This is how Vineta Zālīte, a returnee to the Riga Planning Region, describes her decision to return to Latvia. In 2025, she received €11,358.18 in state and municipal support to start a business and founded Prosperis, a company producing candied fruit and herbal teas made from natural ingredients. On 18 and 19 September, Vineta Zālīte participated in the UK Remigration and Entrepreneurship Forum, which included the annual Remigration Think Tank of the Riga Planning Region, as well as the 14th annual meeting of diaspora school and organisation leaders at the Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom. Prosperis has already produced its first products, and participants at the events had the opportunity to taste the candied fruit and receive herbal teas as gifts.
Vineta says:
“Last weekend, I had the honour of participating in the Remigration Forum in London, where I shared my story of returning to Latvia and my first steps into entrepreneurship. I had the opportunity to talk about why, after living in the United Kingdom for 20 years, I chose to return home, how my brand Zālīšu Dvēsele came into being, and how, with the support available to returnees, I have begun building my business in Latvia.
The following day, I was especially honoured to be invited to the Embassy of Latvia in London, where I presented my story to the Ambassador, embassy staff, regional remigration coordinators, and representatives of diaspora organisations. I received so many kind words, appreciation, and encouragement. I was even described as a person with tremendous energy and determination — a woman who is not afraid to take action, take responsibility, and move forward. That means a great deal to me.
My belief is simple: the more Latvians return home, the more we will be able to accomplish for Latvia. Is Latvia always ready to welcome us back? That is a much broader question for discussion. But I believe that by working together, we can create ever better opportunities for those who choose to return. Only we ourselves can build the Latvia we want. By returning home with our experience, knowledge, and ideas, we can create, develop, and build. We can be happy in our own country, through our own efforts and with our own enthusiasm. Sometimes I ask myself — why do we give so much to other countries when we are needed in Latvia too?
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Daina Šulca, the Riga Remigration Coordinator, Edite Malvesa Browell, the Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom, and all the people who create opportunities for returnees to meet, get to know one another, learn from each other, and not feel alone. Remigration coordinators do an enormous amount of work. They not only help people return home, but also build a community of returnees, help people find like-minded individuals, establish connections, and create a sense of belonging. Because returning is not the same as jumping onto the last carriage of a departing train.
Returning means starting over. And sometimes that requires the greatest courage of all. I am grateful for the experience I have gained, the new connections I have made, the inspiration, and the opportunity to share my story. I am proud to have returned home.”