Success stories

Alīne Skarule is an  emerging entrepreneur from Latvia. She joined the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme with a vision to revolutionize the fashion industry through her slow fashion brand, promoting sustainable consumption and high-quality timeless designs. Determined to refine her business model and expand her marketing prowess, Alīne embarked on an exchange in Spain with her mentor Julio César de la Vega, an experienced entrepreneur and business development strategist specializing in online shops and long-term brands.

During the six-month exchange in Spain, Alīne immersed herself in the details of managing and growing a sustainable fashion brand. Under Julio’s mentorship, she gained invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies, particularly for online shops. Julio, who has a wealth of experience from founding successful companies like Mi Oliva Gourmet and Consultoria.io, guided Alīne in creating compelling social media content and developing innovative marketing campaigns. Together they explored various approaches to enhance the brands visibility and engagement, from creating aesthetically appealing social media feeds to launching interactive outdoor campaigns such as the Andalusian Independence Day interviews that creatively connected with the local community.

The collaboration between Alīne and Julio culminated in several significant achievements. Alīne successfully planned and executed a new product photoshoot, styled meticulously with a capsule wardrobe approach ensuring versatility and sustainability. She also played a pivotal role in organizing and launching a new collection, expanding her brand’s offerings beyond bags to include various design pieces. Through this hands-on experience, Alīne not only honed her technical skills such as using Adobe Illustrator for technical layouts, but also learned to navigate the challenges of market adaptation and consumer engagement. The exchange empowered her to integrate her slow fashion principles with effective business strategies, setting a solid foundation for her brand’s growth and sustainability.