This is the story of Manuela Jevremović, a woman who turned to bees, nature, and other women in order to discover her true calling. Manuela is a mentee in the first generation of the “New Face of Rural Women” program, which combines mentoring, education and networking with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic empowerment of rural women. This program was carried out under the umbrella of German development cooperation in Serbia, implemented by GIZ, as part of the measures that are aiming to increase the economic, social, and cultural opportunities for young people, women, returnees, and ethnic minorities living in rural areas.
Find out more about the „New Face of Rural Women“ program here.
What this program meant for Maneula, read in the text below.
I am Manuela, a woman who found her way in the heart of nature, on a farm in the village of Kočetin, Municipality of Žabari. My story is about a journey, discovering myself and the strength I found in beekeeping.
At the root of everything, my relationship to the place where I live, the Vlach region, is permeated with a deep connection and respect for our traditions and roots. For generations, my family, cultivating love for the land and preserving nature, has also left its mark. Every part of the Vlach region exudes the history and heritage of our family, which makes me feel deeply connected to this place.
The name of my brand, Medna Vlajna reflects exactly this connection. “Vlajna” (Vlach girl) is an expression that reminds us of our origin and tradition, while “Medna” (Honey) clearly highlights the essence of our business – the production of high-quality honey and bee products. We proudly carry this name, knowing that it is a reflection of our deep connection with the Vlach region and our heritage.
15 years ago, after completing our studies, my husband and I excitedly returned to our family estate in Kočetin. We proudly continued the tradition of dairy farming, but, as life often does, five years ago, our world was turned upside down. Beekeeping unexpectedly became my new passion, my light in the midst of daily challenges. And while our fields and barns are still occupied by dairy cattle, my heart has found refuge among the bees.
What I do, at the same time, fulfils me and gives me a sense of progress and contribution to the community. Since I started beekeeping a few years ago, I feel like I’ve found my place in this world. Caring for bees, producing honey and other bee products not only brings me satisfaction, but I feel that in this way I contribute to the preservation of nature and the health of people in my community.
Through Mreža Jezgro network, I learned many useful skills and gained valuable contacts. Sharing experiences with other entrepreneurs, educational resources and support from network members helped me improve my business and expand my horizons. Learning about digital marketing, small business management and brand development further empowered me in my further development. I would like to share the gratitude and support I received with future women, members of the network, because through networking we are not alone, we have each other and that is the strength in each of us.
What I am most proud of is that I boldly set out to make my dreams come true and managed to build a successful business that brings quality products to the community. I am also proud of my commitment to nature conservation and support to the local community through my beekeeping activities. I am proud that my children are growing up in a healthy environment in daily contact with nature and farm animals.
When I imagine myself in the future, I see myself as a successful entrepreneur who spreads her love for nature and her products. I want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature that gives me strength for a better and more beautiful tomorrow. My passion is that as many people as possible get to know and love Medna Vlajna products. In that spirit, I plan to open my farm to visitors in the future. I want to introduce guests to the world of beekeeping through educational tours and tastings, so that they feel connected to nature on our farm. Also, I want this place to be a space where people can relax, be inspired and enjoy the benefits of nature. This vision fulfils me and gives me strength to work with even greater passion and dedication.
Manuela Jevremović is the owner of an agricultural farm that produces honey and honey products in Kočetin. Although after her studies, she and her husband returned to their hometown to continue the family tradition of dairy farming, Manuela started the Medna Vlajna brand. She is a mentee in the first generation of the New Face of a Village Woman programme.
* The text is taken with the permission of the author from the Mreža Jezgro website.