An experienced anesthesiologist and an entrepreneur in the wellbeing field alongside her husband, Wahyu Diarto (Yudi), with whom she founded Blue Phoenix in 2020, Daniela Godoroj–Diarto is a true model of ambition, tenacity, and courage. We invite you to discover the story of Blue Phoenix and the authentic flavors of Indonesia, reflected both in specialty coffee and in plant-based powders, appreciated for their health benefits.

Opening & introduction

C&B: If you had to describe yourself briefly, in a single sentence that sparks curiosity, what would you say about yourself?
Daniela: I am an ambitious and persevering person who never gives up on her goals, no matter how many obstacles arise along the way.

C&B: If we asked your colleagues or collaborators how they would describe you, what do you think they would say about you?
Daniela: I believe they would say that I am a perfectionist and that I stubbornly stick to the path I have chosen, even when it becomes difficult.

Journey & beginnings

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have changed up to today?
Daniela: At the beginning, I was much more timid. Over time, I gained self-confidence and learned not to be influenced by what others say. I no longer consume myself with outside opinions—I know who I am and what my direction is. I follow my path guided by what I feel in my soul is right, answering only to myself and to God for my choices.

C&B: Looking back, what were the turning points that shaped your professional path or your business?
Daniela: Six years ago, my life changed completely—both personally and professionally. I got married and, together with my husband, founded Blue Phoenix, a wellbeing business based on the healing power of nature. He is from Indonesia, and his experience with the plants there was essential. That’s how we created together a concept that brings Indonesian tradition closer to Romania and is based on the idea of returning to nature and to the healing power of plants.

It has been and still is difficult to promote this concept in Romania, because Romanians are not very well informed about these aspects. Promoting these principles is not easy—people need time to understand this holistic approach and to shift toward a new mindset, oriented toward nature and balance.

Challenges & decisions

C&B: What has been the biggest challenge so far and how did you manage to overcome it?
Daniela: The greatest challenge, but also the greatest blessing, was the birth of our daughter, Tribuana, at the end of last year—after six years of trying. It is an emotional journey, especially when you are also an entrepreneur. You don’t have the luxury of taking a break, but the joy fully compensates for it.

C&B: What decision changed the direction of your career or business the most?
Daniela: The most important decision for Blue Phoenix was to niche down. At first, we imported a wide range of products from Indonesia—teas, spices, sauces—but we quickly realized that the market needs clarity. So we focused only on coffee and plant powders from which we produce natural supplements here, which you can find in Dr. Max and Farmacia Tei pharmacies and on our website, www.blue-phoenix.ro.
The products follow traditional Indonesian recipes, based exclusively on pure plant extracts. The entire process—from formula to encapsulation and packaging—is carried out entirely by us in Romania.
On the coffee side, we focused on quality and originality: from the famous Wild Kopi Luwak, with a fine aroma and low acidity, to specialty coffees such as Gayo or Java Blue Mountain, each with its own story and unique flavor.

Wild Kopi Luwak is undoubtedly the boldest and rarest variety in our collection. Derived from coffee beans “naturally selected” by the Indonesian palm civet and then carefully cleaned and roasted, this coffee reveals its nobility through a velvety taste, with chocolate notes and delicate acidity. It is a unique experience—a coffee that is not only tasted, but felt: gentle on the digestive system, yet intense through the energy and sense of wellbeing it provides.

Equally fascinating is Gayo Arabica, one of the most appreciated coffees in the world, grown in the highlands of Sumatra, in the Central Aceh region. With a fine texture, a light nutty aroma, and a balanced, intense but never bitter taste, this coffee captivates lovers of refinement worldwide. Likewise, the Gayo Wine and Gayo Honey varieties tell different stories: the first offers an intense, fruity aroma with sweet notes and subtle wine-like accents; the second is a gentle blend of honey and wine, with low acidity and a memorable taste.

From the heart of the volcanoes of Java, Java Blue Mountain brings another story—a coffee with the soul of a legend, grown at over 1,600 meters altitude, where volcanic soil and clean air give rise to a deep and refined aroma. Its origins are linked to Jamaica, from where it was brought at the beginning of the last century, and today it preserves the same noble spirit.

