I met Viara a couple of years ago when she was just fresh into college. She was part of the team of uspelite.bg – the online media for good news I co-founded in Bulgaria. Since then Viara has worked very hard to become one of the best young professionals in Bulgaria (my personal opinion) and she has made a name for herself while chasing her dream.
Tell us a bit more about yourself and the dream you are chasing
I’m Vyara Stefcheva, CEO of Zahara Consult, and I’ve dedicated my career to pioneering the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, automation, and blockchain into the realm of marketing and business.
My dream is to help and teach people how to use technology for good. I seek to transform the way brands engage with customers, create value, and drive growth in the digital age. I’m driven by my passion for high-tech.
How was the idea for your dream born and how it developed over time?
The idea for my dream was born from a combination of my fascination with emerging technologies. Since a kid, I was constantly online, and there, in the web space, my personality was born and raised.
My deep-rooted desire to construct and innovate in the digital realm led me down a path that wasn’t initially what I expected. I knew that I wanted to work in tech, but I believed that the only option to achieve that was by becoming a software developer. At the same time, mathematics, often considered the foundation of many technical fields, wasn’t a realm where I naturally excelled. In fact, it was an area that presented considerable difficulty for me. Some of my teachers even went so far as to suggest that the path of a software developer might not be suitable for someone like me. Their words carried a discouraging message: that this domain was “not for me” and “not for women, at all”. Crazy, right?
While my heart was set on becoming a software developer, the traditional route eluded me and I didn’t pursue a career in the field – or at least, that’s what I thought.
So, I tried to identify my strengths and inner passions. It became evident that my knack for communication and social psychology was a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed and I took a new direction in my tech aspirations – digital marketing.
Embracing this new perspective, I delved into the world of marketing, using it as a canvas to achieve my tech dreams. As I’ve learned more, teaching others became an unexpected yet fulfilling outlet. I found joy in sharing my experiences and insights and helping others navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
My journey also led me to the intricate realm of SEO. Unlocking its intricacies, I discovered how it is a tool to bridge the gap between businesses and their digital audiences. Through SEO, I was not only making my mark but also enabling others to elevate their online presence. Moreover, guiding businesses through the tech maze became a way to channel my passion and knowledge. To this day, I’m still learning about the latest software and hardware advancements, which is keeping me at the forefront of the tech wave.
Spreading the word about these advancements became a mission of mine. I saw firsthand how a genuine passion for technology could inspire others to embrace change. It’s incredible how embracing your strengths and passions can pave the way for you to achieve your dreams in unexpected and fulfilling ways.
Today I’m among the pioneers in web3 marketing and the CEO of a successful marketing company that does innovative marketing and helps businesses succeed in the ever-evolving world of the web.
My journey underscores a simple yet profound truth: dreams are not limited by a single path. The roadblocks we encounter often lead us to alternate routes that, with determination and innovation, can be just as transformative. So, yes, dreams do come true. The key is to recognize that you have the power to forge your own unique path, leveraging your strengths, passions, and the opportunities that lie before you.
What are your plans for the future? What do wish to achieve in the next 5 years?
Looking ahead, my plans are ambitious yet exciting. In the next five years, I aim to lead Zahara Consult in creating a suite of innovative marketing solutions that seamlessly integrate AI-driven insights and automated customer experiences. I envision businesses of all sizes harnessing the power of high tech to build stronger connections with their customers, optimize their operations, and establish themselves as leaders in the Web3 ecosystem.
What are the most important lessons you learned along the way so far?
The journey thus far has taught me invaluable lessons. First, adaptability is key. Technology evolves rapidly, and staying open to change allows us to remain at the forefront of innovation.
Second, collaboration is essential. The synergy of diverse minds and expertise fuels groundbreaking solutions. Finding a mentor is also important. I believe the biggest mistake you can make is to seek an environment where you are the smartest and most successful person.
Lastly, perseverance is crucial. Overcoming challenges, setbacks, and doubts is what truly propels us towards our dreams.
*AI-Generated Photo
What would you say are the three principles or qualities that can help a person make their dreams come true?
Three principles that have been instrumental in my journey are:
- Vision: Clearly define your dream and have a vivid picture of where you want to go. A strong vision provides direction and fuels your passion.
- Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to expanding your knowledge. Embrace new technologies and industry trends, as they can serve as powerful tools for realizing your aspirations.
- Healthy Mind: Make sure to take time for your mental health.
What inspires and motivates you when times are difficult?
In difficult times, it’s the prospect of driving meaningful change that inspires and motivates me. Sometimes I feel like there’s a fire inside me that can’t be stopped, and I simply can’t function if I’m static. I want to make other people happier in my life and help them – I believe that’s my true calling in this world.
What would you say to the people who are still hesitant to chase their dreams?
The world is in constant need of new ideas and innovative thinkers — don’t hesitate, to step forward and shape the future you envision.
