Meet our vendors, learn their stories, find out what we do, and how you can support our mission – making the world a more equitable place, one issue at a time!
Vesna Knežević
Vesna (68) is among the oldest vendors of Liceulice and City Less Ordinary. She studied law and Yugoslav literature, lived in England for a year, and later travelled around Yugoslavia, promoting a tourism magazine. Due to a combination of difficult life circumstances, she lost her home and moved into a shelter for the elderly at age 60. She continues to read widely, writes poetry and short prose, and attends poetry events with fellow vendors. If you’re lucky enough to buy your copy from Vesna, you might get a handwritten poem alongside it!
“There is no life without defeat. The question is whether you’re ready to accept defeat, and whether you have the strength to start over. I have found my strength and conquered the fear that comes from hitting rock bottom. Any problem can be solved if you look within and ask yourself, ‘Do I want to go through life with my eyes closed, or do I want the freedom to choose my path and accept responsibility for my choices?’ I chose freedom. How about you?”
– Vesna Knežević
Gordana Milenković
Gordana (64) was born and raised in Belgrade. She studied to become a hairdresser and worked many odd jobs throughout her life. She receives a small disability pension and sells Liceulice to be able to support herself and take care of her elderly mother, with whom she lives. Gordana has two sons and a daughter, and she loves to read bedtime stories to her grandchildren. She also has a dog that she takes with her everywhere she goes. In her own words, selling magazines helps her to “charge her social batteries”.
“I meet people from all walks of life, and I can always talk to them. For me, it’s enough even if they just approach me with a smile and ask how the sales are going. I like this job, because I know there is nothing to lose – things can only get better. If I’m having a bad day, the next one will be better, or the one after that. I never give up. Be positive – that always does you well.”
– Gordana Milenković
To learn more about our vendors and support their journey, get the digital edition of City Less Ordinary.
