Success Stories of Clients – Sretanka Pandurević

Some achievements cannot be measured by the number of livestock, the amount of milk produced, or the income earned. Some achievements are measured by the strength to stand up again when everything seems lost.

That is exactly the story of Sretanka Pandurević from Pale.

Her love for nature and animals laid the foundation for the family farm she began developing in 2021. Step by step, through hard work and dedication, she built a herd of eight dairy cows. She had a regular milk buyer and also produced homemade cheese and kajmak (traditional Balkan clotted cream) for her loyal customers. Then came March 2024.

The purchase of a ninth cow, which was meant to mark another step forward, turned into a devastating setback. The animal was infected with a bacterial disease that quickly spread throughout the herd. One by one, the cows died, taking with them everything Sretanka had spent years building.

Many people would have given up. Sretanka did not.

She started all over again—purchasing new cows and continuing her journey of producing and selling potatoes, milk, homemade cheese, and kajmak. Her customers still come directly to her home to buy products they trust, while the income from her farm enables her to provide a decent living and continue caring for her animals.

The secret of her success can be summed up in two words: perseverance and hard work. To anyone considering a similar path, she offers simple but powerful advice: never lose hope and never give up when times are difficult. Love for nature and animals gives true meaning to this profession. Cows do not recognize holidays or days off—they require care, attention, and commitment every single day.

At the Microcredit Company EKI, she found understanding and reliable support when she needed it most. Thanks to the trust placed in her and timely financial assistance, she was able to overcome the challenges and continue building her future.

Her story reminds us that success is not a journey without obstacles. Sometimes, success lies simply in finding the strength to start again after experiencing a great loss.

EKI Business Club

When asked about the EKI Business Club and its free advertising service, Sretanka said:

"I use the EKI Business Club to purchase calves. I have also posted advertisements for selling potatoes. I find the EKI Business Club to be a very useful service."