The Bulgarian-Greek goddess is a financial planner and stock broker at Ameriprise Financial and is currently working towards her own practice. What she likes best about her job: building long-term relationships with her clients. “Whether it be a college graduation for my client’s kids or if they retire, I’ll be there.” A little know fact: she also helps run a beauty cosmetics company. Obviously driven, Petya is a definite beauty with brains.
She came to the DMV area from Bulgaria when she was seven and now lives in D.C. Hidden talents? She’s fierce in the kitchen, but she also wishes she could sing (“If I could sing I would sing my ass off”). She grew up on the beach in Bulgaria, so she loves to just be around water. At least four times a year, she travels to a beach destination. On a short weekend getaway, it’s Miami. But when she has more time, “Bulgaria, Greece…they have the best beaches hands down.”
What do you find rewarding about your job?
I think it’s very rewarding when my clients call me and they say, “Hey, you made me some money this month or you have really helped my family get on the right track towards achieving our goals. Thank you!”
Outside of your long work week, what types of things do you like to do?
I like the outdoors. I’m kind of like a nature person. I like to bike ride. I like to work-out. I love boxing. I like dancing. Pretty much anything that’s athletic. And I go out to eat at a different restaurant every single Friday.
What are some of your favorite restaurants?
Oh god, I have so many we could talk about this all day long. [Laughs.] I like Lima. They have really good sea bass. I like Zatinya’s. I go to Zatinya’s, like twice a week, it’s really sad. And I’m not going to lie, The Park has great food. I like the chef over there. She knows what she’s doing.
If there was one outdoorsy activity you could do, maybe something extreme, that you haven’t done yet, what would it be?
I like to ski. That’s not really wild and outrageous, but I’m not trying to die young.
[Laughs.] Yea, that would not be very fun. What about nightlife?
I like to go everywhere. It really doesn’t matter, as long as I’m with my friends…that’s all that matters. We could be in a hole in the wall and we’ll always have fun just because we’re with each other.
How would you describe your style?
A classic, elegant type of style that has an urban twist to it.
Where do you like to shop?
When business is good, I go to Neiman Marcus, Saks and Barney’s. If not, I stay as far away from any store.
What are some of your favorite brands?
I really like Phillip Lim. I like Roberto Rodriguez, Ports 1961, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Chloe. Oh, I like shop at Intermix. How can I forget Intermix? Intermix has a brand called Alex Lane. They have some really cute stuff.