Dreams are for those who truly believe in them

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..
Hello, my name is Martina Ivanova and I am a musician by profession and education. Since I was 9 years old, I have been playing classical guitar and singing.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
I think I have always wanted to engage in music. My parents are also musicians and inevitably this has influenced me as well. Although I have walked my own path, I still believe that the influence of parents on a child is undeniable. I am happy that I have followed their example.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us about an interesting incident.
I definitely do not have a specific memory of my first money. In my profession, since I was very young, I have encountered media appearances, some of which have been paid. I think I would point to the first guitar competition I won in Kyustendil. There, besides the first prize in the form of a diploma, you also receive a modest sum of money. Interestingly, it is always so tense at competitions that I didn't even realize whether and how much money I could earn from it if I was the winner.

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 in this stage of our human development?
As I mentioned in previous answers, one of the most important things and the root of development is primarily the family environment and the one in which the child grows. From there, certain views for the future in life are formed and a personal value system is shaped. What our parents teach us, what we see as communication, is an example. Even their hobbies reflect on us.
For me, the recipe is to teach children from a young age to love life and to enjoy the smallest things they touch — things like nature, animals, etc. It is no coincidence that in adulthood we are reminded not to lose the child within us — and that is precisely it: to love without reservations, to rejoice without fear, and to be playful. From there on, the sources should be aligned with the specific talents and desires of the child. The key is in the open mind.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in adulthood regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?
Many of the things my father told me and advised me, I have neglected and thought that it wouldn't work for me. However, I later realized that social networks can indeed be used to reach a large group of people who genuinely need your art and your message. This is definitely motivating for me.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, viewed from today's perspective?
My higher education was the most natural continuation of my conscious life in development. After graduating from the National Music School “L. Pipkov” it was clear to me that I had to continue and I wanted to further improve myself as a classical guitarist and performer. Of course, it was the most correct decision!

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.
I am a guitarist, singer — generally speaking, a musician. I write music for myself and other colleagues, whether popular or not so much. I have many interests related to health, foreign languages, and as the most prominent hobby, I would point to astrology. I believe that I have a sense and knowledge, and it gives me great pleasure to fill my free time with this.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?
The only thing that captures my interest outside my field is caring for animals. I would not change my profession as of today.

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?
I would like to hear that people feel much better after hearing my song or performance. That my music has inspired them to turn to themselves with more understanding and love.

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?
I am a very emotional person. It is not easy for me sometimes to face everyday life. I try to do things that calm me down, to listen to calm and pleasant music, to focus more on creating art, and not to attach great importance to the frowning faces of most people outside.

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, close ones?
Fewer people, fewer problems. Ha-ha.
Although I know many people and there are many around me, I call few of them friends and share with them. My conclusion is that you do not need many people to have fun, diversify, and feel fulfilled. They just need to be the right people.

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 a means without which we cannot, unfortunately. Even for us, artists, it is necessary to have them to carry out our projects — whether video or audio. I do not think that money should be a leading topic, but it should be thought in a constructive direction. More importantly, people should have qualities and a vision for development.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?
Do the things you truly love, and do them with a lot of love for people. Dreams are for those who truly believe in them.