Gabriela Tomova-Boneva

1. What did you graduate?

I graduated BA International Economic Relations at UNWE and MA Marketing, Advertising and PR at The University of Sheffield. In my student years I also studied and completed programmes in Graphic Design and Digital Marketing.

2. What are you working on?

I work in digital marketing, specializing in Performance and Content Marketing. I can say that my job is extremely exciting because every day I face a different challenge, it's never monotonous.

In addition, I am the co-owner of a sustainable fashion brand that came to light very recently - REVIVE apparel. We create our garments and accessories through the innovative approach of "upcycling" or reusing. In this way we give a second life to already used clothes, creating a completely new product from them. This minimises the amount that goes to landfill, reduces the need to produce materials to create clothes and requires less or no energy to produce. Our first collection is made from repurposed denim and is inspired by a woman's inner strength and courage, so we named it The It Girl. And the lovely Tomi joined our photo shoot and contributed her charm and charisma, she is an example of The It Girl herself.

3. What is the project you worked on that you are proud of?

I am proud of all my accomplishments because I always put in the effort to succeed, and I have learned a tremendous amount along the way. But if I had to single out something to be most proud of, it's my dissertation, which I wrote in 2022, on "Understanding the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on online impulse buying behavior during and post COVID-19 pandemic," and REVIVE apparel. Both projects took me out of my comfort zone, both projects were a big dream of mine and brought me many new skills and lessons learned.

4. What advice would you give to a girl who wants to follow in your footsteps in a career plan?

I am still at the beginning of my career development, but I can give any girl who wants to develop in a career plan as advice to be persistent, not to give up in the face of difficulties that accompany her, be confident and do not stop learning because the environment is constantly changing.

5. What inspires you to get out of your comfort zone?

The thrill of the unknown, even the slight fear you feel. The fact that going through the dark and unclear where the tunnel ends, there is so much new knowledge and skills, lessons learned, in a word growth, whether it's professionally or personally. And the end of that tunnel brings satisfaction.

6. How would you define your style?

I'd say my style is clean, but it's an interesting mix of classic and bold. I like to stand out in my clothing and let my character and energy come through.

7. Why did you decide to do fashion?

Fashion and standing out in it has always attracted me. Having my own fashion brand has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, 5-6 years old, I had a pocket sewing machine and created clothes for my dolls, so to speak, and from grade 11 to 1st grade I had a boutique where I sold clothes through distribution. Growing up, I became interested in and implemented sustainable living. So I met Gabriela Georgieva at university and after a while we decided to combine the dream of a fashion brand with sustainability. Fashion inspires, it helps everyone to express themselves and so through it we want to inspire each of our clients to act with nature in mind. В REVIVE apparel we give clothes a second life by giving them new shapes, which in itself is very challenging and laborious, but at the same time interesting and satisfying. And when you see your sketch come to life, the feeling is indescribable.

8. Why is sustainable fashion the future?

Recently, the concept of fast fashion has become very fashionable, but according to the Bulgarian Circular Textile Association, in 2020 the average European purchased 14.8 kg of textiles and threw away about 11 kg. Also, 8% of all carbon emissions come from the fashion sector and the production of clothing and new textiles, which negatively affects climate change. Slow and sustainable fashion is a solution to this problem. It aims to reduce the negative footprint on our environment. It promotes the choice of long-lasting and quality clothing and accessories that can be used for longer. Also in its ideology it seeks to improve working conditions in the creation of clothing.

9. Who are your fashion icons? Designers, influencers, models?

I don't have a specific person that I can say "this is my fashion icon". Of course, I like fashion icons and I believe we all have something to learn from them in this field. People like Karl Lagerfeld, Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Beckham (especially the Posh Spice days), Princess Diana, Katharine Hepburn and many more. But I am also inspired by the style of different people every day - people I've even seen on the street somewhere, friends, girls in Girls of Sofia. For me, everyone is a fashion icon in their own way because they express themselves through their clothes.

10. What does being a successful woman mean to you?

Happy, loving, loved and satisfied.

11. Is there a woman who inspires you?

My mother. No doubt. From her I have learned that we women have a lot of strength in us and we can handle anything life throws at us. She has shown me every day that dreams are only as big as we decide, meaning with hard work and perseverance you can achieve anything. I can't help but mention that from her, I have learned most of the tricks I know for natural maintenance of a woman without the interference of needles or machines.

12. What contribution do you want to make to society?

I believe that REVIVE apparelwith its mission and values can be called a contribution that Gabby and I decided to create and are motivated to develop. Through our brand we aim to inspire more people to lead a more sustainable lifestyle and not only in terms of their clothes.

And I want my personal contribution to society to be kindness. In today's fast-paced, dynamic and material world, we often forget to be kind and positive. Helping our fellow man, rejoicing for the successes of others, overcoming obstacles but staying positive. That is why I always try to approach others with understanding and strive to help whenever I can.

13. What would you say to 5 year old Gabriela?

Life is just as colorful and beautiful as you make it.

14.What do you want to achieve in the next 1 year?

I want us to be able to develop REVIVE apparel and to inspire more girls to choose slow over fast fashion, and to contribute to the sustainability of our natural world every day with their actions.

In my career as a marketer, I want to continue to learn new skills and go to higher levels in my development, as well as be part of creating interesting projects.

14.What wish do you have for Girls of Sofia?

Girls of Sofia is a great initiative that brings so many positive, beautiful and inspiring girls together. The idea of this club is unique in itself, and it can bring a lot of colour and variety to a girl's life. I recommend it highly to girls who are coming to the big city and have yet to make friends and contacts. Apart from the nice introductions and conversations, the events themselves that Tommy creates with such care and attention to detail are a must see in my opinion.

So I wish Girls of Sofia to continue to be what it is. A positive, united and inspiring society. And someday girls from other cities in Bulgaria and around the world will be able to enjoy it!

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