1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born on 31.08.1939, announcing the beginning of a WWII with Germany's attack on Poland. For this reason, my parents thought of naming me "Voina" (meaning “war” in Bulgarian), but in the end decided to name me Ivanka in memory of my late maternal grandmother in to keep the tradition. They affectionately called me Vaneto. My friends know me as Vanya. I grew up in poverty and hunger because of the war, my family ate chestnuts and there was no bread. At that time, we lived in Skopje (now Northern Macedonia) because my father was an artist at the Skopje Theater. My parents fainted from hunger so that there would be something small for me and my sister to eat. This period still affects me to this day in the form of a perpetual stocking up on bread at home. Eating a lot of bread does affect my physique, but I don't worry about that much. I grew up as a sickly child born in the seventh month, but despite this, I was an excellent student and multi-talented - singing, dancing and drawing my way through school. After high school, I graduated obstetrics and worked in a village birthing center, helping women give birth and taking care of newborn babies. After 13 years of medical work, I also graduated from law school and then worked in various enterprises and institutes. Today, I am retired and I love to travel around the world and most of all, spend quality time with my daughter and granddaughter.
2. Can you share a pivotal moment in your life where you defied traditional societal norms and challenged the status quo? What are the values and beliefs you were representing at this moment?
My friends have always looked at me as a rebel, because I have always stood up against injustice, and especially attacks and persecutions of the vulnerable and people who were considered “different” in any way (something very commonplace during communist times in Bulgaria). During this time, there was terror, persecution, prisons and death camps, and restrictions on personal freedom. The general rule was: whoever does not think like a communist is an automatic enemy. This weighed on me heavily. I always expressed my personal opinions and even told political jokes – something that could get you killed during communism. One day, when I used to work as a legal consultant at a company, I went to the bar downstairs from work to have a coffee. The bartender knew me well and called me out by my name. While I was waiting to be served, a young man approached me and whispered in my ear: “So you are the Comrade Vilarova, who tells political jokes.” I froze. I already knew that I was being followed. And for such an accusation, the authorities regularly sent people to the death camps. For a whole month, I didn’t sleep out of fear, waiting and waiting to get arrested. At some point, however, I realized that the young man who was supposed to watch me and report me, actually had warned me. Until now, I think of him often and I’m grateful that he saved my life that day. Shortly after, my friend was murdered in her home for opposing the authorities. My courage left me and my instinct for self-preservation prevailed. But my rebellious nature has never left me and I still like to defend people who have been treated unfairly by society.
3. You look fantastic at your age. How do you maintain your skincare routine, especially during your travels, and what are your go-to products?
God has gifted me with great skin elasticity and health. When I was young, I didn't take care of my skin at all and I didn't have any problems. I laid out in the hot sun for 5-6 hours on the beach. We made fun of foreign friends who covered themselves in oil like pancakes. Everything was fine until my daughter and granddaughter started insisting I use sunscreen. At first, I didn't accept their advice but when I noticed my aging skin and the sunspots on it, I let go of my stubbornness and started adopting a different attitude towards my skin. I started using the products my granddaughter gave me. I liked them, but I just couldn't accept the fact that I had to spend time on this, too. But once the dermatologist found a precancerous condition on my skin, I started to take my skincare routine much more seriously. Without being too modest, I must admit that my years are not showing. Everyone tells me that I am getting younger every year.
4. Can you share which Clean Rebel product is your favorite?
I love all Clean Rebel products, but my favorites are the Essence Exfoliating Paste and the Essence Cleanser. I would advise anyone who values themselves and their body to take good care of themselves. It’s not just about having clean, radiant and healthy skin, but also about protecting yourself against harmful environmental effects like air pollution.
5. What advice would you give to others aspiring to make a real difference in their industry? And why do you believe that each one of us should express ourselves as the individuals that we are?
My advice is simple but powerful: never stop being true to yourself and to your convictions. In my life, I learned that even if the world around you is trying to silence you, your voice and your principles are what will carry you through. Being different is not a curse - it is a blessing. It is what gives life color and meaning.
In whatever industry you are in, bring your own perspective, and your own sense of justice. Don’t be afraid to speak up against what is wrong, to stand for what is fair, and to challenge the status quo. You will not always be popular or safe, but you will always be at peace with yourself. I think that’s the most important thing.
Each one of us has a role to play, a unique contribution to make. So let that voice inside of you speak loud and clear. That’s how we create change. And that’s how we inspire others to do the same.
