Here is the story of Emilia and Kaloyan, who participated in the FLOREO Project and presented their entrepreneurial ideas on the SCENE.

Once upon a time in a small town nestled within the lush forests of the Rhodope Mountains, two nature enthusiasts, culinary passion holders and to be entrepreneurs Emilia and Stoyan, embarked on a journey to transform their passion for wild herbs into a thriving business.

The idea for the start-up was born during the participation of Emilia and Kaloyan in the FLOREO project and especially during the LIVING LAB, where thanks to the support of their teachers from the Agriculture University in Plovdiv, teaching at the FLOREO, they discovered the abundance of medicinal and culinary herbs growing freely in the Rhodopes. Inspired by the beauty and potency of these wild herbs, they decided to start a venture that would harness the potential of these natural wonders.

Their first challenge was gaining knowledge about wild herbs, their properties, and sustainable harvesting practices. First Emiliya was a little bit uncertain because, as she said, “I don’t have a master’s degree”. They spent three weeks in the FLOREO, but months studying and consulting with local herbalists and botanists, to ensure they were responsible stewards of the environment.

With their newfound expertise, Emilia and Kaloyan began carefully harvesting herbs such as mursalski tea, nettle, yarrow, and wild mint from the forest.

The start-up of Emilia and Kaloyan will include a range of herbal teas and seasonings. All items were handcrafted in small batches, using wild herbs and organic ingredients possible. Their commitment to sustainability went beyond just harvesting; they also used eco-friendly packaging and strived to minimize waste in every aspect of their business.

To reach a broader market, Emilia and Kaloyan will attend farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and local wellness expos, where they will educate customers about the benefits of wild herbs and the importance of sustainable harvesting. Their warm personalities and commitment to ethical practices won them a loyal customer base.

Emilia and Stoyan are convinced that soon they will catch the attention of local retailers and health food stores. The quality and unique properties of their products will set them apart from competitors, and word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers propelled their growth.

Although Emilia and Kaloyan are just starting, they are convinced that their company will stand as an inspiring example of a successful startup built on a foundation of passion, ethics, and a profound connection with nature.