Owner of Kropka store in Vilnius tells how his business is developing and whether those who broke their windows have been found

Co-founder of the Kropka space in Vilnius and former political prisoner Zmitser Furmanau. Vilnius, Lithuania. February 20, 2026. Photo here and further: Belsat

Belarusian-style Business: Investments, Expenses, and Operating Almost at Zero

— How did the idea to open "Kropka" come about?

— Before opening "Kropka," I worked in delivery — for almost a year and a half, I rode a bicycle. And, in principle, I could have continued working there. But my wife suggested trying to start our own business. Before opening the "Kropka" shop and space, we visited a craftsmen's showroom and saw that there were people we could collaborate with. That's when we thought we could open such a place. Initially, we had no more than 20 craftsmen, and about 50 within the first months of operation. Currently, more than 150 craftsmen work with us.

— How much did it ultimately cost to open the store? What were the initial investments?

— We invested about 10 thousand euros of our own money. And we also had to take out a bank loan for 5 thousand euros because a rent deposit was needed — three months in advance. We are still paying off this loan, but we should close it soon.

Павялічыць

— How much do you currently pay for rent, and generally, how much goes towards the store per month?

— If we take all annual expenses on average and divide them by months, then together with rent, taxes, utility payments, and other expenses, it comes out to about 2000 euros per month.

— Is the business already profitable, or is it still operating at zero?

— If we take the first year, and we started working in May, we even made a small profit because we didn't include the hardest winter months. But the following year was a full one, and there were small losses initially, then we managed to break even or make a profit. But if you look at the annual result, it's very little — roughly at the level of a minimum income by Lithuanian standards. Now we have also started paying VAT: 21% on goods and 5% on books. Therefore, for the annual results, we might end up with either a small loss or a very small profit, almost breaking even. It all depends on whether there will be more customers — both online and offline.

— What does the business model look like? Do you buy goods from craftsmen or take them on consignment?

— It varies. Some prefer to work on a buy-out basis, and then we agree on a wholesale price. But more often, craftsmen give us goods on consignment, and we settle with them after the sale.

Павялічыць

— Do you work alone at "Kropka" or does someone help you?

— Initially, my wife helped me, but for the last year and a half, she hasn't been able to, as she's busy raising our son — who is now exactly a year and a half old. Sometimes she comes here, but in the usual mode, I'm alone in the store. Volha helps more with design, decoration, display, while I'm mainly at the cash register.

— Is your second room used as a space for events and meetings? 

— Yes, various presentations, master classes, meetings, film screenings are held here; we even had a Nativity puppet theatre ("Batleyka") several times. In general, various events can be held here. For example, women's meetings are currently taking place — a women's club. And this also benefits the store: people come not only for the meeting but also get acquainted with the space, visit the shop, and then return.

— Do you rent out this space or provide the venue for free?

— If an event is related to promoting Belarusian language and culture, we can provide the space at the expense of "Kropka," free of charge. My wife and I initially agreed that one of our goals is to preserve Belarusian identity, as everything Belarusian is currently being destroyed in Belarus. But if it's a commercial event, then the rental cost is discussed.

Павялічыць

— Looking back at your experience, what was the most difficult part of launching a business in Lithuania?

— In our case, everything was quite simple. I wouldn't say we had any serious obstacles — neither with paperwork nor with the opening. Now the main problem is money: after we started paying additional taxes, it became harder to make a profit. But overall, everything is working fine. It can be said that Lithuania offers quite good conditions for small businesses.

«He walked in, saw clothes on a mannequin, and immediately said: 'Pack all of that for me.'»

— In July 2024, the windows of your store were smashed, and an offensive message was left in misspelled Lithuanian — 'go home, Belarusian pigs'. At the time, you said that nothing was stolen, and you regarded the incident itself as a provocation with political undertones. How did this story end?

— At the moment, the investigation is ongoing. As far as I know, the case has been transferred to another department. Now I'm not particularly informed about what's happening, but one could probably make an inquiry and find out. However, it seems to me that it will be much the same as with other Belarusian spaces in Vilnius that were also attacked. The perpetrators might be found, but the masterminds — probably not. And who the masterminds could be is clear: either Lukashenka's regime or Russian special services.

— Who are your main clients — Belarusians or tourists?

— It depends on the season. In summer, during the tourist season, most customers are tourists. In spring, autumn, and especially winter — more Belarusians. Belarusians mainly buy books and clothes. Tourists more often buy souvenirs — magnets, keychains, and similar items.

Павялічыць

— Do tourists understand that this is not just a souvenir shop, but a Belarusian space? Do you have to explain anything?

— Yes, first they ask why 'Belarus' is written here, why such symbolism, because usually they know a different flag. And then I tell them about historical events, about what has happened and is happening in Belarus. After this, people understand more clearly, they start to show interest. Many then search for information about Belarus themselves. We also have books about Belarusian history, including in English, so that helps too.

— Do you ever have strange customers who could be suspected of provocations or ties to special services?

— There haven't been any openly aggressive or rude ones. But strange ones do appear. Perhaps someone is indeed sent to gather some "evidence". They ask provocative questions: why do you have such symbolism, why is this sold in Vilnius, who needs this? A standard set of questions that immediately makes it clear why the person came. But let them come, it's even a plus for us.

— Can you recall the biggest purchase?

— Yes, there were customers who spent more than 500 euros. Not all at once, though. I remember, for example, a Belarusian came from Warsaw with friends. He walked in, saw clothes on a mannequin, and immediately said: 'Pack all of that for me.' Then he took some souvenirs, and later returned with friends — after their vacation — and bought something else. Such stories have happened.

Prison, a New Criminal Case, and Plans for Returning to Belarus

— After prison and leaving Belarus, how psychologically difficult was it to start life anew in Vilnius?

— In my case, the decision was simple, as my wife was already in Vilnius. When I was released, Volha was already here, and there was an understanding of where to go. And in my case, she became my personal mentor, a person who helped me resocialize. She had already rented accommodation, so everything was organized in a practical sense, and it was easier for me.

Павялічыць

— After your release, a new criminal case was opened against you under an article on insulting government officials. Do you understand what is happening with it now? Is anyone trying to contact you?

— Specifically regarding this case, no one is writing to me or suggesting I return or provide any testimony. Sometimes they write on various social networks, suggesting I do something, but I don't respond to it because I understand it could be a provocation. I have asylum, and I'm generally not allowed to communicate with these structures. If they write something to me, I immediately take screenshots and send them to human rights defenders. The last information I had about this case was that one of those considered "insulted" had already died. So, everything there is, apparently, in limbo.

— After imprisonment, do you have any habits or fears that still affect your life?

— Perhaps if I had more time, I would reflect on it more. But now I simply don't have time for that. I think sometime later, maybe in a few years, when I have the opportunity to stop and think, then I will be able to comprehend it better.

Павялічыць

— Under what conditions would you return to Belarus?

— Firstly, the government must change. Secondly, there must be rehabilitation — both for me and my wife. Thirdly, lustration must take place in Belarus, and there must be trials for those who committed crimes. If all of this happens, then we can think about returning. If it happens tomorrow — we could consider such an option. My parents are alive there, the desire to return is present. But if it drags on for 10-20-30 years, then it will be more difficult, because our son will grow up, other children might appear, other life — and moving will no longer be so simple.

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