Check Out Eva Staronova’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Staronova.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My name is Eva Staronova, and I am a Slovak American. I’m a marketing executive specializing in product marketing and international business. Aside from my ‘baby,’ the +421 Fondation, Inc., a non-profit cultural organization headquartered in New York City, I’ve formed and run Royal Sense USA, a natural-product industry company based in Los Angeles. We develop products from food-grade organic Bulgarian Rose Water. I served as Head of Cultural and Economic Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Slovakia in New York and the Embassy of Slovakia in Syria and Lebanon. Before my international affairs experience, I was a marketing director in the luxury segment for Grimoldi Milano/USA. I’m a partner at Global Impact Inc. and an active board member for several organizations, including the International Women’s Club of Bratislava. Most importantly, I’m a mom of two young children, finding it the most challenging job. My daily ohm is to be like water, organically flowing through the cracks, adapting to the various shapes, with gratitude in my heart. Gratitude is a magnet for miracles. Thank you.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but the journey has been fairly smooth.
Overall, it’s been a smooth ride, but I believe it’s because I choose to see it that way. I am seeing the glass half-full as opposed to half-empty. We create our reality, right? There was a time in my life (late teenage-early twenties) when I felt overwhelmed by the myriad of choices that life presented. I’ve always been a generalist, dabbing my fingers in many realms (music, performing arts – ballet and aerial silks, math and physics, slalom skiing/racing), and I also was a fashion model. I had to decide which area of my many pursuits to focus on. This was a challenge for me! Also, I’ve developed bulimia due to the immense pressure I would put on myself to excel in many diverse areas at the same time. I was getting an MBA while trying to master the other realms simultaneously. That’s when one of my dear friends, a fellow model and an energy healer (Suzanne Dokes), spoke to me about inner peace and flowing water. Connecting to my higher self became a priority.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give back something by becoming more. I aspire to live by this belief. And I’d like to share more about my ‘baby’ – the Plus421 Foundation. After completing my studies and getting my MBA, I was inspired to give back to the communities that helped to support and shape me throughout my life. This prompted me to establish the Plus421 Fondation, Inc., with offices in Manhattan, NY, and Bratislava, Slovakia.

My initial vision for the organization’s mission centered on combining philanthropy and culture. I aspired to connect cultures by enhancing relationships between the American and Slovak people. The goal was to showcase the cultural richness of Slovakia through the works of Slovak artists and share them within the art, design, and cultural communities of the US. The continued goal is to create opportunities for mutually beneficial interaction among Slovak and American interests in the cultural sphere and beyond. One of our most successful projects is our annual Slovak Fashion Night, which takes place during New York City’s Fashion Week. We also collaborate with the Slovakia-and Vienna Fashion Week. Thanks to our eclectic and diversified event roster, we can proudly support many young artists, fashion designers, visual artists, singers and musicians, writers, dancers, and performers. This specific event, amongst others, has solidified the Plus421 Foundation’s core commitment to developing and connecting Slovak and American Culture.

Once my initial vision of creating opportunities for artistic and cultural development materialized, we began to establish, align, and layer in our philanthropic goals. Through our cultural events, we generate funds and raise awareness for needy people. I am thrilled to share that we have been able to help support the YAI New York and its network for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Maventy Health International and the child malnutrition program, Nezabudka (Forget-me-not) Center for people with special needs, autism, and cerebral palsy centers, as well as ‘Clovek v Ohrozeni’ and the Ukrainian refuge relief efforts, to name a few.

I’m grateful for the privilege of this life and want to continue transcending barriers and uniting cultures. May everything work out for my highest good and the good of everyone concerned.

Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
School is a great networking tool, especially the post-graduate program, and charitable work, joining a non-profit organization… I eagerly welcome any new potential members to join our Plus421 Foundation family :)!

Pricing:

• For instance, to join our non-profit – the membership fees are voluntary, tax-deductible donations. The membership donations start at $100 annually.
• Some members donate directly to the charitable cause we support or a cultural/educational project.
• International Women’s Club annual memberships range from $50-150 annually, depending on the city’s location.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Plus421.org
• Instagram: Plus421foundation
• Facebook: +421 Foundation

Image Credits
Martina Milo @milosworldpro.com, Jonn Klein Photography @jonnklein, Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor Photography, Monika Lacekova @mola.design Atelier71, @atelier71.eu Alena Galikova, @alenagalik_makeup, Marek Lukác Photography