From vision to reality: Inside the journeys of three of Malta’s creative entrepreneurs

In the dynamic world of business, innovation is often sparked by a deep-seated passion or a desire to address an unmet need.

For three local entrepreneurs—Christian Bartolo Burlò, Luke Caruana, and Karolina Rostkowska—this was certainly the case. Each of these individuals has crafted a unique path in Malta’s business landscape, merging creativity, dedication, and a love for their respective fields.

Christian Bartolo Burlò: Thrifting with purpose

For Christian Bartolo Burlò, the founder of thrift.mt, entrepreneurship was never about fitting into the mould of a traditional nine to five job. “I’ve always had an inclination towards problem-solving,” he shares.

Having lived in Copenhagen, he became captivated by the thriving fashion and thrifting culture there. Upon returning to Malta, Mr Bartolo Burlò noticed a gap in the local market for a similar community and set out to bridge it.

Thrift.mt was born from a simple idea: to create a vibrant second-hand fashion scene in Malta, one that promotes sustainability while making fashion accessible to everyone.

Despite his love for the business, Mr Bartolo Burlò acknowledges the challenges that come with running a small enterprise, particularly when it comes to accepting slow days. “It takes grit and persistence to go against the current and do something completely different,” he says.

A PhD candidate in Computer Science, Bartolo Burlò is no stranger to hard work and juggling responsibilities. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Forget a business plan. Just start and figure it out as you go.”

As for staying motivated during tough times, he is refreshingly candid: “Motivation eventually dies out,” he admits. Instead, he believes in setting clear goals and showing up every day, even when the initial excitement wears off. For him, success lies in consistency and learning to take breaks when needed—a lesson he has learned the hard way, he shared.

Luke Caruana: Designing the future with 2point3

Luke Caruana, co-founder of the graphic design studio 2point3, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with his business partner, Nigel Anastasi, back in 2011.

What started as a shared passion for graphic design during their studies quickly evolved into a thriving business specialising in 2-D and 3-D design, from visual identities to websites and packaging.

Mr Caruana’s journey is one of dedication to the craft. “We never thought about it as an entrepreneurial venture; it was more about doing what we love,” he reflects.

Yet, the challenges of running a small business soon became apparent. “As a small studio, keeping a constant flow of work coming in is tough,” he explains.

Through the ups and downs, Mr Caruana has learned the importance of communication and support within his team: “It’s important to talk things through and address issues objectively,” he says, noting that every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to their growth.

For Mr Caruana, passion is the driving force that keeps him motivated. “Graphic design is our passion, so staying motivated isn’t too difficult,” he says.

His advice to aspiring business owners is to avoid shortcuts and plan as much as possible. “While our process has evolved, we still follow the same principles because they work in the long-term”, he shared.

Karolina Rostkowska: Crafting a creative community with il-lokal

For Karolina Rostkowska, founder of il-lokal, the journey into entrepreneurship was almost destined. “Most of my family run their own businesses, so I think being surrounded by entrepreneurs kind of wired me to eventually start something of my own,” she shares.

Born out of her personal struggle to find unique local gifts when she moved to Malta in 2017, il-lokal began as an Instagram page, showcasing the work of talented local makers.

The overwhelming support she received inspired her to take the next step: transforming il-lokal into a physical retail space that now brings together over 80 Maltese and Malta-based creatives.

However, Ms Rostkowska’s journey has not been without its challenges. “The biggest challenge has been creating a healthy work-life balance,” she admits. Like many small business owners, the constant need for collaboration and innovation can lead to burnout – “it’s tough to find that sweet spot between growing the business and maintaining some level of sanity.”

Ms Rostkowska credits her success to being open to feedback while trusting her instincts. “Be open to feedback, but always trust your gut,” she advises, encouraging fellow entrepreneurs to make quick decisions without overthinking.

Social media has played a crucial role in the growth of il-lokal, serving as the main channel through which Ms Rostkowska engages with her community. But despite the dominance of digital marketing, she remains a fan of traditional methods. “A good flyer or poster in a cute, independent café can still work wonders,” she notes.

Her advice to those considering starting their own business? “Go for it! But keep it simple and start small. Always remember why you’re doing it and who you’re helping—that’s what will keep you going when things get tough.”

A collective takeaway: Passion, persistence, and purpose

While each entrepreneur’s journey is unique, there are common threads that tie their stories together. Passion for their craft, persistence in the face of challenges, and a clear sense of purpose have driven these entrepreneurs to succeed in their respective ventures. Their experiences highlight the importance of resilience, the power of a strong support system, and the value of staying true to one’s vision.

In an ever-evolving business landscape, these three leaders are not only making their mark but also inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in Malta. Their journeys serve as a reminder that success is not just about following a set path; sometimes, it’s about creating your own.