Why My HR Background is a Secret Weapon in Business Ownership

Why My HR Background is a Secret Weapon in Business Ownership

Hej, predivna! Spremna za malo ljepote i inspiracije?

Hey gorgeous! Ready for a little beauty and inspiration?

When I launched Keca’s Usna, I wasn’t starting from scratch; I was starting from experience. Years in corporate gave me tools I never expected would serve me so well as an entrepreneur. But the truth is, Human Resources has been one of my secret weapons.

As an HR leader, I wasn’t just handling paperwork; I was building culture, driving engagement, managing crises, and cultivating talent. These aren’t “soft” skills. They’re strategic. And they’ve shaped how I run my business every single day.

1. Build Culture Intentionally, From Day One

Culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built with purpose. In my corporate life, I spent years shaping culture from the inside: leading engagement initiatives, coaching leaders, and making sure employees felt seen, valued, and connected. Now, as a business owner, I’m doing the same.

At Keca’s Usna, culture is not an afterthought. It’s our foundation. I’m clear on our values, and I attract people who share them. That intentionality creates a place where people want to stay, thrive, and bring their best.

2. Drive Productivity Through People

One of the biggest lessons I brought from HR is this: engaged teams drive results. Whether it’s a startup or a Fortune 500, business success is directly linked to the people behind it. I prioritize morale, celebrate wins, and stay focused on retaining great people, because high engagement means high performance.

Every business plan should include space for people strategies. Think about the systems that support your team: recognition, communication, development. These are business decisions, not just HR initiatives.

3. Hire (and Develop) with Strategy

I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and led hundreds of interviews. That experience taught me how to spot potential, ask the right questions, and find the right fit – not just for the role, but for the culture.

Now, at Keca’s Usna, I treat every hire like a critical investment. I build my team thoughtfully, with an eye toward alignment, agility, and shared goals. Then, I invest in their growth. A great team isn’t just hired, it’s developed.

4. Handle the Hard Conversations

Conflict resolution, employee relations, and crisis management were once my daily norm. And let’s be honest – as a business owner, those challenges don’t go away. But having the confidence and experience to navigate them? That’s everything.

From giving feedback to managing tricky situations, I lean on what I’ve learned to protect my team’s health and the integrity of our business.

The transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship isn’t just a change in job title; it’s a mindset shift. But what I’ve learned is that many of the most valuable business-building skills were already in my toolkit. Culture, engagement, talent strategy, and people leadership aren’t just HR functions, they’re core pillars of a strong, sustainable business. For anyone making the leap into entrepreneurship, don’t overlook the power of your corporate experience. It’s not just relevant, it’s an advantage.

Do idućeg puta — puse!

Until next time – kisses!

Back to blog