participate in her creative workshop, where she learned the "flower pounding” technique—a method that truly inspired her! During her stay, Žanete also got to experience how design markets happen in Helsinki and compare them to those in Latvia, making new connections with Finnish artists. For Žanete, networking with fellow creatives is an important part of her professional journey.


During their time working together, Vivita learned new concepts, tools, and visual design approaches for her business. Žanete provided a new working tool for Vivita’s business and artistic activities, a brand book that will serve as a core resource for creating visuals and communication in the future. They have agreed to continue their cooperation both online and through in-person meetings. By asking questions, sharing insights, and exchanging perspectives on visual design, communication, and branding, the NE and the HE are establishing a strong bond between themselves and their businesses. The NE gained valuable experience in branding, increased confidence, and strengthened her skills in graphic design.

For more information, please contact the local contact points involved in the exchange:

New entrepreneur's contact point:
Latvijas Asociacija Eiropas Kopienas Studijam (Riga, Latvia)

Host entrepreneur's contact point:
MICROFINANZA SRL (Vicenza, Italy)

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