And the newest addition to the portfolio, the rare coffee from Mount Argopuro in East Java, grown at 1,800 meters, is a true revelation. Processed through a complex method—a combination of carbonic maceration and natural processing—it impresses with notes of cherries and caramel and an intense, round, and elegant aftertaste.

C&B: Has your leadership and decision-making style formed naturally, or have you built it over time through experience?
Daniela: My leadership style has been built gradually, through lived experiences and lessons learned along the way. We are guided by the same simple but essential principles: honesty, authenticity, and discipline. We believe in the freedom of creativity, but also in the power of balance. Both my husband and I try to apply these values in everything we do—in our own personal and professional growth, as well as in the way we inspire and guide the Blue Phoenix team.

Present & differentiators

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most joy?
Daniela: My day starts early, at 5 a.m., when I feed our little one. Then it becomes a marathon until 11 p.m., balancing the roles of mother, anesthesiologist, and entrepreneur. My husband helps a lot with Tribuana and handles production and distribution entirely within the company, while I focus on marketing and relations with authorities. It’s a full but fulfilling day, especially when we manage to enjoy the small moments spent together.

C&B: What do you think makes you different from other professionals or other businesses in your field?
Daniela: The dietary supplements market is extremely competitive, and the challenges are numerous. What differentiates us is authenticity. Our products are based on original recipes inspired by the ancestral wisdom of traditional Indonesian medicine, made 100% from pure plant extracts, with real health effects.
In addition, Blue Phoenix supplements are carefully standardized—1 g per capsule, 60 capsules per bottle—a rare concentration that allows for a single daily intake. Through this rigor and clarity, we have managed to preserve the essence of our promise: authenticity, purity, and a genuine return to nature.

C&B: Was there a dream or desire that always kept you motivated, regardless of obstacles?
Daniela: Yes—the desire to contribute to a change in how Romanians perceive the concept of wellbeing. It is a long and difficult process, but we strongly believe it is worth it. We want to encourage a culture of balance, self-care, and respect for nature. “Back to natural” is not just a motto for us, but a philosophy of life.

C&B: What values or principles guide you day by day, and how do you keep them alive in what you do?
Daniela: We are hardworking and ambitious people, but at the same time grateful for every day and for the gift we receive from God by being together and being healthy.
We enjoy simple things—a sunrise, nature, time spent together. We believe in positive thinking, in balance, and in the idea that everything we do has meaning when it is done with love and respect for people and for life.

C&B: If you could share one single thought with those who see you as a role model, what would it be?
Daniela: Never give up on your dreams, regardless of obstacles or failures. I have always learned—and I have told my older children as well—that every failure is actually a step forward. Beautiful paths are not easy, but they are the ones that truly fulfill you.

Daniela Godoroj–Diarto’s story is about the courage to follow your path, even when it feels difficult, and the strength to build something authentic and meaningful. Balancing medicine, entrepreneurship, and family life, she manages to create a rare sense of harmony, guided by simple yet profound values.

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Andrei Niculae is one of the most recognizable DJs and vibe creators in Romania, known for his authentic energy and for the way he transforms music into a memorable collective experience. His voice and musical selections are part of the Radio Nostalgia universe, where he brings back to life hits that have defined generations.

C&B: How did your passion for radio begin and what memories do you have from the first moments you entered a studio?

Andrei Niculae: My passion for radio started at the age of 7, when I watched “Good Morning, Vietnam”, a film in which Robin Williams plays a radio DJ during the Vietnam War, and it made me say that this is what I want to do when I grow up. Years passed and I kept dreaming, but also taking small steps. I first wrote for a newspaper, and later I managed to audition for a radio station.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far and how did you overcome it?

Andrei Niculae: I think the most difficult moment was when, after 9 years in radio, I had to leave my home and build a radio station from scratch together with Monica Munteanu and Costin Gache. I never even dreamed that I would have my own radio station alongside my colleagues.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Andrei Niculae: I was lucky to learn from the best and to have the courage to try new things, even if sometimes they didn’t work out. Curiosity and the question “what if?” have always guided me. I think it’s essential to try things, otherwise you’ll never know whether they work or not.

