SUCCESS STORY: Natalia Dzidziguri’s Journey from Georgian Roots to Spanish Success

Natalia Dzidziguri is a young Georgian woman who has been living and working in Madrid, Spain since 2012. She moved to Spain to study marketing and soon started her professional career at Telefonica’s Startup Accelerator Wayra. There, she learned the ins and outs of the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem and helped aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their marketing strategies and find initial capital.

However, Natalia never forgot her roots and always wanted to contribute to her home country's development. She decided to use her expertise, knowledge and social capital to create a platform that connects Georgian and Spanish businesses and investors. 

"I believe that Georgia has a lot of potential and unique products that can be competitive in the global market. I also think that Spain is a great partner for Georgia, as they share many similar characteristics. My goal is to build a bridge between these two countries and help Georgian producers and entrepreneurs access the Spanish market and vice versa," - says Natalia.

IOM Georgia recognized Natalia’s potential and facilitated short-term assignments that leveraged her expertise to assist Georgian businesses in penetrating the Spanish market. Her efforts, particularly with SMEs associated with the Georgian Packaging Cluster (PMAG), led to the successful introduction of Georgian products in Spain, including hand-crafted spirits, wines, juices, dry fruits, and distillates.

Furthermore, this successful collaboration has laid the foundation for potential commercial partnerships and culminated in the establishment of Georgian Corner “Persimmon’s” in the heart of Madrid, Spain. This multifaceted space serves as a warehouse, store, restaurant bar, and product exhibition center. The innovative venture not only showcases Georgian culture but also strengthens economic ties and opens new avenues for Georgian products in the European market.

Natalia is one of the many examples of how the Georgian diaspora can play a vital role in the economic and social development of their homeland. IOM Georgia has been supporting the engagement and empowerment of the Georgian diaspora through various projects and activities, aiming to harness the potential of migration for the benefit of Georgia.

"Georgians residing abroad possess invaluable intellectual capital, expertise, and experience, serving as vital conduits for the exchange of resources, knowledge, and innovative ideas back to their homeland, thereby catalyzing the country's economic and social development," - says Sanja Celebic Lukovac, Chief of Mission of IOM Georgia.

Natalia’s path was not without challenges, particularly as a young woman in a foreign business environment. However, her resilience and the support from other empowering women helped her overcome obstacles. “It was not easy to integrate into the new community… But I am lucky that life connected me with such people, especially other powerful women who had trust in me,” Natalia reflects.

Her success serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with a strong support network and determination, “Nothing is impossible,” as Natalia puts it. She encourages the Georgian diaspora to promote Georgia abroad, and contribute to its development through their human, social, economic, and cultural capital. Natalia story is one of many that highlight the crucial role of diaspora communities in driving economic and social development.