As the COVID-19 pandemic wound down, I decided to venture into a new business field—CBD products. After a challenging experience in the food retail sector and transferring the management of a news portal, I opened Lithuania’s first CBD store. However, the journey was anything but smooth.Initially, I set up a small kiosk, but soon moved into a spacious, 220-square-meter location in the city center. It became more than just a store; I created a lounge area and a hookah room for private gatherings. Within six months, I opened a second store, and by the end of the year, I had three locations in total. I launched a franchise-based CBD brand, built an e-commerce platform, and actively pursued wholesale, eventually becoming an official supplier for the Baltic region.Challenges arose quickly. Due to the rapidly changing regulations and new amendments, some of my products suddenly failed to meet updated labeling and compliance standards. Suppliers hadn’t accurately labeled certain products, forcing me to destroy inventory worth around €8,000.The difficulties were not only financial; I spent nearly two years in court, striving to prove my business’s legality. Even after closing the business, I remained entangled in legal proceedings for another year. Eventually, I was exonerated, and my compliance was recognized, despite the prosecutor initially recommending a four-year prison sentence.Throughout this period, I frequently interacted with investigators. In the beginning, they even asked me for advice on how to handle various products. I worked closely with state institutions, as the CBD market was new and uncharted—a bit like the “wild west.” I took pride in maintaining a rigorous traceability system in my company, and inspectors often appreciated the orderliness of my operations.Despite these challenges, I learned invaluable lessons. The greatest one was to avoid rushing. Trusting investors who ultimately failed to meet their commitments forced me to exhaust all my savings and operational funds to keep the business afloat. This led to not only financial strain but also legal issues and family tensions. As financial and legal pressures mounted, my relationship also started to unravel. My girlfriend, who had been there through much of this journey, left with our one-year-old son. Losing my family during this time was devastating, adding to the emotional weight of everything I was already facing.I am grateful, though, for the support of a psychotherapist friend who stepped in when I needed help most. While I appeared calm outwardly, I was in emotional turmoil.Through all the trials and legal battles, I managed to establish practical CBD industry standards in Lithuania that are now referenced by both judicial and governmental institutions. This experience not only contributed to my personal growth but also helped shape market standards that may support future entrepreneurs.This journey has led me to share insights on the evolving CBD market on TV, including appearances in evening news segments and even a program dedicated to the business I created. These challenges and achievements reinforced that business is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and facing the unexpected.Hosted a party (PHOTOS): https://www.alfa.lt/mob/aktualijos/kaunas/zinomi-zmones-dalyvavo-smagiausiame-metu-vakarelyje-kaune/267988/

I have a diverse background in media, and one of my most memorable projects was Savaitraštis Kaunui, an 80-page weekly publication created by a dedicated team of 26 people. This project was unique not only for its content but also for its timing—it launched in 2015, a time when most publications were shifting to digital platforms. Accepting the role of director and the challenge of building this newspaper from scratch was a decision driven by my own ambition to create something exceptional.Challenges and SolutionsThe initial phase was tough. We faced financial constraints as the planned budget was significantly cut. Despite this, I tapped into my creativity to design the newspaper and develop its website. Social media advertising, especially through Facebook Ads, was instrumental in driving subscriptions and increasing visibility for the publication. Alongside the advertising team, I actively contributed to creating a sales plan for advertisements and attracting municipal funding. This collaborative work allowed us to secure the necessary finances and achieve the targeted results.Team Support and MoraleOne of the biggest challenges was managing and maintaining the morale of a team of 26 professionals. I focused on giving attention to each team member and constantly improving the work environment. A significant morale boost came when we moved to warmer, more comfortable offices, which greatly improved working conditions. I knew that supporting morale wasn’t my greatest strength, but I put in my best efforts, devoting my time and energy to ensure we moved forward together.Personal GrowthThis role gave me a deep dive not only into media and communications but also into the intricacies of building a business from the ground up. I was involved from the very beginning, setting up the company, recruiting most of the team, and uniting everyone around a common goal. This project, which spanned over a year and a half, provided valuable insights that I later applied in other roles. After I left, however, Savaitraštis Kaunui closed within a couple of years, leaving an emotional impact. Despite this, the skills and lessons I gained helped shape my professional growth and strengthened my confidence.ConclusionMy experience with Savaitraštis Kaunui taught me the importance of being open to challenges, investing in ideas, and trusting one’s abilities, even in the face of complex situations. This project remains a testament to the impact of ambition, dedication, and teamwork on both professional and personal development.