C&B: How would you describe your professional journey from your first contact with radio to becoming a host appreciated by thousands of listeners?

Andrei Niculae: A roller coaster that I got on together with my audience and never wanted to get off. Some of the people who listen to me have become part of my life. I live a beautiful dream every day and I always wake up with a smile on my face. There has also been a lot of work and a constant desire to improve myself. I am still working on myself and I won’t stop.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Andrei Niculae: I think they would say I’m crazy, passionate, and that I probably have ADHD. At least that’s what I think. I’ve always tried to surround myself with great people.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?

Andrei Niculae: The fact that I almost suddenly laid the foundation of Nostalgia Radio in Romania. Things were going well where I had grown, but this kind of opportunity comes once in a lifetime in my opinion, and it shouldn’t be missed.

C&B: What do you feel when listeners recognize your voice or write to you about your shows?

Andrei Niculae: Many times I don’t know how to react to compliments because in my mind I’m still the same boy from the Militari neighborhood who dreamed of being on the radio. But I have to admit that when someone compliments me, my heart fills with joy, it’s hard to describe. I believe my job is to somehow make the day better for the people who choose to listen to me, and when someone tells me that, it’s the greatest reward for me.

C&B: You said you wanted to try acting, television or even becoming a magician. How do you see expanding your career beyond radio?

Andrei Niculae: I tried many things out of curiosity when I was younger. But I have some extensions that, combined, present me more as an entertainer. I play music, host events, I have various online campaigns with brands I once only dreamed of, and I am a radio person. Someone once told me that I am, in fact, an entertainer in this life.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now and what moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Andrei Niculae: Now I spend more time than ever at the radio because we are at the beginning and we have big plans, but I also try to attend various events, document almost everything I do online, and on weekends I play music. I love the chaos in my life and it would be very hard without it.

C&B: What did it mean for you to test the limits of your relationship in the context of an intense competition like Power Couple?

Andrei Niculae: Power Couple was an extraordinary experience for us that brought us even closer together, and for that I thank Emilia Vlad and Alex Fotea for choosing us. Besides testing our limits, I was happy to see my girlfriend Claudia blossom in every way. I am more in love with her than ever, and that is also thanks to Power Couple.

C&B: What was the most difficult challenge you experienced during the show and how did it challenge you personally?

Andrei Niculae: Probably the first challenge, riding a bicycle upside down, is something I never thought I would do in this lifetime. On a personal level, I would have liked to win more challenges, because it’s clear I would have gone home a long time ago if I didn’t have Claudia by my side, who was very good at everything.

C&B: What advice would you give to young people who aspire to build a career in media and entertainment?

Andrei Niculae: It’s always a joy to meet young people and I take every opportunity to tell them to dream, to try even if it seems impossible, and not to give up even if sometimes everything may seem boring. They should always try to do a little more than what’s written in the job description and not waste time. I hope that one day they will enjoy an interview like this one, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Andrei Niculae’s story is about the courage to try, passion, and the constant drive to grow. From the child who dreamed of working in radio to the voice that now brings nostalgia and joy to thousands of listeners, his journey proves that when you follow your dream, the results will eventually follow.

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Cherry Fadi is a graduate of the Faculty of Dentistry at UMF Carol Davila and a resident dentist specializing in dento-alveolar surgery, as well as the founder of Smile City, a passion project that blends his medical expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit.

C&B: If you had to describe yourself briefly, in a single sentence that sparks curiosity, what would you say about yourself?

Cherry: I am a resident dental surgeon who chose to build not just a clinic, but a place where modern medicine and professionalism meet empathy and responsibility toward patients—namely, Smile City.

C&B: If we asked your colleagues or collaborators how they would describe you, what do you think they would say?

