Taking a step back from it all and traveling in a place unknown is one of my favourite ways to get a fresh perspective on life. Love the challenge of communicating in other languages and experiencing day to day life for different cultures. It’s always an eye (and soul) opening experience, which is why travel has been such an important part of my life for as long as I can remember.
And I always get a fresh dose of small business inspiration, frequenting and visiting little businesses on the road and learning how they do things in their countries.
Just got back from a trip to Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia and the pervasive small biz theme for this journey was one of creativity and care for the space of the business. I was just blown away at how unique and incredibly thoughtful storefronts and business operations could be. It made some of what I see here in and around Vancouver seem downright cold not to mention boring.
Here are some photo highlights from my holiday. Enjoy!
The local graffiti culture in Berlin melds perfectly with a funky clothing shop.
With this many flowers (and many, many more inside!), you know this small business is loved – Kebab restaurant, Berlin
Flea market, Berlin – where anyone with something to sell can be an entrepreneur for a day!
There’s no cozier beer than one enjoyed in what feels like your grandma’s sitting room – Berlin
Muesli mania! Small boutique shop specializing in this most German of breakfast staples – Bamberg, Germany
Loved seeing all the small businesses tucked into residences – so much more small biz friendly than the regulations we have here in Canada! See if you can spot the backyard pub and auto mechanic shop here in Loket, Czech Republic
Lovely little communal area provided by our pension in Loket. Perfect place to set up shop and get a bit of work done!
Talk about the best seat in the house! – Prague, Czech Republic
Inner courtyard turned into an inviting outdoor seating area – Prague, Czech Republic
The most charming flower shop in the world?
Simply loved the personalized touches at this villa in the Slovak mountains. These homebaked treats were laid out each day for guests – Novy Smokovec, Slovakia
Making an entrance – restaurant in the Tatra Mountains, Slovakia
Gotta get this going here in Canada! Gluhwein (hot mulled wine) culture in Vienna, Austria.
Talk about an atmospheric cafe – Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Even a machinery shop has a cheerful and inviting store front – Berlin, Germany
Simplicity is bliss. Even just a small dose of creativity and humour is enough to catch the attention of passersby – Korean restaurant, Berlin
Let me know which business you liked best or what inspiration you can pull from these photos for your own biz. Meet you in the comments!
Tagged as:
entrepreneurship,
small business
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Martina, your photos really capture the atmosphere of the countries you visited. There are some great storefronts there! They are so inviting, I wish more shops would make the effort to encourage shoppers in this way. It shows that the small biz owners are passionate about what they are selling. Cath.
Thanks Cath! Glad you enjoyed the photos. It was really inspiring to see the creativity and passion that went into these businesses.