Now that I’m halfway through my Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs exchange in Elche, I feel like I’ve really landed.
Working with Domingo has been a great experience so far. Domingo is not only skilled but also incredibly patient and open to sharing his knowledge. His workshop is small but perfectly organized, every corner has a purpose. I’ve learned a lot about efficiency, how to manage space, tools, and time when you don’t have a big industrial setup. We’ve been working on several camper conversion projects, combining wood and metal elements, and I’ve started to get the hang of welding and metal finishing. The first prototype is almost finished now, and it’s exciting to see our ideas take real shape — something that feels functional, practical, and creative at the same time.
One of the biggest learnings so far has been how to make the most out of limited resources. Domingo often says, “We don’t need more tools, we just need better ideas.” That mindset really stuck with me. It’s inspiring to see how creativity and craftsmanship can replace expensive machines or fancy equipment. I think this attitude will influence the way I run my own business in the future.
The collaboration is also giving me a new view on entrepreneurship. It’s not just about building products — it’s about building processes and relationships. Domingo shares openly how he manages his clients, keeps costs low, and promotes his projects online. These are things I never learned in my training as a carpenter, but they’re incredibly valuable now.
As I look ahead to the next months, I want to dive deeper into designing modular systems and learn more about combining industrial techniques with traditional woodworking. I also hope to finalize our prototype and use it as a foundation for new ideas and improvements.
Overall, the experience has been both grounding and motivating. I’m learning new skills, new ways of thinking, and new ways of working. It’s not always smooth, but that’s exactly what makes it good. I can already tell that this exchange will shape my path as an entrepreneur far beyond this stay in Spain.
