My Entrepreneurial Story • Jelena Ribarić

Jelena RIBARIĆ is the owner of the HIPNOTIC ONE Beauty and Relaxation Center in Kragujevac, and the entrepreneur I am writing about today.

Her entrepreneurial journey has lasted for nearly two decades, and in the city, she is known as Jeja Hipnotic.

When you meet her, you see a positive and accomplished person in every sense, feel a warm welcome and uplifting energy, and notice her gentle and empathetic nature. But above all—you see a fighter.

The personal excellence she embodies is reflected in every aspect of her center and the team she leads. She is constantly innovating, mastering new techniques, and finding ways to meet the diverse needs of her clients. With this approach, she has built one of the city’s most prestigious beauty centers.

I can speak about all this with confidence because I have been collaborating with Jeja for over a decade, carefully following her growth. I asked her to share her entrepreneurial journey with us—what it has brought her, what it has taken, and how it has shaped her—through the following questions.

What inspired you to step into the world of entrepreneurship?

For me, it was a deep interest in everything related to beauty and the desire to help women enhance their natural appeal.

When I started in this field, I didn’t have a clear vision of how everything would unfold, but I had a profound love for what I do—and that passion led me into this business.

When you carry love and enthusiasm for your work within you, clients eventually recognize it. I can say that the satisfaction of my clients, reflected in their feedback, confirmed that I was on the right path. On one hand, it reassured me that I was providing quality service, and on the other, it was a great motivation to continue growing and improving.

As my business developed, so did the range of services I offered. This expansion required a larger workspace, investment in equipment, additional training, new team members, and fresh ideas. All of this together has shaped what my team and I represent today.

Of course, everything happened gradually, step by step, in line with industry trends that evolve rapidly.

In the meantime, I have also embraced the roles of mother and wife. From my perspective, with good organization and determination, everything can be managed successfully!

What are the key ingredients for achieving success in your field?

A strong passion for the work, empathy for clients and their needs, an understanding of their concerns and desires. My clients span a broad demographic—from teenagers to mature women—which is not always easy to cater to, but so far, I have managed to meet their expectations to our mutual satisfaction.

Working with people requires patience, energy, and above all, a genuine desire to ensure their satisfaction with the service provided.

For me, success is seeing the happiness on my clients’ faces, receiving messages of appreciation, and even photos from satisfied customers. That kind of feedback is the greatest motivation to keep going.

How important are people in your entrepreneurial journey?

They are central! Everything we do, we do for and with people. This applies to both my team members and my clients—the ultimate users of our services.

People are the starting point in every business, and the interaction we build with them is the most important aspect.

You can have a perfectly equipped salon, but without a professional team that creates a welcoming atmosphere, you cannot count on success.

From your experience, what are the key factors in effectively developing and leading people?

First and foremost—respect, tolerance, appreciation of diversity, and understanding.

Of course, fair compensation is also crucial. Employees should be adequately rewarded for their work.

A leader needs to establish authority, but this should come through personal example rather than forced imposition.

I carefully choose team members who recognize and respect leadership without the need for it to be enforced.

What role does communication play in driving your business success?

Good communication is the foundation of any business that involves working with people. My approach is built on two-way communication, based on mutual respect and treating every client with equal care.

I strive to maintain strong communication with everyone who comes to the salon, whether they are visiting for the first time or have been with us for years.

The nature of my work is unique—people come to the salon to relax, enhance their appearance, or improve something about themselves. To make this experience enjoyable for everyone, effective communication, courteous staff, optimal working conditions, and a pleasant atmosphere are essential.

What valuable lessons have the challenges in your career taught you?

Challenges are significant, as are the risks. However, I’ve come to realize that every challenge is both an opportunity and a risk—it opens doors for future business growth.

One thing experience has taught me is that one challenge always leads to another, and this continuous process helps us grow and develop our business further.

What are the three key strategies for successfully running your own business?

  1. Continuously improve your skills—invest in professional education and stay up to date with industry trends.
  2. Invest in modern technology and high-quality equipment.
  3. Choose knowledgeable and trustworthy team members, and nurture your team dynamic!

Text author: Danijela Nedić
Photo by Gavrilo Nedić

Podelite