Upgrade in your own style, people do not like copies

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

We are Iva and Velislava Kostadinovi, we work in the field of art as performers of Bulgarian folklore. We grew up with folk songs. We are the granddaughters of Guna Ivanova, who taught us a lot of love for the song – not just any song, but the folk song.

Howdid you dream of becoming in your childhood years?

Iva: I wanted to have my own business related to music. Now things are almost like that. I graduated in banking at the National Financial and Economic High School, continued at UNSS with a bachelor's degree in “Business Administration”, after which I pursued a master's degree in “Financial Control and Financial Law”. I never had a specific dream – I always listened to the signs. My dream today is to continue to engage in music.

Velislava: We love animals very much. We have a puppy. When I was little, I wanted to become a veterinarian to help animals. I graduated NATFIZ in the last class of the great Stefan Danailov, and here I am now – determined in my desire to be on the musical stage.

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

We were young – 10 and 12 years old. Guna took us to a performance with her and made us sing a few songs. That’s where our first earned money came from. She encouraged us.

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

The most important is the family environment and everything that happens there. The example from parents and upbringing lays a solid foundation for the development of a person further on. The school environment, friends we interact with, is also important. Books are of great importance, and recently, social networks and the internet space. It is very important to have parental control and a culture regarding how far it is good to use social networks and which sites are reliable.

We trust experience. We listen and take examples from the people we are surrounded by. We are grateful for the nice working environment we have. We are part of the Armed Forces Ensemble of the National Guard Unit. There we have access to incredible professionals on the musical scene. Examples and role models include Raiko Kirilov, Margi Hranova, Orlin Goranov, and many more. We have already mentioned our grandmother Guna Ivanova, but she is a source of professionalism, creativity, and aesthetics. We draw knowledge from experience!

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

Of course, over time, changes occur in perceptions and motivation. But this happened to us due to our growth, awareness as artists, and clarification of our vision and mission.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study?

Iva: For the choice of school and university, as well as for the specialties to study, I had absolute freedom. I chose everything myself. At this moment, I only regret the master's degree because I would like it to be related to marketing today.

Velislava: I decided to try at NATFIZ because many of my close ones noticed my artistic talent and everyone directed me there. I listened to them and I do not regret it! Nowadays, I really want to further develop in the field of directing and editing. I find it very interesting and I believe I have something to offer there.

Was this decision correct, looking at today’s date?

There is no right or wrong. You can always develop, especially today. Everything is experience. Experience is gained from mistakes. And nowadays everything is so flexible – if you want to develop, you have many options.

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

Iva: The knowledge and skills in the field of music came to us from practice. Everything we have learned is a result of the experience we gained through practice. Music has been like a hobby since our childhood, and now it has become our main and only job. It’s a divine job!

Velislava: Recently, I became very interested in directing and editing music videos. It turns out that I am good at it – so say the people around me, observing the projects I have participated in. As a hobby, I can mention my work as a model – I have several ads and photo shoots for fashion brands behind me.

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

Iva: I would engage with artists, producing, and organizing events. But I would not change my profession – I love music, creating new songs, and meeting our wonderful audience!

Velislava: I also would not change music, but I would try to direct music videos.

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

We would like to hear that people understand and enjoy what we offer on stage, that we manage to captivate them and convey to them the most positive emotions and energy in the rhythm of Bulgarian folklore! That we have charged and smiled them! That we have reminded them in the right way of the past and made them think about the future – and how it can be better precisely through the song.

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

We work a lot and constantly, precisely to achieve this flexibility. It is very important, especially when we work with people. Everyone has preferences regarding songs, so in a live performance, we try to have something for everyone. Preferences change over time, and we constantly seek new songs or compose original ones. But everything is always measured because we need to preserve our vision, our sound – what distinguishes us from everyone!

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

Proper communication for us in the musical environment is related to looking into our own bowl. If we can express admiration – we do it. If someone asks for advice or opinion – we give it, but never unsolicited.

Another important thing is to maintain hygiene and avoid toxic environments where everyone looks into each other's bowls. Instead of discussing each other or watching to copy each other, it is good to upgrade in our own style because people do not like copies!

In personal and family terms, understanding and compromises are of great importance for harmony. We have such a balance!

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 important in terms of investing in new production and development, as well as for a normal life. If we have enough resources for that, we believe we have found the golden mean. People should invest in their development to earn more. The more a person develops, the more “sufficient” money becomes for them.

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

Love your work – do what you love and what at the end of the day leaves you satisfied with a job well done and makes you smile widely!