The European Union is a strong promoter of the importance of Skills, which are especially relevant in today’s market. Through a number of initiatives, the EU supports young women and men across the Southern Neighbourhood to develop their competences and secure a promising future. 

In this Flashback series, we spoke to youth who benefited from these projects. Today, they reflect on the positive impact this support has had on their life.

Moroccan entrepreneur Mounir El Bassri is fueled by an unshakeable determination to make his mark in the natural cosmetic industry. After launching his own startup of 100% natural oils and creams with the support of EU-funded association ES Maroc, he is taking on new challenges, aiming to bring innovation and a transformative touch to the entire market.

When you embarked on this journey, what were your dreams?

I wanted to carve my niche in the natural cosmetic market and be among the top three competitors in the industry. I wanted my brand Cosm-y-chica to be recognised for its highest standards of quality, 100% natural. I wasn’t dreaming too big: I just focused on the national market.

Fast forward, as experiences shaped my perspective, my dream has evolved. Rather than just pursuing my brand’s success, I want to work on all the cosmetic brands present in Morocco, using the approach I am learning about right now in Canada. My vision even extends beyond our borders to the entire African market, which is enormous and very promising.

What skills did you gain through the EU-funded programme and how did they help you advance your dreams?

With ES Maroc, I didn’t just get training in an incubator, I forged a network for life. The end of the programme didn’t mean the end of the connections: I have many people I can reach out to for advice, guidance whenever I need it. Because being an entrepreneur comes with new challenges all the time and you have to keep learning. It is very precious to have a “teaching support network”.

In the EU-funded incubator, I gained two game-changers: a clear vision and marketable skills. They helped me craft a business plan with pricing strategies and market assessments. And then, there was a lot of testing.

Experience comes with time. You need to keep trying otherwise you will never see results.

Today, what is your proudest achievement?

To be able to call myself an entrepreneur with a fierce and resilient spirit. For me, even if you have failed or succeeded in your venture, being an entrepreneur is more than this. It is a state of mind and a way of life. 

I started from the very bottom, making products in my own house and now I have a dream to completely reshape the Moroccan market. I never want to stop learning, innovating and experimenting.

Flashback to: https://south.euneighbours.eu/story/for-the-love-of-entrepreneurship-young-moroccan-launches-natural-cosmetics-line-with-eu-support/