Over the year, the young entrepreneur opened three new catering and accommodation establishments, presented his second television project to the public, organized children’s summer camps, and delighted seaside guests with beautiful and meaningful initiatives. It all sounds like a wonderful success, but the man who leads the catering and hotel businesses admits that such progress is not due to fortune, but constant work, the people who appear on his path, and life decisions that cost a lot of energy and sacrifice.
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The team disrupted birthday plans and forced a stop
Rokas planned to spend his 27th birthday as usual – working regular jobs, going to meetings, visiting restaurants daily, and solving problems there. But no way! In the morning, the company manager was greeted by a red carpet, a retro car, and a group of employees holding balloons.
“Congratulations poured in, my phone was taken ‘for safekeeping,’ and without my consent, I had to go for SPA treatments. For a while, it was very uncomfortable that everything was not going according to my plan, but eventually, I managed to relax and enjoy the day’s experiences,” says R. Galvonas.
“I understand that everyone sees me running daily, sleeping only a few hours, working in all possible positions, so the team really wanted to stop me at least for a short time, to make me rest. And they succeeded! I had time to think about the past year, the goals achieved, the results reached, the people I met… And also to think about myself,” reveals the young entrepreneur who has just turned 28.
Rokas says he hears advice every day, suggestions to live differently, questions about why it is necessary, but he feels he is on his own path.
“Yes, my daily life is hard work. Undoubtedly, I lose the opportunity to have a personal life. I rarely visit and miss my family. I do not take care of my health… For ideas, I sacrifice what is a usual, calm life for others. But I wouldn’t know how to live otherwise, I couldn’t stay calm with the thoughts buzzing in my head,” says R. Galvonas and adds: “I am convinced that without the team and other wonderful people who help, inspire, support, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I am insanely grateful to all the people who came into my life.”
In one year – new attraction spots and meaningful activities with the “Grandmothers”
Rokas Galvonas says that in recent years he has fallen in love with the seaside region. Last autumn, the “Virkštininkų Resort” opened its doors here, inviting for events and relaxation, at the beginning of summer the hotel-restaurant “Cipolino” with an Italian spirit was opened, and after some time, the musical bar “Vila Gražina” came into R. Galvonas’ hands.
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Moreover, an important part of the entrepreneur’s life is occupied by the “Grandmothers” projects loved all over Lithuania. This year, the grandmothers working in “Rokas’ kitchen” again went on an adventure abroad together with the chef. Rokas invited six grandmothers to travel to the wonderful island of Bali, where the television project “Grandmothers’ Bali” was born.
“Trips with grandmothers are an incredible experience. On every trip, I learn from them how to enjoy, savor life, and dive into all the experiences it offers. The grandmothers are so different, authentic, that it is impossible not to admire them. People behind the television screens felt this too, as this year our adventures were watched by record numbers of viewers,” R. Galvonas happily shares the project’s success.
Rokas is convinced that working with grandmothers has a much deeper meaning. According to him, grandmothers who work in excellent positions, travel, and constantly communicate with clients change society’s attitude towards older people, reduce the existing isolation, and break stereotypes.
“Grandmothers’ restaurants become special places where everything is a bit different – warmer, cozier, more sensitive. Here we organize folk music concerts, present traditional instruments, teach how to weave wreaths, tie feet, cook ancient dishes… And this summer we also started sharing the products of the “Grandmothers’ bakery” with those who could not afford to buy them that day. Next to the bakery appeared Ona’s chest, where unsold but still excellent baked goods settle, which we invite everyone to enjoy. In short, the grandmothers grow, thrive, and with their beautiful examples, I believe, inspire others!” the young entrepreneur rejoices in meaningful initiatives.
R. Galvonas: “I thank God for a new day and continue to experience the life I want”
R. Galvonas does not hide that such a variety of activities requires full engagement, which means a life without leisure, personal time, or usual vacations. Not everyone understands this, but the founder of “Rokas’ kitchen” assures that this is exactly where he sees the meaning of his life, real changes, and pleasing results.
“The past time was very intense. When you participate in all processes yourself, there is no time to step back. Worries, challenges, problems have become my daily life, but I can’t imagine myself any other way. Everything I do is the engine of my life, it gives me joy and satisfaction. And obvious results inspire me even more not to stop. Every morning I thank God for a new day and continue to experience the life I want,” Rokas talks about a lifestyle not everyone understands. “Without thinking about all the difficulties I have had to overcome recently, I can confidently say: these years were exceptional. So after celebrating another birthday, with a smile, gratitude, courage, and confidence, I continue to celebrate life!”
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