Cherry: They would probably say that I am perseverant, detail-oriented, and solution-focused, but above all, a person who constantly learns and strives to create a professional environment based on respect and continuous growth. I try to live by these principles and instill them in my colleagues at the clinic so that we can deliver medical services at the highest standards for our patients.

Journey & Beginnings

C&B: How were you at the start of your career, and how do you feel you have changed until today?

Cherry: At the beginning, I was almost exclusively focused on the medical side and the desire to become the best clinician I could be. Today, alongside my role as a doctor, I have learned to also view things from a managerial perspective: organization, leadership, financial responsibility, and team coordination. Experience has taught me that medical expertise and the development of entrepreneurial skills must evolve together to provide the best environment for medical practice.

C&B: Looking back, what were the turning points that shaped your professional journey or business?

Cherry: The most important moment was deciding to open my own clinic immediately after finishing university. It was a bold step, full of unknowns, but it forced me to grow quickly—both professionally and personally. The first months were defining, as every challenge became a practical lesson in management and adaptation. I can say I learned the lesson of resilience firsthand, no anesthesia included, to keep the medical connotation … Basically, like any entrepreneur starting out with ambitious goals but without concrete managerial experience, I faced difficulties and learned to handle them on the go. Yet these lessons were more valuable than any business course!

Challenges & Decisions

C&B: What has been the toughest challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?

Cherry: The biggest challenge was the lack of experience in running a clinic. You learn medicine at university, but entrepreneurship is learned in real life. I overcame this phase through extensive research, support from the right people, and, above all, perseverance. I understood that progress comes from consistency, not perfection.

C&B: What was the decision that most changed the direction of your career or business?

Cherry: The decision to invest from the very beginning in modern technology and a setting that allows patients to have a premium experience. I chose to establish high standards even though it required greater effort at the start. These decisions, however, were decisive in the clinic’s development and in the accelerated growth we enjoy today, even though we are a young business.

C&B: Has your style of leadership and decision-making formed naturally, or did you build it over time through experience?

Cherry: It has definitely developed over time. At first, I made decisions instinctively; today, I analyze the context, the people involved, and the long-term impact. Daily experience, mistakes, and successes have shaped a balanced leadership style based on communication and responsibility.

Present & Differentiators

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest joy?

Cherry: The day starts early, with many consultations and procedures, followed by coordinating the clinic’s activities and discussing with the team to optimize processes. The most satisfying moments are when I see real change in patients’ lives—when they leave smiling and with renewed confidence!

C&B: What do you think sets you apart from other professionals or businesses in your field?

Cherry: I believe the difference comes from a balanced approach between medical care and human connection. For me, each patient is treated individually, and the goal is not just the correct treatment, but a safe, transparent, and comfortable medical experience.

Values & Inspiration

C&B: Has there been a dream or desire that has kept you motivated, regardless of obstacles?

Cherry: Of course! The desire to build something of my own, something lasting, that provides patients with confidence and high-standard treatments. This goal motivated me even during challenging moments.

C&B: What values or principles guide you daily, and how do you keep them alive in your work?

Cherry: Professionalism, honesty, ethics, and respect for patients are fundamental to me. I try to keep them alive through every medical and managerial decision, as well as through the personal example I set for my team.

C&B: If you could share a single piece of advice with those who see you as a role model, what would it be?

Cherry: Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start. Growth happens when you have the courage to take the first step and the patience to continue, even when things are not easy.

Cherry’s journey shows that passion, perseverance, and the constant desire to grow can turn a dream into a successful business, while always valuing human connection and professionalism.

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C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, so as to spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?
Florin Cioc: The ambition and energy that dance has given me for so many years!

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Florin Cioc: The power of movement through dance to keep moving forward!

C&B: What were the first challenges when you started the project The 1 Dance by Cioc?
Florin Cioc: To be able to move forward with what I created, and only I created!

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Florin Cioc: No, the dream that became reality and the ambition to show what dance really means.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed up to now?
Florin Cioc: At first, I was self-taught and eager to learn…that transformed me, and I still have a lot to learn!

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Florin Cioc: Honestly, I don’t know what they would say about me… I would really like to meet them.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Florin Cioc: To follow this path and create this project.

