interviews with entrepreneurs

INTERVIEWS WITH

ENTREPRENEURS

Lampriana Karpi and

Maria Diamantopoulou

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DO YOU HAVE?

L .) I own an Italian restaurant and a cafeteria in the city center.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DO YOU HAVE?M.) I am owner of a furniture store.

WHY DID YOU CHOSE TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF BUSINESS?

L.)It was my interest in the art of making Italian pizza that lead me to open my first restaurant. Over time, I developed my entrepreneurship in the coffee area.

WHY DID YOU CHOSE TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF BUSINESS?M.) I chose to deal with this, because I

wanted to continue and expand the family business.

WHAT QUALITIES MUST HAVE SOMEONE TO DEAL WITH SUCH AN UNDERTAKING?

L.) Definitely knowledge on preparing pizza! Also, love for what you want to do.

WHAT QUALITIES MUST HAVE SOMEONE TO DEAL WITH SUCH AN UNDERTAKING?M.) You need to have knowledge in

organization, communication, marketing and economics.

HOW MANY STAFF ARE EMPLOYED IN YOUR BUSINESS?L.) There are about 70 people working as

barmen, dj’s, waiters, cooks, delivery services and cleaners.

HOW MANY STAFF ARE EMPLOYED IN YOUR BUSINESS?M.)There are 6 people employed in our

business, in sales and transport.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SUCH A BUSINESS?L.) Certainly it is a quite profitable business. I like

to offer good food and quality entertainment to my customers. But the working hours are long and there is uncertainty about it’s future course.

M.) The advantages are the contact with people and the fact that buying furniture beautify your personal space and refreshes your mood. I like the sense of creating and the contact with companies in Greece and abroad. I consider as drawback large furniture chain stores that offer very low prices.

HAS THE ECONOMIC CRISIS AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS?L.) Of course it has! I have even thought

of leaving Greece and finding a job abroad. Nevertheless, my family and me decided to stay and try more. I believe a lot in hard work and I have managed to cope with this problems.

M.)Definitely it has. The furniture market is not essential for most of Greek families. Although the difficulties are great, I have learned not easily give up and fight.