My Story

My story is what has brought me to where I am today, and I couldn't be more grateful.

I discovered my passion for photography at the age of 12.. Everyone around me knew that when I grow up, I want to become a photographer. This was also the time when I had my first encounter with personal branding. Of course, I didn't know at that time that this is what you call it, but in order to shake the "Immigrant child image "off my shoulders, I had to show myself in the most interesting and positive way. Moving from Romania to Portugal at only 9 years old was not easy, but I played all the strengths I had at that time and with some ups and downs, I was able to create a positive environment that defines my childhood as a very happy one.

As I grew older and moved back to Romania, I began to shift my focus away from my passion and towards pursuing a more "serious" career. I started my Bachelor's degree in Politics and Communications. Of course, it ended up in me dropping out, since I noticed I was more excited about the pictures in the Books than the actual content.

I knew it was time to make a change, so I packed my bags and moved to the south of Germany.

So what to do in a foreign country where the only words you know are "Blumen" and "Hallo"?

I remembered my childhood passion for photography and decided to start a 3-year apprenticeship to develop my photography skills and, well, learn german ( I might have exaggerated my skill level on my CV). It took a while, but I was back, following my dreams.

The end.

Just kidding, we're not even close!

I am known for taking Bold decisions. And I know it comes from the strong female role models in my family. My mother and my sisters have always been there for me and always thought me to be strong and follow my dreams.

When I became a mother myself, I knew that this is the exact same message I want to pass not only to my daughters but to all the women who need encouragement and guidance to follow their own dreams.

So I packed my bags again, this time with the support of my wonderful husband, and moved across Germany, with a one-year-old, in the middle of the pandemic.

I knew I could reach more women in Berlin, and I was right.

Fast forward to today, I now am the founder of Malaya Branding, where I support other passionate women entrepreneurs and small business owners to be bold, confident and grow their brands.