The personal brand begins where your story meets meaning

Introduce yourself in a few sentences!
My name is Dayana Miteva – I am the creator of DM Ghostwriting Agency, the first agency in the Balkans that helps experts, entrepreneurs, and authors turn their ideas and experiences into books, training, and personal brands. I am the author of the book “The Eternal Business: How to Create a Profitable Business with Books and Training from Scratch”, which shows how knowledge and personal stories can become a sustainable business model. I believe that writing is more than creativity – it is a tool for influence, personal transformation, and changing the way people perceive themselves and the world.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a singer. Music was my world, and the stage was a place where I felt happy. I studied folk singing in a music school until the 12th grade, and for many years singing was my way of expressing emotions, dreams, and feelings. At the same time, I had another passion – writing. I loved to create “books” from sheets, markers, and tape, invent characters, draw covers, and do everything myself. After high school, I chose to study law because even then I felt that two forces lived within me – creativity and logic. Law attracted me with order and meaning, while creativity attracted me with emotion and freedom. Today, these two sides meet in my work – in the ability to combine structured thinking with creative expression.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story.
I earned my first money in the second grade. A friend and I decided to organize a concert in front of the museum in my hometown. We made tickets for 20 cents and sold them to acquaintances. That’s when I realized that when you believe in something, you can make it a reality, even with childlike naivety and enthusiasm.
Later, in the 11th grade, I started my first official job – in a perfume and cosmetics store. I loved interacting with people. And at 19, I already had my first business. Since then, I have never stopped creating, experimenting, and learning from every new endeavor.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age? What is your recipe for curiosity?
My grandmother was the person who taught me to love knowledge. Even as a child, she taught me poems, songs, and then the alphabet and numbers. Thanks to her, I started reading at the age of five. My mother was also an example of perseverance – she constantly learned new things and developed, and I often tested her when she was preparing for exams. Those moments taught me that learning never ends and that curiosity is a habit that needs to be maintained.
My “recipe” for curiosity is simple – observe, read, and ask. Be interested in people because you learn the most from them. Every encounter can give you a new perspective if you listen carefully.

Has there been a significant change in your perceptions in adulthood about what motivates you?
Over time, I realized that true motivation comes from meaning. When I was younger, I was driven by ambition – to succeed, to create something of my own. Today, I am driven by the people I help. The greatest reward is to see how someone’s idea comes to life, how a book becomes a key tool for change in someone’s life or business. Money and success come naturally when you do things with dedication and love, not as an end in themselves.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was it the right one?
The decision was entirely mine. My father was surprised that I no longer wanted to continue with singing, but when I told him that I wanted to study law, he fully supported me. Today I am grateful for that choice – law gave me analytical thinking, precision, and respect for structure. Interestingly, even though I do not practice a classical legal profession, law helps me every day – in working with contracts, copyrights, and intellectual property. I have always said that it would be quite difficult to run a ghostwriting agency without a legal education or legal department.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.
People are often surprised when they find out how much I read – I go through over 150 pages of manuscripts, concepts, and edits daily. But despite that, books continue to be my passion. Today, I experience them differently – not as a reader, but as someone who seeks the essence behind the words. I love stories that inspire.
I adore nature and animals – I have a dog that I have been with for 11 years, and I take care of several cats in the neighborhood that have long become part of the family. I love to cook – it’s my way of “switching off.” I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and preparing food that is both delicious and healthy. I am interested in psychology, education, business, and personal finance. I believe that development never stops – it just changes its form.

Would you change your profession today and what fields attract you?
I wouldn’t change it – I love what I do. If I were to change anything, it would be the direction – I would expand it even more towards digital education, technology, and platforms that make knowledge accessible. I believe that the future lies in the ability to combine content, value, and experience.

What would you like people to say about you when you are not in the room?
Honestly – nothing more than that I am a person who can be relied upon. That I am consistent, sincere, and do my job with respect for people. I don’t need to be the center of attention; it’s more important to leave a good impression – even when I’m not there.

How do you cope with daily challenges to stay in good shape and mood?
The truth is, I love my job. Even when it’s hard, it still gives me energy. I enjoy the process – overcoming, building, moving forward. I can’t imagine a day without a goal. I believe that discipline is a form of freedom – it allows me to move with clarity. I try to eat well, sleep enough, and drink water – simple but effective.

The most important conclusions about proper communication with different personalities?
My work brings me into contact with extremely different people – from doctors and coaches to entrepreneurs and creators. Everyone has their rhythm, their fears, and their pace. I believe that communication is not just speaking, but feeling. I always try to feel the person in front of me – how they think, what drives them, what stops them. When you understand that, the words come naturally. My intuition often guides me better than any technique.

What do you think about money and what is your advice to people?
Money is a tool – neither good nor evil. It simply amplifies what you already are. If you are disciplined, you will become even more organized; if you are chaotic – it will amplify the chaos. My advice is simple: manage your money as you manage your time – with respect. Do not be afraid of it and do not submit to it. Use it wisely to create value and security.

The most valuable career advice you would give?
Do only what you will be proud of if you have to sign your name under it. Never choose the easy over the right. And remember that success does not come from quick wins, but from patient building. People do not remember your first steps, but the consistency with which you moved forward.