I’m an aspiring social entrepreneur developing Ominocity—a sustainability-driven initiative promoting clothing repair through education, community events, and hands-on workshops. The goal is to make repair accessible, creative, and part of everyday life. My host, Viktorija Nausėdė, is the founder of LOOPTEX, a Lithuanian company focused on textile reuse. During my stay, I explored how a sustainability-oriented business operates, contributed to content creation, and learned about local practices. I discovered the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program through Roald van der Vliet while searching for learning opportunities to help shape my business. I joined to gain practical experience, expand my network, and refine my business model through direct engagement in the field.
During my stay, I engaged in various activities such as writing a blog post on sustainable fabric choices, presenting the LOOPTEX recycling box at a local social event, and researching ideas for future upcycling projects. I also conducted an analysis of similar companies and their business models to identify strategies that could benefit LOOPTEX. My relationship with the host was open and collaborative. While we had different creative approaches, we maintained a respectful dialogue, which helped me understand how to adapt and contribute within an evolving business environment focused on sustainability.
I gained valuable insights into how a sustainability-focused business operates. I developed skills in content creation, market research, and public engagement. I also learned how to adapt ideas to align with an existing company’s vision and strategy. The experience deepened my understanding of textile recycling, upcycling, and sustainable practices in Lithuania. It also helped me better define my own business direction and improved my ability to navigate creative challenges in a real-world setting. Overall, the stay was a meaningful step in preparing to launch my own initiative.
This experience gave me a clearer perspective on the realities of running a sustainability-focused business. It challenged me to adapt creatively and helped shape the next steps for launching my own initiative.