Fran Camaj

Fran Camaj, founder of the Gjelina Group in Venice, California, shares his entrepreneurial journey with Amy Smilovic. He discusses the evolution of his brand, from the original Gjelina restaurant to multiple thriving locations, emphasizing his gut instincts and passion. Fran reveals the challenges of learning to manage a business without mentors and the resilience required after setbacks like a fire in NYC. He highlights the importance of community authenticity, the creative constraints faced while expanding, and the value of real estate in driving his ventures forward.