Vintage Sevdah Knits: Symbiosis of local and global - the story of Silma Šabanija Sirčo
Vintage Sevdah Knits is taking us through eras and styles of the world, merging handcrafted knitwear with cosiness of Bosnian and Herzegovinian roots. Through her unique knits, Silma Šabanija Sirčo brings back tradition, emotion and aesthetics of old times, creating symbiosis of global vintage spirit and local identity.
Knits were part of Silma’s life since young age. Her love of handcrafts, combined with experiences from numerous travels and vintage shops tours around the globe, slowly shaped the idea to create something authentic, exactly in Visoko, the city of her residence. She wanted to open a space that would reflect the style she has always preferred: vintage, special, creative and different.
The turning point was when she had heard of the entrepreneurship training under the project EU support to Local Employment Partnerships in Bosnia and Herzegovina (LEP II), implemented by the International Labour Organization in BiH. She saw it as a new hope and sign that it was the high time to turn her dream into reality.
“The training was very useful and interesting - true wind in my sails. I felt that this knowledge came to be an add-on so that we, the entrepreneurs-beginners, could better understand what is to come in our future business endeavours,” said Silma.
Along with the acquired knowledge and mentorship, with the financial assistance from the EU, Silma was given the opportunity to equip her space and purchase resources, including photo equipment. As a young entrepreneur, she is well aware how important is to have a presence on social media and showcase her work to the broader audience and potential buyers.
She especially underlined the importance of the support from the Local Partnership Vogošća, Hadžići and Ilijaš and their project VIHOR, which recognized the potential of her business idea and enabled her to take a concrete step toward economic empowerment and sustainable earnings at the local level.
“Once we get an opportunity, we should take it. We can only succeed if we believe in and follow our dreams,” concluded Silma, announcing workshops and creative events in the newly opened space.
Silma’s story is yet another proof that investments into development of professional competencies of the unemployed brings actual changes. With the support of the EU, the LEP II project continues to build bridges between local stakeholders on the labour market, creating sustainable employment opportunities.
More on local partnerships in BiH on http://www.partnerstvo.ba and social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LEPSupport/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lepsupport/
