Bravery, Awareness, and Authenticity: Lessons from a Mother Entrepreneur

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Slaviya Ivanova - business consultant, entrepreneur, and mother - three roles that I fulfill with love and care for the meaning behind every endeavor. I was born and raised in Kyustendil. I graduated in 2008. PMG “Prof. Emanuil Ivanov” in my hometown, and then I obtained a bachelor's degree at UNSS in the field of “Real Estate Management” and a master's degree in “Human Resources Management”.

To date, I am a business partner of an international company that supports entrepreneurs and managers in their personal and business growth, combining proven “know how” and a human touch. Motherhood inspired me to create a baby spa center. A special place dedicated to babies and their parents - an oasis that offers care and attention to every mother.

I am also the founder & host of a podcast dedicated to women who seek not just information, but also support, understanding, and confidence that they are not alone in the challenges of everyday life.
I believe that motherhood does not stop our development - it invites us to rethink it. To be bolder, more aware, and more authentic - in life, in business, and in ourselves.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I dreamed of becoming like my dad. I grew up alongside him and his business - he was my example, inspiration, and greatest teacher.

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

I was a student, just turned 16. I used the summer vacation to go to the sea with friends and partners of my father, who at that time had bungalows and a restaurant. They needed waiters, and I needed my first life experience. Thus began my first real working summer - full of new people, challenges, and lessons that I remember to this day.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests?

For me, the strongest example was my father. He was my best friend and inspiration.
He was engaged in transportation activities - organizing excursions in the country and abroad, as well as transporting passengers on regular lines. I experienced both successes and difficult moments with him. I saw firsthand how important values, a smile, and a warm attitude towards people are. These lessons have remained with me and are still the foundation of everything I do.

 

What is your recipe for curiosity, sources, and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

My greatest motivation is myself and my inner voice. I strive every day to live it fully - no matter how cliché it may sound. I lost my father five years ago, and since then I value health and every minute of time even more. I am also lucky to be part of an international company that unites entrepreneurs from around the world. Our leaders are people from whom you not only learn - they inspire you. My husband is also an entrepreneur and an incredible leader who also motivates me to grow.

Every day is a new lesson, a new perspective, a new awareness.

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

Oh, yes. My life has gone through different stages, and after each one, I discover myself as more aware, bolder, and more confident. I believe that learning and change are our eternal companions - until the very end of the adventure called life.

 

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

It was entirely mine. For my mother, it was important for me to have higher education, and for my dad - to be fulfilled in my choices and to take responsibility for them. I felt UNSS the moment I entered for registration for the entrance exams, it was like an inner sign that this was my place. My parents have always supported me, but to be honest, I was quite stubborn. Typically Aquarian, things had to happen the way I wanted them to.

 

Was this decision correct, looking back today?

Yes, completely. Every decision has been an important step in my development as a person and a professional.

 

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

I consider myself an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams. I manifest a better world and more happy people.

I love spending time with my loved ones or when I am alone with myself. I adore traveling, but no less the slow evenings with delicious food, a loved one, and a movie.

I also love sports, dynamics, and every form of development that challenges me to be a better version of myself.

 

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

I would not change anything. I have found what fills my heart with a sense of mission and satisfaction. I am grateful that I do not go with the flow, but follow the direction I believe in.

 

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?

That I have helped as many people as possible to live better. That would be the greatest professional recognition for me.

 

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 take full responsibility for the results of my actions and thoughts. I believe that this is the only way to real change and development – in every direction of life.

 

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?

First let’s clarify what “proper communication” means? For me, it is a process in which two or more people share thoughts and viewpoints with the responsibility to ensure that they have understood each other correctly. Everything else is just talking.

Imagine that two people are standing on either side of a chasm. One holds a rope that he must throw to the other to cross. The one throwing the rope is responsible for doing it in such a way that the other can catch it. The same goes for communication - the responsibility lies with the one who speaks.

Another important ingredient is the love for people and the ability to put yourself in their shoes. Do we listen to understand, or to respond? If we choose the former, we will have a real connection and understanding.

 

What do you think about money?

That they are an important measure of our success as individuals and for the added value we give to the world and the people around us.

What is their influence on your life? They are a means by which I fulfill my dreams. Nothing more.

 

What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

If they often ask themselves this, I would advise them to look within themselves and ask: do I like the person I am? Do I have clear goals? What kind of people do I surround myself with? What skills am I developing and where am I in my emotional maturity? Prosperity starts from within and depends entirely on us.

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

Let them remember that their ideas (beliefs) generate actions, and actions lead to results. If they want change, they must start with their thoughts. Everything else will follow.