The Entrepreneurial Woman Today: Style, Vision, and Boundless Energy

Introduce yourself in a few sentences – who are you today as a person, professional, and woman?
My name is Albena Aleksandrova, and I am a fashion expert with 35 years of experience. I am also a PhD in PR and communication, author and producer of the show Fashion Virus by Albena on my YouTube channel.

How does a lady entrepreneur feel when the Day of the Entrepreneurial Woman arrives? What does this day mean for you personally and professionally?
I am happy to have the opportunity to be a moderator on the Day of the Entrepreneurial Woman, especially on a topic I have been working on for years – Dress Code and the Rules of Etiquette in Clothing. I feel excellent and in my element; I believe that women are taking on an increasingly leading role in society, and feminine energy is limitless. Therefore, I declare that if there are no factors blocking it, as has historically happened, it is entirely constructive. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this Leadership Forum.

What did you dream of as a child? Is there something from those dreams that still drives you forward?
I dream constantly. The child in me remains, and I nourish it with dreams and new projects. As I love to quote: “We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” The loss of enthusiasm and vitality stops when we stop dreaming. Every day I wake up with new ideas, and I still have time ahead of me for their realization.

At what age did you earn your first money, and what was the feeling? Share a funny or educational incident.
I am a translator with a Russian language background, and at the age of 18, I started translating films for television. Then I began working at “Kinteks” as a correspondent and did many private translations at home, in addition to my official work. I have been working since I was young; I have always had money and opportunities without relying on anyone else. One day, an acquaintance told me he would be bringing cars from Germany for his clients, and I asked him what kind of money he was paying because I immediately offered myself as a driver. He laughed in disbelief, but later I justified the responsibility he gave me to take on this not-so-easy task. It was a 1500 km journey one way, but for me, it was very attractive kilometers – an opportunity to explore Germany and Austria. I took leave to be able to bring cars, and it was for good additional pay. It was fun. I was only 24 years old.

How did your entrepreneurial journey begin? Do you remember your first steps, the emotions, and the difficulties back then?
I remember very well the first 13 thousand leva I earned as a partner in one of my first companies “Pelikan Express” for logistics and transport. I then invested them in fabrics and machines, and that’s how my brand started. Always birds around me. With a high flight. There are always difficulties; I don’t remember them. I turn them into lessons and move forward. And so, for 35 years, we have been in flight.

What challenges did you face at the beginning, and which taught you the most?
I realized that without persistence and love, nothing works. Business is like a child – you give birth, nourish, it takes its first steps, and you care for it your whole life.

What is the most difficult moment in your career or business, and how did you manage to overcome it?
In 1996, there was a shock in the country from a financial perspective. The dollar had reached 3000 leva. At that time, no one was entering my fashion house, and I was on the edge – whether I would survive as a business. Then I made a collection called “Come See Me” and presented it at the Russian Cultural Center on “Shipka” Street. The entire Russian embassy came, and I managed to sell it, which pulled me out of that difficult moment. One should never forget who helped them in crisis situations and should always be grateful. The Russian client is the best client. I deeply regret the current situation because it has a detrimental effect on our business. As a Belgian, the owner of an expensive boutique in Brussels, said years ago: “Thank goodness for the Russian clients, so that business can survive in Europe!”

And what is your greatest success so far – that moment when you said to yourself, “It was worth it”?
In 2017, I sold a brand to my client. But she didn’t manage it, and in 2019, the Crow came back to me. At that moment, I said, “IT WAS WORTH IT” to have this Crow; it found me back and seems to protect me in difficult situations.

Which people or experiences from your childhood have had the greatest influence on who you are today?
My mother is the person who is the primary factor in my life. And then my son. He is my teacher and inspiration.

How did you decide where and what to study? If you could go back, would you choose the same?
I have studied a lot and continue to learn. I have 4 higher education degrees that complement each other, and each one has its role in my life. Yes, I would choose the same.

How do you maintain your personal brand, and how would you like people to talk about you when you are not in the room?
Honestly, I am little interested in what they say when I am not in the room. But it often happens that I go somewhere and meet ladies who were my graduates, for example, and they are eager to greet me and tell me. I take pleasure in the fact that I have brought joy, and after so many years, they share their beautiful moments and memories with me.

Women’s leadership is often associated with empathy and resilience. How do you balance strength and softness in managing people and processes?
With desire.

How does a lady entrepreneur maintain herself – what helps you to always be in shape, inspired, and confident?
Sports, good physical culture, and continuous improvement and development.

What are your rituals or practices for emotional intelligence, balance, and harmony in a busy daily life?
I have turned stress into emotion. I often do not pay attention to people and situations that are not in my vibration. This way, I save myself from negativity.

What place do money hold in your perception of success? What is your personal principle regarding financial independence and satisfaction?
Money is energy. They must be respected!

What advice would you give to ladies considering starting their own business but are still hesitating?
Do not hesitate. They will not understand what they will gain if they give up or vice versa.

What makes you feel truly successful – personal satisfaction, achievements, influence on others, or something else?
Some time ago, I conducted a survey on Fashion Virus when it was broadcast on TV 7 with the question: What do you associate my brand with? Almost all answers were: “With fashion.” Then I realized that my mission was fulfilled, and most people know about us. “If it’s going to be a crow, let it be a fluffy one!”

What do you want to leave behind – in your organization, community, or in the world?
Honestly, I have not thought about this question, but I have a desire to create a Museum of Fashion in Bulgaria that tells the story of fashion, which is part of the history of a country.