Nadezhda (Nadia) Todorova of Labulgara Jewelry

1: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage it?

My greatest fear is not living a meaningful life and not leaving my mark on the world. No matter what that mark is. I think creatives are always underappreciated in a way. But for me, even if my daughter looked at what I've made, and she gets a kick out of it and thinks wow, this is what my mom did, that would be beautiful and fulfilling for me.

I work hard for it every single day and I stay present in my work, and my creative process because these moments are what make my soul feel fulfilled.

Life is so unknown sometimes and you can never predict what's going to happen next. So, I manage this fear by ensuring that I’m always doing what I love to fulfill my soul, and I don’t take any moment for granted. I work hard for it every single day and I stay present in my work, and my creative process because these moments are what make my soul feel fulfilled.

2: How do you define success?

Success for me has never been material possessions. I’ve never lived my life with the drive to have any amount of money or material things. Even with my jewelry, I want people to appreciate the beauty of it more than anything. I think success is measured in happiness and in how passionate you are about the life you live. At the end of the day, starting a blog and becoming a jewelry designer was very transformative for me, and it allowed me to find a lot of happiness in my life. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given, and that I’ve found success through my creative work, designing and making beautiful jewelry that people can enjoy.

3: Who are your real-life heroes?

Women, women, women all day long. Because we are mothers. We are hustlers. We do great things and we do hard things. Women are the driving force of the world where we seek change.

Women, women, women all day long. Because we are mothers. We are hustlers. We do great things and we do hard things. Women are the driving force of the world where we seek change.

We work hard for change and we set a strong example. Nothing would exist if women didn’t exist. I may sound like a crazy feminist, and I don’t want to sound like that, but women truly have the power to create a beautiful world. I have so many great women in my family and they inspire me every day.

4: What is the best gift you've given yourself?

The best gift I've given myself is the courage to believe in myself and start my own business. When you start a new journey, there are a lot of unknowns, but I was very fortunate to have support from my family and friends, and encouragement from fellow designers in the industry. I think every new entrepreneur has self-doubt and often we suffer from the "imposter syndrome", but without taking that next step, we wouldn't ever reach our dreams. I think believing in your perseverance and not letting self doubt get in the way of your dreams is the most important gift you can give yourself.

I think believing in your perseverance and not letting self doubt get in the way of your dreams is the most important gift you can give yourself.

If I must name one physical gift it would be my mother's ring, which I was extremely anxious to receive. As a child I remember getting a glimpse of it and hoping she would give it to me one day. In the past in Bulgaria people kept their jewelry very well hidden, and rarely wore them or showed them off. People were more interested in acquiring pieces as an investment versus a personal accessory. The ring is a custom piece in solid 18k gold, which my grandmother had commissioned to be made by a local jeweler for my mother. He had agreed to design one last piece before retiring. It's a very special piece that features an intricate hand etching and a unique shape. It is quite chunky, but I’m proud to show it off.

5: What was the last win you celebrated?

I celebrate the anniversary of establishing my company every year. I appreciate my customers so much. Every single person that DMs me or gives me compliments on my art is so appreciated. It’s an amazing feeling to receive compliments like this, it feels like a win every time.

As for celebrating by doing something for myself, I like to travel. My daughter, husband, and I map out all of the places we dream of going, and when it’s the right time to take a break from the business we visit one of these places. As an entrepreneur it’s hard to detach from your business as you wear so many hats as a business owner. But that’s also why it’s so important to give yourself a mental break. You have to be able to recharge in order to create and feel inspired, and traveling is that for me.

About Labulgara Jewelry

Marked by a contemporary and distinctive aesthetic, Labulgara's avant-garde designs from Nadia Todorova are dainty and wearable with a twist of daring architectural surprise. Launched in 2016, the New York-based brand blends urban edginess, unexpected silhouettes, and unique contemporary shapes to intrigue and inspire the wearer to be boldly confident. Each piece is handmade using responsibly sourced and high-quality materials that create everyday looks with a little something extra.

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