Back2Bulgaria (Back to Bulgaria)

Why would someone leave a promising career in Munich and return to Varna? In this episode of Back2Bulgaria, Ivan Lyutskanov shares the story behind his choice to leave his role at Amazon in Germany to pursue a meaningful life and career in Varna. Ivan defies the stereotype that returning home is a fallback, showing instead that for him, it was a “fixed plan” inspired by his values and a desire to contribute to his hometown.

Ivan is on a mission to make Bulgarian data and insights accessible through his platform, Zemlevesh (@zemlevesh). Founded while he was still abroad, Zemlevesh presents essential information from reliable sources and data on Bulgarian culture, economy, and social issues to spark citizens’ curiosity and encourage them to explore these topics further. Rather than being a one-stop source, Zemlevesh aims to inspire Bulgarians to engage more deeply and independently with their country’s potential.Ivan emphasizes the importance of community, ambition, and why surrounding yourself with driven people can transform your perspective and your goals.

In this episode, we explore:

- Why moving back wasn’t about failure, but about finding purpose in his own community

- What are the cultural contrasts between Bulgaria, Germany, and the Czech Republic

- How Ivan's building a rewarding career in Varna as head of online marketing at Mania, challenging the myth that good jobs are only limited to Sofia

- The impact of social circles on personal growth and ambition

- His civic engagement through the data and statistics platform, Zemlevesh to inspire conversations and further research on Bulgarian and worldwide topics

- The importance of civic engagement and social responsibility

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about big the importance of experiencing life abroad, lessons learned from life changes, purpose, and building a future that makes a difference.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring stories from Back2Bulgaria!

Show Notes

Connect with Ivan on LinkedIn:

Follow Zemlevesh: https://www.instagram.com/zemlevezh | https://bit.ly/3NE3yGB

Check out Mania: https://bit.ly/3NEHhZhConnect With

Us:

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Съвети от Адвокат Милен Христов: Как да стартирате бизнес в България и да избегнете капаните

В този епизод на подкаста "Back to Bulgaria" имаме удоволствието да разговаряме с адвокат Милен Христо, който споделя своите ценни съвети за стартиране на бизнес в България и как да избегнете капаните, които могат да ви изправят пред трудности.

Милен е опитен юрист с над 15 години стаж, който е работил и развивал бизнеси в различни сфери, включително недвижими имоти, транспорт и авиация. Той е завършил университет във Велико Търново и е натрупал опит в София, преди да се премести във Варна, където продължава да развива своята кариера. Със своята страст към правото и бизнеса, Милен е помогнал на много чуждестранни клиенти да навлязат на българския пазар, като им е предоставил необходимата правна помощ и съвети.

Наскоро Милен стартира нов проект – платформата Andreeshko, която събира данни за публични търгове на недвижими имоти в Европа. С Andreeshko той предоставя на инвеститорите достъп до актуализирана информация за имоти на публична продан в страни като Испания, Франция и България. Тази платформа е създадена да улесни инвестициите в подценени имоти и да подпомогне потребителите в избора на най-добрите оферти.

В този епизод ще научите:

Какви са основните стратегии за стартиране на бизнес в България.

Как да се предпазите от рискове при инвестиции в строителството и недвижими имоти.

За важността на правната защита и как да изберете надежден бизнес партньор.

Плусовите и минусите на живота и бизнеса във Варна.

Лични истории и опит на Милен, които ще ви вдъхновят да предприемете действия.

Не пропускайте да се включите в нашия разговор и да се запознаете с един от успешните юристи и предприемачи в България, който е готов да сподели своите знания и опит с вас!

Този епизод е насочен към българите, които искат да се завърнат в страната и да започнат нов живот, като им предоставя ценни съвети и вдъхновение за успешна интеграция в българския бизнес климат.

Абонирайте се за канала ни, за да не пропуснете следващите епизоди и да научите повече за живота и бизнеса в България!

Бележки към епизода:

Свържете се с Милен в Linkedin за повече съвети:https://www.linkedin.com/in/milen-hristov-8964037/

ЗаВръщане в България:https://www.zavrushtanevbulgaria.com/bg

Andreeshko:https://bit.ly/3U76aAj

Записахме нашия епизод във Варна - Campus 90:https://bit.ly/3BQ7Tn8

https://varnapreneurs.com/

Свържете се с нас:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/back2bulgaria.podcast/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/80435828/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/back2bulgaria.podcast

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@back2bulgariapodcast

👋 Meet the inspiring Dessy Rey - a traveler, aspiring herbalist, and change maker with a profound story.

