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The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is collecting examples of positive integration of third-country nationals into the labor market in Bulgaria. The aim of the initiative, implemented under the ERIAS project - Action Plan for Integration of Refugees, is to convey a positive message about the integration of foreigners in the host society. These examples are key for achieving subsequent benefits for the labor market.
If you want to share your story - as an employer or employee, contact BCCI, e-mai:interdpt@bcci.bg.
Vladimir and Tanya are from Ukraine. Due to the unstable situation there in 2015 they moved to Bulgaria. They chose to settle in the city of Varna - the third largest city in the country on the Black Sea coast. The biggest difficulty for them, in the beginning, was the language barrier. Gradually, with everyday life and work, they began to understand the people and now they speak some Bulgarian.
The family decided to start their own business. They set up a company and opened a candy shop. Vladimir and Tanya transferred a Ukrainian tradition - handmade candies, typical for every city in their homeland to Bulgaria. This way they did not only find a quiet place to live and work but they enriched the variety of goods and services of the city of Varna.
For the Happy Candy store they chose a central street in the seaside town, which is full of tourists in the summer. The candies are made by hand from natural ingredients. Children can enjoy making candies themselves during special workshops. Vladimir and Tanya feel the need to hire employees, but first have to train them.
Not everything went smoothly in setting up the company, but they are together, a family in the hardships of life and business. Vladimir says that it took them very long time to make the company, the rent for the shop is high, taxes and other minor factors keep them in constant tension. He complains of the lack of support from the state for foreigners with business in Bulgaria.
The owners of the Happy Candy are looking ahead - they are thinking of opening a store in the capital Sofia. Due to the size of the market and the proximity to consumers, they plan to have their own candy factory there as well. The idea was born in 2019, but the subsequent spread of Covid stopped its development. They also offer a franchise.
Vladimir and Tanya are happy since they do what they both love and like. The Happy Candies are on the Internet and can delight children and adults: happy-candy.eu.