In the latest issue of Banker Special magazine (issue 80), Mila Zhivkova – MILOTKA – invites readers into the world of beauty and youth. In front of the editor-in-chief of the publication – Silvia Dzhagarova and Kaloyan Atanasov – Zhivkova admits that her inspiration is satisfied clients. We publish her conversation without abbreviations.
Ms. Zhivkova, tell us about your career before MILOTKA?
I was a second-year student at the university when I went to my relative's place in Agrima, then a representative of Pepsi Cola International for Bulgaria. The executive director happened to enter the room and asked me if I spoke English and worked with a computer, after which he invited me to be a part-time employee in the marketing department. Over the years, I climbed the ladder from marketing specialist to marketing manager of the company. The international experience there and the contacts I gained made me a sought-after person in the industry. This was followed by work in advertising agencies, and then, after going through a difficult application procedure, I was invited to be marketing director at Happy Bar&Grill and the other brands in the holding. In recent years, I have been involved in PR and organizing events: secular, corporate, international...
How did the idea of turning a family tradition into a modern brand like MILOTKA come about? What exactly inspired you to take the risk of creating your own business?
I was a little girl when I watched my grandmother Milka enjoy her hobby of making face creams and giving them to her friends over coffee and sweet talks. She graduated in cosmetology back in 1963. My mother Rada, who was a chemist, continued the family tradition. After their death, I received numerous calls from their loved ones who asked me: “ Aren’t you going to make the creams? What will we do without them? ”, and with such an abundance of cosmetics on the market. Wonderful, but difficult to implement. Mom and grandmother had the education and qualifications to make them, and I am a manager and marketer by profession… I can promote them rather than create them. And at first I answered them with a smile: “ This is not like mixing a cake…” . I had been thinking about the issue for a long time, but the path from thought to decision is not easy. One day, looking for something in their belongings, I came across the many containers, scales, test tubes, remaining ingredients. And then, with a heart full of compassion, I said to myself: " At least you have to try. It's a sin to throw away all this work, all these years. " Thus was born the idea to create MILOTKA, as my mother called me as a child.
Did you encounter any unexpected challenges in the transition from a "homemade" recipe to professional production? How did you manage to maintain the authenticity of the product?
The task turned out to be not easy. I found technologists and professionals with many years of experience in Bulgarian and international companies who do not stop at challenges. On the one hand, I wanted to preserve the original recipe as much as possible, and on the other hand, to modernize it to meet the needs of women today. We kept the main part of the beneficial ingredients: olive and cocoa oils, honey, beeswax, chamomile floral water and vitamin E. The wax makes the products different, thicker than those offered on the market, which is why they are called face balms. The word balm is a colorful palette of elements: shine, perfume, medicine, magic… positive energy that gives us inspiration and makes us smile. We replaced the rose, from grandma's recipe, with geranium due to the fact that the aroma of rose is not liked by many people, and the beneficial qualities of the two oils are similar. The idea to add lavender was born while reading the history of world-famous perfume brands, whose scent is the combination of geranium and lavender oil. We achieved the yellowish color of the intensive cream by adding sea buckthorn, which is highly regenerating. And voila, as the French say, we got our unique formulas, which make our products equal to the world leaders in cosmetics.
Why did you choose to focus specifically on the luxury segment of the market?
I wanted to create a boutique product that matched my essence, exquisite from its qualities to the elegant outer packaging that opens like a luxurious perfume. I strove to achieve everything in one, natural face and neck balms that regenerate collagen naturally, deeply hydrate, protect and soothe even the most sensitive skin. I myself was tired of using many different creams. I wanted the primary packaging to complement the naturalness and elegance of the products and for this purpose I chose glass jars with wooden oak caps.
The competition from global brands is certainly huge, what is your unique strategy for success?
A boutique facial balm to immortalize your memories, elevate your natural beauty, and enjoy naturally glowing skin. A natural facial cream that naturally regenerates collagen.
I am MILOTKA and I invite you to the world of beauty and youth, brilliance and perfection. Take care of yourself, and I will take care of you and your peace of mind.
The “Perfumes and Cosmetics” award from the prestigious Formes de Luxe 2024 exhibition in Monte Carlo for packaging design is impressive! Tell us about it.
Together with SEVDEX – the company that produced the outer box, we took a rather bold initiative to participate in the packaging competition in the “Perfumes and Cosmetics” category at one of the most prestigious exhibitions, Formes de Luxe 2024 in Monte Carlo. When you give your all and believe in success, you can't help but achieve your goal.
Formes de Luxe awards is a competition held in conjunction with Luxe Pack Monaco and has established itself as the highest institution for innovations in luxury packaging. The traditional 13-member jury included specialists and directors in the Packaging and New Product Development department from giants such as Chanel, LVMH, Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouet, Champagne Telmont, Make Up Forever, Interparfums, Puig… And among the nominees were global brands such as Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, MAC Cosmetics and Maison Margiela. “ We were impressed by this box, which contains a cream jar on a high base, allowing easy access. The choice of color reflects the main ingredient of the formula – sea buckthorn, while the cutout depicts the brand logo ,” shared a representative of the jury.
All the brand messages are conveyed in a sophisticated and innovative way. What are your next steps to expand MILOTKA's business? Do you plan to develop new products or enter international markets?
I plan both. My team and I are developing new formulas to complement our product portfolio. International markets are already a fact. Entering them is not easy, but things are happening, and I can already boast of a distributor for the South of France, I am negotiating with distributors for Italy, Dubai, we are presenting ourselves on globally established online shopping platforms. Our products can also be found in different types of stores in the country, in addition to being ordered online at milotka.com.
Your grandmother Milka and your mother Rada are your inspirations. Which of their life principles is most valuable to you as an entrepreneur?
Courage, honesty, respect and diplomacy.
You work with natural ingredients and sustainable practices. How does this affect your lifestyle? Do you apply the “slow beauty” philosophy outside of your business?
As a person, I have always been oriented towards the natural and the natural, and this further inspired me to create these natural products. They are a part of me and my lifestyle.
How do you balance your role as a manager, company creator, and personal life?
It's hard to find a balance, but my work and personal life complement each other. One motivates me for the other and vice versa. My husband and son are always by my side and support me unconditionally.
What advice would you give to ladies who are afraid to take risks?
To believe in their dreams and follow their goals. When a person has a goal and is consistent, anything is possible.
How would you define “success” – with awards like the one in Monte Carlo or with something more personal, like the reactions of satisfied customers?
The Monte Carlo award is a huge recognition. After it, I received two more awards in Bulgaria: a golden heel for Business Woman of 2024 in the “Cosmetic Brand” category and an award from “Klasatsiya.bg” in the “Aesthetics & Beauty” category. But the satisfied and radiant faces of the clients are my inspiration and motivation for success. They stimulate me to participate and win. Thank you for the trust!
Mila Zhivkova's hobby is traveling, and her favorite destinations for a vacation or a relaxing weekend are Italy, French Polynesia, and the Maldives. She works out every day on equipment at home, or takes long walks in nature. Mila Zhivkova's favorite quote is from Emily Dickinson: “ To make a prairie, you need a bee and a clover. A bee and a clover, and a big dream. Even a dream alone is enough, if there is no bee and clover. ”