C&B: How would you describe the philosophy of The 1 Dance by Cioc to those who don’t know you yet?
Florin Cioc: They just need to want to learn and come to us.

C&B: What has been the most memorable moment or performance that has marked you so far?
Florin Cioc: Saying “present” when you’ve already signed a small 3-day contract, even when you’ve broken your ankle and still dancing four dances with it broken.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Florin Cioc: A typical day is when I manage to relax more… And a moment of satisfaction is when I finish a choreography exactly as I envision it!

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them day by day?
Florin Cioc: There is always a small solution somewhere, even when it’s tough! Look for a solution, especially in this field!

C&B: How did the idea of founding The 1 Dance by Cioc come about, and what inspired you to dedicate yourself to dance?
Florin Cioc: For about 2 years I wondered if it was the right thing! And through dance, I liked that no day is the same and I don’t have a boss! Every day is different!

C&B: Where do you see The 1 Dance by Cioc in five years?
Florin Cioc: At a fairly high or good level to keep moving forward!

Florin Cioc and The 1 Dance by Cioc show us that passion, ambition, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, and that dance is more than movement – it is an art that inspires and transforms lives.

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Stoica Dragoș followed, as his main career path, engineering. A graduate of Automation and Computers at UPB, class of 2008, he worked for 5 years as a SCADA/DCS systems engineer in major companies such as Honeywell – in process automation for oil refineries – and later at Carrier, in refrigeration and HVAC systems. Then, in 2014, he made the switch to IT, as a DevOps – Cloud Engineer – more plainly put, an automation engineer in software.
His second job, that of photographer, took shape – on the side – from a passion born in childhood, which over time turned into his second occupation.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, in such a way as to spark the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?
Stoica Dragoș: A very curious being, eager to understand the universe beyond this planet. The frustration generated by the current impossibility of doing so led me to turn my attention and focus toward the nature of this planet. From there came the drive and love for the art of photography.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Stoica Dragoș: Referring, of course, to the photo/video services company Creative Wizards, without a doubt a key moment was meeting my current friend and partner, Rusu Dumitru Costinel. There are 7 years between us in age; when we first met, he was in the latter part of high school. But as nothing happens without reason, the universe brought our paths together in life so that we could become very good friends and partners in this field, where we work with passion and dedication.

C&B: What were the main challenges at the beginning of the road in such a creative and competitive field?
Stoica Dragoș: When we were developing between 2010-2015, there was certainly no abundance of information and channels like we have today. They were just starting out as well. For those born after 2000-2010, it sometimes seems hard to imagine life without the internet or Google, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.
Socializing, making yourself known, this obsessive “networking” we now use frenetically, was done more slowly, with visits and direct, live, face-to-face interactions.
As in almost any field, progress is slow but steady if you don’t give up. Acquiring better tools, gaining experience, and building skills takes years.
What is bothersome and still lacking in our market today, more so than in other countries, is the clientele’s desire for quality and the understanding of the cost of professionalism. In more trivial, vulgar terms, Romanians want it cheap and good. That’s impossible! That’s not right! If you want a Porsche, you pay the corresponding price, you don’t negotiate for Logan prices. The lack of education and common sense among the people is reflected in everything.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Stoica Dragoș: The classic “life is too short to do or be anything other than what you love.” And if you wisely choose to do what you love, then clearly you have all the motivation and aspiration to do it very well, to perform any activity at the highest level of performance and quality.

