Veronika Zachová, a young Czech designer, started her own business and was not afraid to step out of her comfort zone. As an adult, she plucked up the courage and went to Cyprus to gain experience from foreign colleagues who were doing business in a similar field. Thanks to the Erasmus programme for young entrepreneurs, which is managed in the Czech Republic by the Czech Chamber of Commerce, she broadened her horizons and gained valuable experience that she would never have gained in the Czech Republic even with her best efforts. This programme connects budding entrepreneurs with more experienced mentors across Europe and helps them develop their entrepreneurial skills in a real-life environment.

How was the stay? What has been her driving force? And what advice would she give to her inexperienced self? We talked about this too in our interview with Veronika Zachova, who has dedicated her business to fashion.

1. If you had to describe what you do in one sentence, what would it sound like and how did you get into it?

I do fashion illustration, mainly live sketching guests at events, weddings and brand activations. I got into fashion illustration in a roundabout way – I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a kid, I was always sketching dress designs, outfit combinations and fashionable characters, but life took me in a different direction. Years later I returned to drawing, this time in a different form. Today I create illustrations that not only capture fashion, but also tell stories, complement posters, visuals or bring the atmosphere of events to life – whether it’s a personal memory or part of a brand’s visual identity.

2. What motivated you to apply for the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme and use your experience abroad in business?

I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, gain new experiences, learn how the creative industry works abroad and most importantly – improve my English and have the opportunity to surround myself with people who create and support each other. I wanted an international reach and more confidence in what I was doing.

3. When you compare doing business in the Czech Republic and abroad, what do you see as the biggest difference?

From my experience in Cyprus, I can see that people abroad are much more open, cooperative and willing to support new ideas. In the Czech Republic, I often feel that it is more difficult to get a foothold – people rely more on well-known names and newcomers have a harder time. This sometimes demotivates me, but it also motivates me to be part of the change.

4. Did you have a “wow moment” when you thought it was really worth it?

Yes! I ran my first workshop in English at Alexander College for fashion design students and their reaction was incredible – they were enthusiastic, supportive and open. That’s when I realised I was exactly where I was meant to be. Everything fell into place and made sense.
And a few days later, I had another powerful moment – my illustration was exhibited for the first time ever, in celebration of International Women’s Day. It was symbolic, emotional and beautiful. The feeling that my work could be part of something bigger was absolutely unforgettable.

5. What three pieces of advice would you give to your “young inexperienced” self?

Be different – that’s your strength, don’t stop believing in your dream even if it seems impossible, and if you feel fear, try anyway – that’s when you grow the most.

Thank you for the interview!“