Krasimira Nikolova and Mariana Talyokova – 15 years at Unique Estates

Unique Estates invests a lot in upgrading and developing the skills of the people in its team, and along with attracting ambitious new additions, the company manages to retain long-standing staff members who have been there since its inception. Krasimira Nikolova and Mariana Talyokova are part of this stable core of trained professionals, which over time has established Unique Estates as a leader in the luxury real estate market in our country. We meet them on the occasion of celebrating 15 years since they have been on the company's team.

Krasimira, you have been part of the Unique Estates team for 15 years, being among the most awarded colleagues for your achievements in the company. Tell us more about your experience in the industry, your career growth and the awards you have received over the years.

K.N. : My career path in the field of real estate started at ADIS EOOD - Agency for diplomatic properties in the country, where I worked for several years. In 2007 I joined Unique Estates. At that time, the luxury real estate market in Sofia was not yet developed and the beginning was difficult. This small but ambitious team that we have walked the path with drive and belief in success, is the reason why I love the company so much and feel that I belong right here at Unique Estates. Thanks to the professionalism and incredible energy with which Vesela Ilieva fueled and motivated us over the time, as well as the friendship and cooperation with the colleagues with whom we started, we were able to establish ourselves as the most successful real estate company in the luxury segment and create a unique brand that attracts more and more new people and customers. This is actually my biggest reward.

What made you choose this profession and be a loyal member of the company for 15 years?

K.N. : It was Vesela Ilieva, the managing partner at Unique Estates, who influenced me to remain dedicated to the profession and be loyal to the company. I was really lucky to feel her support, and have her motivating and developing me as a professional for all these 15 years. I am grateful for her trust and friendly attitude. Building trust is a long process. Over the years we have managed to create a cohesive and well-functioning team. For me these are invaluable colleagues and amazing professionals.

What are the qualities that a successful real estate broker should have today and what do you want to teach the new people in your team?

K.N. : I believe that the most important quality for a successful broker is to venture into each day with desire, zest and belief in success, so that he/she manages to handle the daily challenges of our work. The main focus should be on providing the best customer service and I hope I have passed this on to the people in my team. I believe that loyal and satisfied customers are the basis of a successful business.

How do you manage to balance your professional life with your personal life and what are the things that recharge you outside of the work environment?

K.N. : In my free time, I like to meet with relatives and friends. I value those fulfilling moments spent with my family as well as taking time for myself. I like to travel, to discover new places. This recharges me.

What are the plans and goals you set for yourself and your team in the future?

K.N. : I am fortunate to lead a team of proven professionals and valuable individuals, with whom we together set high goals to achieve. It is extremely important for me to work with people I like and respect and this is always in my plans and goals as a manager. Because the success of a team and a company is achieved with successful and dedicated people who are together, looking in the same direction.

Mariana, you have been part of the Unique Estates team for 15 years now, being among the most awarded colleagues for your achievements in the company. Tell us more about your experience in the industry and your career growth over the years.

M.T. : I have been in the real estate business since 2003, and the focus of my work at the beginning was mainly the vacation property segment. In 2007 I joined the Unique Estates team, which at that time consisted of only 5-6 people, and the company was just starting its work on the market. The beginning was difficult for everyone, but with joint efforts we went through all the challenges over the years and managed to establish the company as the leader in the luxury real estate segment in our country.

What made you choose this profession and be a loyal member of the company for 15 years?

M.T. : My first contact with the company was when I met Vesela Ilieva. I remember that she infected me so strongly with her inexhaustible energy for work and innovative vision that I immediately embraced the idea of Unique Estates with great interest and enthusiasm. And so for 15 years we have been working on providing the highest level of service offered in the segment. For me, it's not a job, it's a way of life and a sense of belonging!

What are the qualities that a successful real estate broker should have today and what do you want to teach the new people in the team?

M.T. : Qualities are built over time and are gradually upgraded. It is difficult to convey everything as a single lesson when talking about the introduction of new colleagues into the profession. The company invests a lot in the training of its staff and we are constantly upgrading ourselves as specialists. We do our best to make the new people in the team feel good in our professional family and not make the mistakes we have made over time. I value honest and open relationships at work the most. I think this helps in building trust, both within the team and when communicating with clients.

How do you manage to balance your professional life with your personal life and what are the things that recharge you outside of the work environment?

M.T. : The balance is tough, but with the support I get from my family, I think I'm doing good. The most important thing is to do your time management well, because if you distribute your tasks correctly, everything happens more easily.

In my free time, I really like to travel and do sports. I like walking in nature and I'm glad that Vitosha is so close and we can enjoy the mountain at any time. The moments spent with the family recharge me and I try to be with my children in every free minute.

What are the plans and goals you set for yourself and your team in the future?

M.T. : I think it is extremely important for a person to make plans - short-term, long-term, it doesn't matter, it is important to have a specific goal in front of you and when you reach it, to fix the next one on the horizon. I have achieved many of the things that I have set as goals for me over the years, and in work I always strive for more and bigger deals. This is what I plan to do in the future.