C&B: What did you look like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed up to the present?
Stoica Dragoș: Definitely like anyone starting out: more immature, less experienced, more timid, not very learned, more gullible, more scattered… these things and traits are part of the beautiful and rightful process of maturing. Let’s not wrongly consider that maturing means stopping being children, stopping playing, stopping enjoying life, or being funny and mischievous in moderation for relaxation. Rather, it means becoming responsible, experienced, and accepting the reality that anything can happen anytime, both good and bad. Having expectations or placing trust without substance helps nothing. Be skeptical, reserved, cautious, weigh things carefully and choose wisely. But with courage and accountability. Without risks, there is no life. Once you choose, keep going no matter what. Whatever the consequences or outcomes, be happy with the path you have taken, learn from both failures and successes, and keep moving forward.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Stoica Dragoș: Only they know, but I hope they would speak honestly, whatever they might say. Overall, I wish they would be glad to know me and to have interacted with me, as we all are, with strengths and weaknesses. And that, even in the smallest measure, I have brought them something positive in their lives and in who they are today as conscious beings in this beautiful and mysterious universe.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Stoica Dragoș: Not to remain stuck in my first jobs – they required a lot of travel, and I wouldn’t have had time to achieve everything I have in the past 10 years. When something is not fully to your liking or requires too many sacrifices, CHANGE IT!

C&B: What are Creative Wizards’ long-term development plans?
Stoica Dragoș: We very much want to train, develop, support, and promote young talents, as I mentioned earlier, those born after 2000-2005 who resonate with the visual arts. And, of course, we want to succeed in having as diverse a clientele as possible, both locally and especially internationally.

C&B: What sets Creative Wizards apart from other photo studios on the market?
Stoica Dragoș: A classic question, but I don’t think it’s easy to give a fair, honest answer. Some may come across as arrogant or too banal no matter what they say. Let’s bite a little into the harsh reality as it is.
No one can work solely out of passion and pure pleasure 100%. In today’s society, you must earn the currency of exchange so that you can have the necessities and enjoy life’s pleasures: travel, material things, raising a family, etc.
Work, especially quality work, must be rewarded accordingly.
From one perspective, which I’ll detail immediately, we can divide those working in this field into two categories:

• those who ended up providing such professional services starting from a passion for this art;
• those who started out only with the thought of making money.

That’s why, worldwide, passionate people are always set apart from those merely eager for profit by their level of dedication and desire for quality.
Many people learn how to swim. How many reach the performance level of David Popovici? Do you think it’s only about an innate magical talent, or is it also about a lot of work? You have to love it. You have to feel fulfilled doing that activity. You cannot have the ultimate motivation that leads to the best results without loving those moments spent doing it.
We are by no means the only passionate or serious ones. We are honest and transparent about what we can and know how to do and what we cannot. There are others at least as good. We just want to become better and better.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Stoica Dragoș: The fact that you wake up again in the morning should already bring you great joy and fulfillment that you’ve lived another day. If you’re healthy, that’s wonderful. If your loved ones are also well, then you are completely happy. If the conditions mentioned earlier are fulfilled, then anything else can be worked for and pursued day by day.
A typical day – Monday to Friday, I work my IT job. I do sports as often as possible, not daily, but it’s very important not to take more than 2 consecutive days off. Photography activities take up a good part of the rest of my free time, combined as much as possible with traveling.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Stoica Dragoș: To always take responsibility, with anyone, in anything you do. Be at peace with who and how you are. Accept yourself, love yourself – if you’d like others to do the same. They can’t, until you do it yourself. Whatever you choose to do, do it well, not halfway. Don’t start something if you don’t intend to finish it. BUT – don’t persist if it isn’t healthy for you. We will always make mistakes or less inspired choices. Learn and move on. Don’t continue down a toxic path. We never stop learning. If I had the luck to live 100,000 years, every single day I would still learn something new and refine myself a little more.

C&B: How did the idea of Creative Wizards come about, and what made you start this photography company?
Stoica Dragoș: “Photography studio” is not quite accurate. It sounds as if we have a room where we do… photographic stuff. Yes, we are a firm/company because we need to operate within a legal framework, regulated by the – good and bad – laws of this state, far from being very well organized, but that’s the situation. We are a team of passionate and serious guys who provide their photographic services and activities, 99% outside of a “studio.” We most enjoy being on the move – in the mountains, at the seaside, in the plains, on construction sites, out in the fields.
It was therefore obvious we needed a company within a legislative framework – so we chose this funny name, we hope, that represents us: some creative wizards.

