In Conversation with Yoana Strateva

Tell us about your background: 

I am a Bulgarian attorney, who has studied and lived in four different countries over the years, and moved to the United States in 2019. I am fluent in French and also speak Italian.

After Bulgaria, France is my second home and I try, among other things, to stay connected with the French community here in the U.S.

In the legal world, I specialise in Intellectual property and have a special interest in the fashion industry. It all started when I was writing my dissertation at Queen Mary University of London on the Legal protection of the fashion industry in the U.S. and although my professional path and fashion did not exactly cross once I graduated when I came to the U.S. that desire to join the fashion industry came back, and I have been more determined than ever.

In 2020, I attended the Fashion Law Bootcamp which has been an extremely valuable experience and since then I haven't stopped exploring opportunities where fashion meets the law.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

Knowing how to be patient and the importance of networking.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Do something different every day.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Empathy, kindness, expertise.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

Move to the U.S. The law is country specific and moving from one country to another is a real challenge for legal professionals and whatever challenges I might have had in my career, moving out of Europe was the biggest one.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Little black dress.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoanastrateva/

Instagram: @yo_strateva