In today’s fast-changing world, youth entrepreneurship is more than just a buzzword. It’s a powerful force shaping the future of cities and communities. Young people bring fresh ideas, energy, and a fearless attitude to the business world, making them key players in driving innovation and economic growth. But what truly fuels their success? It all starts with the right skills. Creativity, resilience, digital know-how and a willingness to learn and adapt. Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second city, is quickly becoming a hotspot for young entrepreneurs who are turning their passions into thriving businesses. From tech start-ups to artisan workshops, the spirit of youth-led innovation is alive and buzzing in the heart of this historic city. In this article, we dive into the world of youth skills and entrepreneurship through the inspiring story of a young jewelry designer who opened her own workshop right in the centre of Thessaloniki. Her journey offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to turn a dream into reality… and how the right skills can make all the difference.
The Importance of Youth Skills for Entrepreneurship
Starting a business is an exciting adventure but it’s also a challenge that demands more than just a good idea. That’s where youth skills come into play: the set of tools and qualities young people need to succeed in today’s entrepreneurial world. These include creativity to come up with unique solutions, digital literacy to navigate online markets and social media, communication skills to connect with customers and partners and resilience to bounce back from setbacks. In Thessaloniki, young entrepreneurs face both opportunities and obstacles. While the city offers a rich cultural background and a growing network of support, like incubators, workshops and NGOs dedicated to youth empowerment, challenges such as limited access to funding or business experience can hold them back. That’s why building a strong skill set early on is crucial.
Programs and initiatives focused on youth skills development are booming helping young people gain hands-on experience and confidence. Organizations like United Societies of Balkan play a key role in this ecosystem, providing training, mentorship, and platforms for youth to shine. Together, these efforts are shaping a generation ready to innovate, create jobs and contribute to Thessaloniki’s economic future. By investing in their skills, young entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses — they build communities and inspire change. This growing movement proves that with the right support, youth can lead the way in transforming Thessaloniki into a city of endless possibilities.
Spotlight on Thessaloniki’s Young Entrepreneur
Hidden in the lively streets of central Thessaloniki, there’s a small jewelry workshop that buzzes with quiet creativity. Behind its counter, soldering torch in hand, stands a young woman with a story as unique as her handcrafted designs. Originally from Cyprus, Artemis Chatzievangelou moved to Thessaloniki at 18 to study theatre at Aristotle University. But, as she tells us, life had other creative plans for her. “Theatre was part of me from a young age. I came here with the dream of becoming an actress,” she shares. “But during my studies, I started feeling disconnected from it. I was also working as a waitress, trying to keep things going. Then the pandemic hit, and that period became a kind of personal reset.”
As the world slowed down, her thoughts shifted. Jewelry-making, a craft she’d been quietly fascinated with, moved to the forefront. She left both theatre and the service industry behind and decided to dive headfirst into learning how to create jewelry.
“I took my diploma and told myself: that’s it for theatre, at least for now. I wanted to make something with my hands, something tangible and personal. So, I started learning jewelry.”
Her journey began in collaboration with a close friend, a fellow jewelry artist who had her own workshop. They shared everything, expenses, creative ideas, even their fears and dreams. Working multiple jobs while crafting pieces in the shared space, she found a rhythm.
“In 2022, a government-funded program for new businesses came out. That felt like my moment. I already knew how tough things could be, but it was time to take that leap.”
When asked what helped her most in the early stages of her entrepreneurial path, she doesn’t immediately list skills, but rather people. “I was lucky. I had supportive people around me, both personally and professionally. But if I had to name one thing, it’s what my mentor taught me: how to translate inspiration into design. Where do ideas come from, and how do you turn them into something real? That lesson is like a little talisman I carry with me.” Her formal training was brief, just four months, but intensive. The rest, she says, was self-driven. Daily practice, mistakes, and persistence shaped her craft. “I felt like I was thrown into the deep end. But I had a space to work every day, and I knew that if I needed help, my friend Ina would be there. That gave me so much confidence.”
Of course, there were obstacles, some technical, others more personal. “I’m an anxious person by nature, so starting my own business was terrifying,” she admits. “Also, dealing with contractors when I was setting up my new workshop was tough.
A lot of them didn’t take me seriously. ‘She’s just a girl, she doesn’t know what she wants,’ that kind of thing. I never really managed to stand up to that, and honestly, some things didn’t turn out the way I wanted. But I’ve learned to live with it.”
Despite the difficulties, she finds strength in the local creative community. “It gives me hope that there are so many of us, young people trying to share their art. You need to stay true to what defines you but also stay current. For me, that means being honest with myself and creating what genuinely expresses me.”
She sees Thessaloniki as a city in transition, a place where youth entrepreneurship is slowly changing the urban identity. “More and more people are starting something of their own. I find that really encouraging. Our generation is trying to succeed by doing what we love. Even if it’s hard, we’re not afraid to take the step. You can already see it in some neighbourhoods, small shops run by young people full of hope and passion.”
And what would she say to others dreaming of doing the same?
“I won’t sugar-coat it. It’s hard to keep a business running these days. The future feels uncertain, but at the same time, it’s exciting. You put your heart into your ‘baby’ and fight for it. And one more thing: let yourself lean on the people who really want to support you. You’ll quickly realize you can’t do it all alone.”
Conclusion & Call to Action
Artemis’s story is one of many quietly unfolding in the streets of Thessaloniki. Stories of young people who dare to start small, dream big, and stay true to their values. Her journey from theatre student to jewelry entrepreneur is proof that youth entrepreneurship isn’t just about business plans or profit margins. It’s about identity, expression, and building something real in a world that often feels uncertain.
In a time when young people face unstable job markets and rapid change, youth entrepreneurship offers a path to self-determination. But it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Skills, both technical and personal, are the foundation, and support networks make all the difference. That’s why initiatives that empower youth through skill-building, mentorship, and funding are more vital than ever. Organizations like United Societies of Balkan, along with a growing network of creative hubs in Thessaloniki, play a key role in this ecosystem of encouragement and opportunity.
So, if you’re a young person with a passion, a half-formed idea, or even just a strong curiosity, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small. Ask questions. Learn from those around you. And most importantly, believe that your voice, your craft, and your effort matter. Thessaloniki is changing… and it’s young people like Artemis who are shaping what comes next.
