You create the world through the way you perceive it

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Yoana Peneva, I am 34 years old and I am a personal stylist with an education in art, design, and psychology. 

I graduated from the National Art Academy, then from NBU with a major in “Spatial Design”, and I am currently studying psychology at VTU.

I am a certified stylist in the fields of Color Analysis and Personal Style, which build on my long-term experience in art and working with people.

My career has gone through interior design, management, and headhunting, and now continues in personal style. At first glance, it seems that I have changed many professions, but at the core, it has always been one thing: the person.

From plastic anatomy, sculpture, and painting, through creating spaces, to managing teams and understanding individual psychology – I have always been driven by the urge to understand what lies behind the external.

Today I combine art, psychology, and style into one and help women connect with themselves through understanding their bodies and style.

Change is the only constant thing, and I love constancy :)

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I dreamed of being a stylist, even before I knew that such a profession really exists. 

Back then it seemed like something imaginary – something that couldn't possibly be a real job. That's why I wandered for a while, but in the end – I became exactly that.

Today I know that dreams are not random, but are a compass - they don't have to be logical, they need to be authentic. 

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

At around 7–8 years old I earned my first money (in the village selling walnuts :)), and at 14 I was already living and studying alone in another city – work was part of my daily life. 

From a young age, I got used to being independent and taking full responsibility for myself.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early 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 environment that surrounds us and the examples we see are key. I grew up with the feeling that everything depends on me. This made me not only responsible but also very searching, observant, and I realized very early the power of inner support. 

I realized my personal power!

Along with that, however, we must not forget the main factor - our personality.

Curiosity comes when you are connected to yourself – then the whole world becomes a source of inspiration for you and every new thing not only develops you but also turns you towards yourself.

You start to understand that you are not just looking at the world – you are creating it through the way you perceive it.

We see what we are.

And the deeper we know ourselves, the clearer we begin to see others. Every observation is also a mirror – as long as we have the courage to look at ourselves in it.

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

Yes, a big one. At first, I was driven by the desire to prove myself and “to move up”. Now I am guided by the question: “Does this align with my inner truth?”

Over time, I realized that I am not just seeking development, but depth and meaning. My professional transformation was not a rejection of the previous, but a building upon what has always been inside me. 

My choices have always been solely mine. I am endlessly grateful to my parents for this freedom.

Let’s not forget that freedom is responsibility - so I thank myself for having the strength to take this full responsibility at such a fragile age.

Art and design were natural steps that reflected my inner search. Psychology came as a necessity to understand myself first, then people more deeply. 

Everything I have studied, done, and generally been so far lives today in my work with style – a path to myself.

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

I am interested in personal development, psychology, archetypes, energy intelligence, and feminine power. My knowledge encompasses anatomy, design, composition, style typology, and deep inner work with human psychology and identity. I love to draw, write, and turn every interaction with a person into a journey towards their authenticity.

I believe in the connection between body and spirit – that’s why sports are an integral part of my daily life. It gives me strength, focus, and a sense of connection – not only physical but also inner.

My inspiration lives at home as well – in my son, who teaches me presence every day, and in the love with the man beside me, which keeps me gentle and strong at the same time. They are my grounding and my direction.

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

Ahh… I have changed my profession more than once, last time I counted over 12 different ones.

Each of them has helped me get to know myself, expand the boundaries of the possible, and connect more strongly with myself.

I believe in personal growth and the right to a new beginning, whenever and however we want it.

At the moment, I feel more satisfied than ever, now I really am in my place… but I never say “never” because life is full of surprises.

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

“After our meeting, I know, accept, and love myself more.”

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

I have walked a long path, full of mistakes, lessons, and a lot of meaning and rethinking – that’s how I reached my recipe: focus on myself, my loved ones, and love.

It sounds like a cliché, but it’s a fact - love is the only stable reference point, even in the most chaotic days.

I can be truly useful in my work only when I am in balance with myself.

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

First – I listen with attention and without rushing to speak.

Second – I create a space where the other can be themselves.

Third – I know and stand by my boundaries. That’s where healthy communication begins.

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?

Money is energy – a reflection of our inner sense of value, security, and abundance.

They do not define us, but very often show what we believe about ourselves and what we think we deserve.

My advice? Change your internal limiting beliefs related to finances, according to them you will change the flow of them to you.

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

Make mistakes and correct yourself, fall and get up enough to stop feeling fear about it. It's not scary to fail, it's scary not to try.

Approach with kindness and empathy, but do not be foolish.

Make sure to have a healthy spirit and body and listen to them first for any important decision.