Podnikání žen-imigrantek v odvětví kreativního řemesla: Kvalitativní studie zaměřená na majitelky keramických dílen z řad žen-imigrantek v Praze, Česká republika

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the entrepreneurial experiences of female immigrant entrepreneurs in the craft sector in the Czech Republic. The study adopts a multiple-case study design, in which data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with four female immigrants who own or operate pottery studios in Prague. The data were analyzed within-case and across cases through thematic analysis to identify key patterns and were complemented by data triangulation using documents and visual materials as evidence. The findings revealed that entrepreneurship in this context was shaped by a strong creative identity and the desire for autonomy. To sustain their businesses, research participants relied on a teaching-based business model, combined with other hybrid models. Female immigrant entrepreneurs depended heavily on word of mouth, collaboration with other artists, and informal personal and social networks to retain customers and grow their business. They also encountered challenges and barriers throughout the operation of their pottery studios, such as high entry and operational costs, financial instability of the creative sector, and a lack of business and marketing knowledge to balance artistic work with business sustainability. They perceived the Czech environment as supportive, with no major challenges encountered as female immigrant entrepreneurs. The pottery studio became a space for social integration and personal fulfillment, and helped with professional and personal development. This research contributes to the limited literature on female immigrant entrepreneurship in the creative sector in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as provides practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.