✅ Discover Dessy’s journey from a traditional Bulgarian upbringing to studying social work in the UK, and how her travels across five continents shaped her worldview. 

✅ Be inspired by how Dessy’s humanitarian missions and cultural experiences fueled her passion for social justice and her decision to contribute to change in Bulgaria. 

✅ Join us for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities within the Bulgarian volunteer sector, the importance of community, and the rising potential in Bulgaria’s film industry. 

🔥 Dessy’s vibrant experiences abroad have led her back to her roots, embracing hope and opportunities. 

It's a journey of passion, culture, and the spirit of making a difference. Stay tuned! Show Notes: Our Initiative - ЗаВръщане в България https://www.zavrushtanevbulgaria.com/bg BUBU Studio https://www.bubustudio.com/ Connect with Us: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/back2bulgaria.podcast/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/80435828/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/back2bulgaria.podcast Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@back2bulgariapodcast

Join us in this episode as we explore the journey of Christiana Branzalova, an architect from Sofia, Bulgaria. She studied architecture in the UK and Italy before establishing her own firm, Kanatitsa, in Bulgaria.

We discuss Christiana's experiences and challenges, from cultural struggles in the UK to discovering beauty and aesthetics in Italy, and appreciating heritage buildings in Bulgaria.

Christiana shares her work with the municipality of Hvoina to preserve a historic school, her efforts in renovating a socialist-era building in the Semkovo Coliving project, and the importance of community collaboration.

We also talk about how growing up in Sofia shaped her, her love for Bulgarian cuisine and peaceful environments, and the importance of preserving Bulgaria's historical architecture. Christiana introduces "Open Buzludzha," a festival showcasing the potential of the Buzludzha monument through lectures, concerts, and 3D mapping.

Don't miss Christiana’s inspiring story and insights on positive change in Bulgaria.

Share this episode with friends who love architecture and heritage, and subscribe to our channel for more amazing stories!

This Podcast is proudly hosted and run by ЗаВръщане в България

Special thanks to BUBU Studio for letting us record in their office!

At BUBU Studio, they believe in the philosophy of Brutal and Beautiful, delivering stunning visual work. Founded in 2010, BUBU Studio pioneers creativity in visual effects, serving international clients in the film and TV industries. They specialize in VFX, character creation, animation, compositing, editing, and color grading. They don't just produce; they craft.

Show Notes:

Connect with Us:

In today's episode, we introduce Katy Andreeva, an American with Bulgarian roots and the co-host of "Back2Bulgaria." Katy shares her incredible story of bold decisions, cultural exploration, and her determination to create a lasting impact within Bulgaria. Meet Katy: Born in the US but deeply connected to Bulgaria, Katy's adventure started when she decided to study in Bulgaria at 19. Her journey led her to the Netherlands for studies and career growth. Working in growth marketing at the early stages of two fast-growing tech startups, she spent a total of eight enriching years abroad. Now, she has called Sofia home for about a year, and she's thriving. What to Expect in This Episode: Defying Expectations: Join us as we confront the negativity often found in Bulgarian cities and debunk the myth that success can only be achieved abroad. Embrace Possibility: We delve into the untapped potential of smaller Bulgarian cities and the importance of building a can-do attitude. Career Journeys in The Netherlands: Katy takes us from the US to the Netherlands and back to Bulgaria, sharing her insights into navigating job challenges and making career choices aligned with personal values and growth. Join us for an episode that's not just about Katy's personal journey but also about embracing opportunities, building a fulfilling life, and contributing to Bulgaria's growing future. Notes: 📸 Follow Katy on Instagram: Katy's Instagram 🏔️ Discover Asgard Villa and Asgard Horse Stable in Sandanski, Bulgaria 🚀 Explore the innovative Resonator Creative Technology Hub: Resonator Enjoyed the episode? Show your support with a like, share, and subscribe! Dive deeper into stories from Bulgaria with Back2Bulgaria. Back2Bulgaria Podcast: Never miss an episode on Spotify Follow us on Instagram ЗаВръщане в България: Instagram Facebook

