Search for what makes you happy and brings you peace

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Dimitar and I am engaged in digital marketing and managing the online team at a media agency part of IPG Mediabrands. I love photography and design because I believe that visual aesthetics have a huge influence on how we perceive the world and ourselves. Besides, I am an avid perfume enthusiast and collector – for me, fragrances are not just scents, but emotions and stories, sealed in a bottle.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

My dreams have never been constant and have always changed according to my age and growing up over the years. My first dream was related to the establishment of plastic surgery in the country. Back then, I was very impressed by how people could change and emphasize parts of their body according to their character and how they feel. In my teenage years, I became passionate about social rules and norms, which prompted me to prepare for the law faculty at Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski' while also preparing for finance at UNSS. And actually, today I work in the marketing industry. My experience so far has taught me that there are countless dreams and paths for every individual as long as they have the desire to adapt.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

While I was still in high school. My first internship was during the summer at a furniture company. At that time, I still did not understand the value of money and of course, it was spent in one day.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an earlier age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

The main example and factor that shaped my character was my grandmother and the patience that radiated from her. She was a teacher and taught me structure from my early years. My child brain could not realize how and why this would be useful to me, but today I definitely feel her influence. The environment in which we grow and develop also projects certain qualities that we absorb. My advice is to find people from whom you can learn something new every day. Books and videos are great for acquiring and perfecting new skills, but real contacts and challenges outside your circle are invaluable.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age about what motivates you to do or not do something?

When I turned 30, I realized how little of what we do in our daily lives actually matters. Sometimes we are absorbed in finding meaning and a higher purpose that justifies the actions and decisions we make. In most cases, such a purpose does not exist. It is important to feel good about the decisions you make and to follow your choice.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, looking back today?

All decisions related to my education are entirely mine and have not let me down as a choice. I was lucky that my parents were open enough to the path I wanted to take in my life. Perhaps the independence they gave me from an early age is the most important lesson for me.

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

Perhaps the most interesting hobby that emerged in the first year of COVID is my fascination with fragrances and the history of perfumes. Even in my teenage years, I noticed how a certain scent could change the feeling you have towards a person. I remember that the first perfume I bought with my own money brought me happiness and confidence every time I sprayed it. Later, I started to become interested in perfume notes, how the raw materials for the oils are obtained, and how master perfumers create formulas. Perhaps few people know, but Bulgaria has become one of the largest producers and exporters of lavender in the last decade, sometimes surpassing France. In fact, if you walk into Sephora or Douglas, you will find quite a few perfumes with lavender, as well as rose, whose oils are of Bulgarian origin.  

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

This is one of the goals I have set for the next few years. I do not believe in the statement that a person is very good only in one area and must develop in it. If there is something that humanity has perfected over the years, it is our ability to adapt.

They say that the personal brand is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

Consistency and improvement.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

I do not have a formula for dealing with challenges. I do not think anyone has perfected this skill. Honesty and my ability to say no help me. If we return to the question of perceptions in more mature age, I would add that not everything needs to happen and at any cost.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining the right communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, relatives?

Adaptation. Unfortunately, most people do not like to hear 'no' and the truth. In such cases, you learn how to embellish communication to convey the message in an easier way for the interlocutor.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

If we do not have good financial culture, money is meaningless. What I have noticed in Bulgaria, is the lack of financial literacy and rationality. People are afraid to talk about money. If you feel insecure, seek help. There are countless consultants and specialists who can be helpful to you.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Courage. Do not limit yourself to what you know. Seek what makes you happy and brings you peace.