Maja Banić
Episode · #486
POSLOVNI ĐIR Maja Banić
Guest Maja BanićHosted by Mojana KoharevićMay 3, 2026
Maja Banić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Maja Banić has spent nearly three decades immersed in the world of beauty, from makeup artistry to cosmetology. Now, she’s taking on entrepreneurship, opening her own salon, Vizo Beauty, in Split. Her story offers a candid look at the realities of starting a small business in Croatia: the bureaucratic hurdles, the elusive state support, and the strategic choices required to carve out a niche in a competitive market. You'll hear how deep industry experience meets the challenges of a new venture, and what it truly takes to make a personal passion a viable business.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Maja Banić has spent "25-30 years in the cosmetic world" before opening her own salon. This long preparation suggests entrepreneurship often builds on deep, accumulated expertise rather than spontaneous bursts of inspiration.
02
While establishing her craft business was surprisingly fast, Maja Banić was rejected three times for state incentives. The official path to entrepreneurship may be clear, but the promised support often remains out of reach.
03
Maja Banić chose her salon's location in a Split business zone, anticipating a new court building nearby would increase foot traffic. Strategic location means not just good current visibility, but also an eye on future urban development.
04
Despite Croatia being a small market, Maja Banić notes that "Splićanke in Split invest a lot in beauty." Local cultural priorities can create robust demand even where national markets are limited.
05
Despite her established reputation as a makeup artist for celebrities, Maja Banić was rejected three times for EU funds, calling the process poorly managed. Personal standing and proven experience do not always translate into institutional backing for new ventures.
06
Maja Banić notes that Italy's beauty market is so large that "70% goes to aesthetics," making it easier to succeed there than in Croatia's smaller, more competitive landscape. Market size and cultural priorities fundamentally shape entrepreneurial opportunities and competitive health.
07
Maja Banić emphasizes that constant education is "key" because the beauty industry "moves very fast." In rapidly evolving fields, continuous learning is not an advantage but a baseline requirement for relevance.