Life and Business in Poland: Tanya and Taras’s Story
Hello everyone! I’m Tanya, and this is my husband Taras. We moved to Poland a little over seven years ago and settled in the city of Krakow. We now have three coffee shops here, and today we want to share our experience about life and business in Poland, talk about the pros and cons, and how we adapted to the new conditions.
Moving to Poland: How We Started a New Life
When we decided to move to Poland, we were looking for a country where we could start a new life. We chose Krakow, which at that time seemed like the perfect place to begin. We knew that Poland offers a high quality of life, good education, and healthcare systems.
Moving to Poland was not easy, but we were determined.
Starting a Business in Poland: The Road to Our Coffee Shop
Initially, we planned to open a coffee shop, inspired by how coffee shops operate in Kyiv. There was a big interest in coffee in Kyiv, and we thought this model would work well in Krakow. However, when we started the process, we realized it was not that simple.
Poland has quite strict requirements for starting a business, and obtaining all the necessary permits can take a lot of time.
A Charming Coffee Shop in Krakow: Our Unique Approach
Our coffee shop set high standards. We bought a lot of equipment to ensure coffee quality at a level appreciated by locals. We faced some challenges because Poles, unlike Ukrainians, do not always understand what quality coffee is.
Nevertheless, gradually they began to get used to our coffee’s level. It is important to note that coffee in Poland is not just a drink but a whole culture.
We also actively learned, attended trainings, and obtained certificates, spending a lot of time and money on education to achieve the required quality level. In Krakow, there are no coffee shops that can compete with ours in terms of equipment and quality.
Business Model and Sales: How We Achieve Success
On weekdays, we sell about 40 cups of coffee, plus a couple of breakfasts and pastries. We always consider expenses and income because it is important for us not only to earn but also to maintain the health of the business.
Sometimes we can make up to 70 cups a day, but it depends on the weather and customer flow. Krakow has many variables that can affect income. For example, when it rains, the number of customers drops significantly.
Rent and Expenses: Evaluating Business Costs
Rent in the center of Krakow is quite high, around 120-130 zlotys per square meter. Including utilities, rent can reach almost 3000 zlotys per month.
Taking all these factors into account, we realized that the right choice of location determines the success of our business. It is important not only to find a good place but also to create a cozy atmosphere that attracts customers.
Pros and Cons of Life in Poland: Personal Observations
Despite the difficulties, we like life in Poland. The positives far outweigh the negatives. For example, here you have high-quality products, accessible healthcare, and developed infrastructure.
We can easily get around the city by public transport, which was not always possible when we lived in Ukraine.
However, there are downsides. Sometimes we face bureaucracy, which can be quite time-consuming. Nevertheless, we have learned to solve problems and find ways out of difficult situations.
Conclusion: Our Journey and Future Plans
Our experience of living and doing business in Poland has been a real adventure. It is not only a chance to start a new life but also learning, broadening horizons, and interacting with people from different cultures.
The coffee shop became not just a source of income but also a place where we can share our passion for coffee and create a cozy atmosphere for our guests. We continue to develop and strive for the best, and we hope our experience will help others who are thinking about moving to Poland and starting a business here.
