With its start-up center and thanks to the EXIST-Women funding line (with funds from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection), ASH Berlin supports women who are thinking about starting their own business even before they do. We will be presenting some of the women and ideas on alice online over the next few weeks.
We start with a double interview with Melisa Kalayci and Sabrina Zanella, both students on the Management and Care in Healthcare (MVG) course, who want to set up a residential group for young people with cancer.
What is your foundation about?
Melisa Kalayci: Our foundation is a matter close to our hearts. During our studies, we discovered a gap in the care of children and young people with oncology by reading studies. Our basic idea is to create a place that helps young people with cancer to reintegrate into everyday life. We are still working on whether this will take the form of a shared apartment or a hospice. The main aim of our idea is to give young people the best possible start back into everyday life after their recovery.
What particular hurdles do you have to overcome as an entrepreneur who wants to set up a residential group for young people with cancer?
Sabrina Zanella: The biggest hurdle is having confidence in yourself. In order not to be overwhelmed by such a big idea, you have to move forward step by step. A lot of legal matters have to be clarified, general framework conditions, finances ... it doesn't sound like much, but our to-do list is currently endlessly long.
Setting up a company is a process. Where are you now? What is your next step and how far away is the goal?
Sabrina Zanella: As we are aiming to set up this company as a couple, we are also sharing the tasks. We were thrown off track a little by writing our bachelor's thesis, but we're getting back into our idea full of energy. We are still at the very beginning. We are now putting our heads together and thinking about what the next steps should be. At the same time, we are building up a network and trying to exchange as much information as possible about our topic in order to gain and learn new ideas.
There are two of you setting up the company. Did you already know each other beforehand or did you find each other during the project?
Melisa Kalayci: We didn't know each other before our studies, funnily enough we found out that we had met a few times before our studies but had never spoken to each other. So I would rather say that ASH Berlin brought us together. We realized relatively quickly during our studies that we got on well. We started studying together and taking exams together - and then this idea developed during an exam.
How do you benefit from each other?
Melisa Kalayci: We benefit a lot from each other because we are very similar in one way and yet very different in another. Each of us brings completely different interests and knowledge to the project, which is a huge advantage for our big idea. But also for us as people, because we can learn a lot from each other. The biggest benefit, however, is that a wonderful friendship has developed and we always support each other. If one of us is exhausted and unmotivated, the other pulls her back up and vice versa.
What is the division of tasks like?
Sabrina Zanella: We don't have a clear division of tasks, we split up every now and then when we discuss the next steps in order to reach our goal quickly. But we have a basic idea that we stick to, which is clear communication with each other.
Young people affected suffer fewer long-term consequences thanks to support
Thinking big: If the start-up is successful, how does society benefit from your project?
Melisa Kalayci: If the foundation is successful, the main beneficiaries will be those affected, i.e. cancer sufferers. The young people have the opportunity to separate themselves from their parents during puberty, which is typical of their development. I am convinced that those affected suffer fewer long-term consequences as a result of this support than young people who are unable to take advantage of this offer. Society would also benefit from it. The topics of death and dying and dealing with seriously ill people were taboo for many years. We are making a lot of progress, but it is still not enough. Those affected are still often pushed to the margins of society because nobody dares to talk about this topic. With our founding idea, we are bringing it into the heart of society. Talking about it breaks the silence and takes away fear - we benefit from that.
How does the EXIST Women program support you?
Sabrina Zanella: The EXIST Women program supports me in that we have two wonderful mentors who guide us through the program. Another great support are our mentors, for whom we are very grateful.
What role does ASH Berlin generally play in your project?
Sabrina Zanella: I have to attribute the role of ASH Berlin to some of the lecturers who inspired and motivated us.
What advice would you like to give future female entrepreneurs at the university?
Melisa Kalayci: Humanity is the most important thing! And stay true to yourself! That way you will never lose yourself on your way. Dreams are precious and we should allow ourselves to have them. If you believe in something, hold on to it. The limits imposed on you by society are not yours, but theirs.