In today's episode, we introduce Aleksandar Dimitrov - born in Pleven and an entrepreneur whose global experiences have helped him stand out and gain a broader perspective on life, enriching his contributions to Bulgaria. Join us as we explore his journey from working abroad in the US to starting businesses in Sofia. About Alex Dimitrov: Explore how Alex's adventures in the US, Czech Republic, and Uganda have profoundly shaped his worldview and approach to both life and business. Alex also runs Amused, a consultancy helping founders generate leads using their personal brand to educate. Explore his inspiring story and mission to empower Bulgarian entrepreneurs. 🚀 Key Insights in This Episode: 1️⃣ Boosting Rural Entrepreneurship: Alex is on a mission to encourage entrepreneurship in Bulgaria's smaller cities, sharing knowledge and encouraging innovation. 2️⃣ Choosing a Different Path: Learn about Alex's unconventional choices, like teaching speed reading, and why he decided to make Bulgaria his home instead of seeking business opportunities abroad. 3️⃣ Demystifying Bulgarian Business: Alex clears up common misconceptions about starting a business in Bulgaria, revealing the promising opportunities available. Making a Cultural Impact: Explore Alex's efforts to bring positive change to Bulgaria, from advocating for bike lanes to simplifying administrative processes. He shares stories about bridging cultural gaps and understanding diverse perspectives. Highlighting Bulgaria's Potential: Together, we uncover Bulgaria's hidden strengths and discuss how taking on new opportunities can improve the market and challenge existing beliefs. 🌍Tune In for a Fresh Perspective: Whether in Bulgaria or abroad, this conversation with Alex Dimitrov is set to be insightful and engaging, offering a fresh look at entrepreneurship and culture. Show Notes: Reach out to Alex Dimitrov on Linkedin Follow Alex's travel adventures on Instagram Follow Amused for advice on lead generation

Resonator Creative Technology Hub (https://www.rsntr.com/)

Jingle Jam Podcast (Erasmus Stories): https://open.spotify.com/show/5IucvNMK7b4fG28YGsRqih Enjoyed the episode? Show your support with a like, share, and subscribe! Dive deeper into stories from Bulgaria with Back2Bulgaria. Back2Bulgaria Podcast We are on YouTube and Instagram Hosted By ЗаВръщане в България: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zavrushtane.v.bg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZaVrashtane.bulgaria

Today, we spotlight Hristomir Hristov,an entrepreneur, mentor, and the driving force behind Приказките (https://prikazkite.bg). From leaving uni in Manchester, working as a chef in France, to diving into Bulgaria's startup world – you won't want to miss his story! 🌟 Episode Highlights: Manchester to France: Hristo studied psychology and sociology in Manchester but decided to switch gears. He headed to France and picked up some cooking skills in like, Paris and South of France. French Cooking Adventures: Dive into Hristo's world of food while he worked and studied. From late-night Parisian rat surprises to the vibrant parties in the South after a hard day's work. Big Business Boost: Back in Varna, Hristo got into an entrepreneurship program. Some top-notch experts from Silicon Valley dropped by and shared their knowledge, which totally changed how Hristo saw things. The Power of Good Company: Hristo’s not just about business; he values friendship and learning. He shares some stories that show the mentors and mentees who gave him advice, and having both is a blessing. Hristo's story isn't just about one guy's experiences. It's a shoutout to all the possibilities Bulgaria offers. It inspires all of us, showing that success can start right here. Show Notes: Find Hristomir Hristov onLinkedIn Приказките -Героите от любимите ви детски приказки оживяват в приложението ПРИКАЗКИТЕ Кошар Bulgarian Entrepreneurship Center Foundation (BEC) Enjoyed the episode?Show your support with a like, share, and follow!

Dive deeper into stories from Bulgaria with Back2Bulgaria.

In this episode, we chat with Gabriel Marchev. At just 10, Gabriel leaves cozy Dimitrovgrad, jets off to Bristol, UK with his mom, and fast forward – he's practically British, studying computer science at uni, and kickstarting a digital agency. But here's the twist – this journey loops him back to Bulgaria. Explore his early move to the UK, highlighting the highs and lows of living abroad, and the importance of community and friendships. Discover his insights on the opportunities for those returning to Bulgaria, from overcoming culture shock to finding a deep sense of belonging and even tapping into the hip-hop dance scene. Learn how he effortlessly runs his digital agency from Bulgaria. Gabriel's journey offers unique perspectives on living and thriving in Bulgaria. Hit play, settle in, and let's dive into this captivating story of moving back to Bulgaria with Gabriel. Show Notes: Here are the links to all the initiatives we discussed in this episode Web Craft Smith Agency

Gabriel Instagram Back2Bulgaria Never miss an episode on Spotify Instagram Facebook

Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Bogdan Rizov, an inspiring entrepreneur making waves in the Bulgarian business scene. 🇧🇬 In this episode, Bogdan shares his journey of resilience and success, from studying construction management to becoming a co-founder of Sketch CoWorking space and venturing into other exciting industries like healthcare. 💼 Unlike any of our other guests so far, Bogdan chose to forgo opportunities abroad from the get-go and instead invest his energy and skills in Bulgaria. We talk about the challenges he faced, and how he overcame them to make a positive impact. 🌟 Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, interested in Bulgaria's potential, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and spread the word about "Back2Bulgaria" to inspire others too! 🎉

Show Notes

Bogdan Rizov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogdan-rizov-681ab517b/

Sketch CoWorking Space: https://sketch.bg/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchcoworking/

Sketch Startup Space: https://www.instagram.com/sketchstartupspace/

MedGlobe: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medglobe/

Back2Bulgaria

Never miss an episode and FOLLOW US on Spotify

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/back2bulgariapodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@back2bulgariapodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZaVrashtane.bulgaria/

ЗаВръщане в България: https://www.instagram.com/zavrushtane.v.bg/

Thanks Resonator Hub for the awesome podcasting space: https://www.rsntr.com/

In this episode, join us on an inspiring journey from Miami to Sofia — where plans meet determination and creativity sparks change. Meet Antonia — a passionate interior designer, artist, and community builder. She left her comfortable life in Miami to pursue a transformative path in Bulgaria dedicated to art, community, and a vision for a more creative and collaborative future. It's important to note that she had never considered moving to Bulgaria before. However, along this journey, she soon discovered its untapped potential and the opportunity for her work to make a significant impact. She shares how she made her calculated decision to return, her ambitious art residency program (Poiema Collective) in Bregovo uniting US and Bulgarian artists, and her role in revitalizing the rivers of Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria through Колективът. Her passion for the profound impact of art is contagious, and her insights into expressive arts and design thinking are eye-opening. These elements have not only influenced her work but have also ignited her commitment to creating lasting change in Bulgaria. So, get ready to be inspired as we dive into Antonia's story. This episode is packed with insightful moments, valuable lessons, and a genuine showcase of art and community's transformative power. Show Notes: Here are the links to all the initiatives we discussed in this episode Колективът/Kolektiv: https://www.facebook.com/kolektiv.bg Реките на града / Rivers of the city: https://www.facebook.com/riversofthecity Poiema Collective (Art Residency in Bregovo): https://www.instagram.com/poiemacollective/ Antonia Dimitrova's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_antoniadimitrova_/ Back2Bulgaria Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbrZ2IFbjN3Vrym3g0BjZg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/back2bulgariapodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZaVrashtane.bulgaria/ ЗаВръщане в България: https://www.instagram.com/zavrashtane/

Welcome to the second episode of the Back2Bulgaria Podcast! Our special guest is Anes Malkanova, who takes us on a captivating journey of dreams, choices, and finding a home.

Born and raised in Sofia, Anes had always imagined her future abroad. She set her sights on adventures in the USA and Germany, where she participated in work and study abroad programs — dreaming of opening a coffee or pastry shop somewhere abroad.

But fate had a twist. When she arrived in Germany, she met her future husband (who's from Peru), and together, they decided to give Bulgaria a chance. Since then, she has realized her dream of opening a coffee shop. Now, she plays an active part in building Bulgaria's coffee culture and community and aspires to put Bulgaria on the global coffee map.

Tune in to discover the secrets of successful business in Sofia, the power of authenticity, and the art of standing out in a competitive market.

Show Notes: Martines Specialty Coffee Shop and Roastery

https://www.instagram.com/martinescoffeeshop/

Follow Back2Bulgaria https://www.instagram.com/back2bulgariapodcast/ ЗаВръщане в България

https://www.instagram.com/zavrashtane/

Big thank you to Resonator's Podcast Space

https://www.rsntr.com/podcast-meeting-space

Welcome to the first episode of the Back2Bulgaria Podcast! Our special guest is Stoyan Vlahovski. Growing up in the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria, he decided to study in Germany to explore their growing startup scene. He takes us through his journey from Berlin back to Bulgaria after five years of studying and establishing his own business. Since making Sofia his new home, he's excelling in his business, social life, and health. And yes, he's absolutely thrilled about never having to cook again (yes, it’s possible). Stoyan also shares his aspiration to help others return to Bulgaria and uncover life's potential here. Follow Back2Bulgaria https://www.instagram.com/back2bulgar... Follow Stoyan on instagram Learn more about his marketing agencyecom2win.com