ONE PERCENT COMMERCE d.o.o.

From failed ideas to profitable online markets

We spoke with Maij Miklavec, co-founder of ONE PERCENT COMMERCE, who proves that a global e-commerce company can be built from Slovenia. His entrepreneurial journey did not begin with large capital or complete knowledge, but with observation, trial, error and the decision to persevere longer than most.

ONE PERCENT COMMERCE now operates in several foreign English-speaking markets and develops online stores and brands using the principles of testing, optimizing and scaling. Mai speaks openly about failed ideas, expensive lessons and breakthrough moments that led the company to its first truly profitable projects.

How did the idea for the company come about?

Entrepreneurship has been a part of my everyday life since childhood. I grew up with a mother who was an entrepreneur practically her entire life. Conversations about business, ideas, challenges and solutions were a constant. The entrepreneurial mindset developed naturally – I was a product of my environment.

The desire for entrepreneurship emerged more consciously in my third year of high school, mainly through the internet, motivational speakers, and stories of people who had succeeded. That's when my friend and I decided: let's go for it.

The first idea – a digital marketing agency – failed. The second – website development – was partially successful and brought us some start-up capital. The breakthrough came when we came across dropshipping. The video titled “From nothing to a Porsche 911 at 24” sparked a key thought: if he can do it, so can we.

Where and how did the first steps take place?

We started in the UK, with little knowledge and limited capital. The biggest shock was Facebook advertising – no knowledge and no real “know-how”, and the ads were expensive. At first we avoided the US because it was supposedly the most expensive market. We quickly found out that this was not true in practice. Learning by doing was slow – and expensive.

What moment marked your first real victory?

When we first launched the campaigns, nothing happened all day. No sales. But in the morning – two orders. That first purchase was a feeling you won’t forget. But that didn’t mean success. We placed three more trades: two a complete failure, the third with a minimal plus. We were left with about €400 of capital.

It was clear: if the fourth store didn't work out, it was the end of the story. After about a month of advertising, we were at zero – which was a good sign. At that time, I borrowed €1,000 and bought a course from an entrepreneur who inspired us. I implemented the knowledge immediately.

The result: the first truly profitable online store.

Which mistake taught you the most?

Definitely "discovering hot water".

When you start out, your knowledge of customer acquisition is almost nil. If you have a big ego on top of that, it costs you a lot of time and money. I've learned to listen to those who are already successful and use proven systems.

Courses are not a miracle. But they are a shortcut. That's why I'm a big fan of courses. Not because they're a "miracle", but because they save you time, and in the long run, much more money than you invest in them.

Where are you today and where are you going next?

Today, there are two of us in the company. Ideas are no longer just theories – they are tested, optimized and only then built into brands. My business partner and I operate in the following markets: USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

My long-term goal is clear: freedom. Freedom to create, to make decisions, and to have time. Given where we are today, I know we're on the right track.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting out today?

If you are currently at a point where you are deciding which path to take in life, choose the one you would most like to tell as a story for the rest of your life.

And if you're getting in the way of other people's opinions, remember this: in three generations, everyone who knew us will be dead. Even those whose opinions kept you from living the life you really wanted.

Your motto?

"Life is too short for safe stories and too long to live someone else's dream."

Mai Miklavc proves that with perseverance, learning and a clear goal, success stories can be written. In the Online Business Incubator Koroška (MPIK), he found an environment that encourages experimentation, growth and ambition - and today he is successfully developing his projects in foreign markets.

MPIK Premises Role for MPIK Mentoring and consulting Events and workshops Blogs and materials Incubates

When the garage workshop became too small, MPIK helped me quickly find a larger production space, where I now realize my business vision. MPIK's support was crucial in the transition from humble beginnings to a stable company, allowing me to focus on growth.

INOVAR, Rok Nemec s.p

One of my first challenges was very practical - finding a suitable location for an office. I would like to highlight the support of MPIK-a who strives to create a stimulating environment for new entrepreneurs. Such support means a lot at the beginning, as it allows an entrepreneur to focus their energy on developing their idea and business.

Cybersecurity adriatic d.o.o.

Matic Knuplež

In MPIK-u, I found an environment where I could gradually develop ideas from architectural thinking into concrete, custom solutions and, with the support of the community, confidently embark on an independent entrepreneurial path.

TEKTON, Erazem Svanjak s.p.

"MPIK provides the entrepreneurial "startup" with a cost-effective business environment and gives them access to quality consulting and educational content from various business areas."

Lucija Čevnik s.p.

"Being an MPIK incubatee is a great opportunity for good growth and development of companies in the early stages."

GOV-IS d.o.o.

"We decided to become MPIK incubates as a start-up, because at the very beginning it offered us both better financial conditions and greater opportunities for networking and recognition in the business world."

Troia d.o.o.

Primož Sevčnikar, direktor podjetja TROIA

"In addition to all the training programs, mentoring, and business premises, membership in MPIK also means the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, which is sometimes key in agile business decisions."

Dogs4motion d.o.o.

For our company, values and relationships are as important as profits. At MPIK-u, we have found an environment that supports the development of such companies – those that do business with heart and a vision for the future.

Stesol d.o.o.

Gabrijela Čevnik, direktorica podjetja Stesol

"In MPIK-u I found space for business growth, new knowledge, and mentors who helped me make key decisions – and today, as a mentor, I pass on my experience."

Additio d.o.o.

Alen Šapek, direktor podjetja Additio

"Working with MPIK allowed me to turn my passion for tech into an entrepreneurial journey. The support of mentors and the community gives me the momentum to turn an idea into something that drives the future."