C&B: What advice would you give to young photographers or entrepreneurs who want to build a successful studio?
Stoica Dragoș: I think it’s nicer to call it a successful business or activity. I can certainly share from my hard-earned experience that there are a few vital and important aspects: Learn how to learn. Strive to achieve excellent results, but don’t accept to deliver them for free or for a pittance. Make yourself known. In today’s society, we cannot rise without connections.

Stoica Dragoș’s journey is about the courage to follow one’s passion, about finding balance between a technical career and photographic art, and above all, about building something authentic with people who share the same values.

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Peejay Vincent, percussionist artist and music producer, is the most authentic artist in Romania in the entertainment field (private events, clubbing, and corporate).

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence that would spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?
Peejay Vincent: I’m a complex and simple person, in the sense that I have a simplicity in the way I see things that even surprises me.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Peejay Vincent: The key moments were when I worked as a support engineer at Microsoft for major companies, and at the same time, I was a percussionist in a club in Bucharest on weekends. I realized that music and the joy of making people feel good while performing made me feel even better.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Peejay Vincent: The most difficult and, at the same time, easiest moment was when I left my job as a support engineer at Microsoft to pursue music. After leaving Microsoft, I went through a year and a half during which my family’s income collapsed. Luckily, my wife supported my decision and took care of us financially and emotionally. After that period—which I saw as a time of testing and which I passed successfully—things started working again.

C&B: Has there been a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Peejay Vincent: Yes, my dream has always been to be a free man in what I do, and the ambition that has guided and still guides me is that nothing is impossible.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed over time?
Peejay Vincent: Like any beginning in any field—you have to persist, to learn, to observe, and to collect what is good for you, because people are not the same even if they do the same thing in the same field. I was lucky to have connections through friends with good people who helped me rise and become who I am today.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Peejay Vincent: That I’m a soulful person and, above all, a hardworking professional.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Peejay Vincent: I accepted the challenge to play club music at weddings and christenings—something that changed the way weddings are done today. A combination of traditional music for the older guests and club music for the younger ones, so everyone is happy at the wedding. I’m glad that I’m among the first, or probably even the first, who opened the door for this kind of wedding.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or the way you make decisions? Was it a natural or learned process?
Peejay Vincent: Building a career, no matter the field, takes time, a lot of work, sacrifices, and determination. For me, it was also a very natural process—I’ve learned a lot.

C&B: What do you think sets your business or your professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Peejay Vincent: With me, a promise made to a client is always kept. I’ve never promised anything I couldn’t do or deliver. I care a lot about professionalism and mutual respect. Moreover, the way I deliver my service is completely different. That’s why, after each performance, I’m 100% sure that at least two new clients will follow.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and what moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Peejay Vincent: A typical day starts with waking up around 9 a.m., 11 or 12 sometimes, depending on what I had going on the day before. I sometimes work from home, mow the lawn if needed, cook when my wife is very busy with work. Usually, I cook at home. Later in the afternoon or evening, I go to the studio to produce music with other artists from the city. I also post on social media from time to time.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them day by day?
Peejay Vincent: My values and principles are: you are unique, be professional, always be respectful to those you work with and who respect you, and last but not least, be smart.

C&B: How did the idea of starting this business come to you, and how did you choose its name?
Peejay Vincent: My stage name, Peejay Vincent, simply came from the fact that I worked a lot with DJs (Deejays), and I thought Percussion Jocker would go well, similar to DJ – Disk Jocker. The idea to start this business came from the lack of this kind of percussion show in Romanian clubs. I am the first percussionist artist who started this kind of show in Romania, a few years ago.

C&B: If you were to send a message to the people who follow your example, what would it be?
Peejay Vincent: If you truly want it—if you feel that this is what you want to do in life—you’ll need a lot of work and seriousness. Don’t do it just because you see all kinds of videos on social media; otherwise, the end result will be a burden and a waste of time.

Peejay Vincent’s story reminds us that true calling always finds its way. The courage to follow your passion can transform a life—and a career.

The post From Microsoft to Live Percussion: The Story of Peejay Vincent, Pioneer of Music Shows in Romania appeared first on careers-business.com.