Meet the PixelPool global team

Elena Hristova is fascinated by the current state of technology and loves to see how it is being used by PixelPool where she works as a junior virtual fashion specialist to bring digital advancements to the fashion world. Years ago, our parents had no idea they would be able to do so much through a small screen that fits in the palm of their hand. Technology is driving the world forward at an unprecedented speed and in its very own way PixelPool is part of this change.

What did you study and why?

I was torn between both fashion and dancing, but I ended up choosing to study for a BA in womenswear fashion design at the University of Northampton. Coming from Bulgaria it made sense to me to pursue a fashion degree in England with London being a fashion capital. I had amazing opportunities during my studies to intern with brands like Pittards, WeAreKin, and Michael Kors, to name a few. The university experience not only prepared me for my profession, but also played a significant role in character building. Living alone in a foreign country helped shape me into the independent person I am today.

What drew you to your current job at PixelPool?

After graduating, I was offered a job at New Look as a design assistant and stayed in England. A year later, I jumped at the opportunity to come back home to Bulgaria as a menswear designer for a mid-lux brand and took over the creative direction. Having spent a couple of years in the fashion industry, I took a short break to travel and then freelanced. Being the people person I am, I was feeling the need to go back to an office environment where I could engage with colleagues and that’s when PixelPool called. Having a wide professional background in fashion that ranges from visual merchandising to designing, organizing photoshoots, and styling I was intrigued by 3D. It was something new and exciting. Something I hadn’t done. I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer to join the team.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My workdays vary widely. When I first joined the company, I was trained as a virtual fashion specialist, and I have been creating 3D garments and assets for the past few months. Recently, however, I started helping the marketing department with copywriting, content creation and planning. Depending on the day, my responsibilities change, and this is what makes my time at PixelPool dynamic and thrilling. Whatever I am working on, my favorite part involves the creative process of resolving a situation and finding solutions, as well as seeing the final project come together in the end.

What is your favorite hobby? 

Currently, I am very much into boxing. Before joining the sport, I always judgmentally thought it was only about hitting the other opponent. After my first training I discovered it is much more than that. Boxing is a beautiful synergy between your mind and body at a such a high level that it allows you to fully exist, to act and react in the current moment. This is what inspires me the most about it. This being forced to consciously live in the present. All the other benefits like stress release, toned muscles and general well-being are a bonus! Every now and then I try to apply this concept of cherishing the moment in my day-to-day life to stay present.

Which person in your profession do you most admire and why?

I am truly inspired by people who deeply believe in themselves and their dreams no matter the circumstances. A great example of someone who I look up to is Ben Francis, the founder and CEO of Gymshark. He was only a 19-year-old student when he started his venture while juggling studies and a part-time job as a pizza delivery man. After a great deal of struggle and very low chance of entering the overcrowded sports clothing industry, he succeeded in creating a multi-million dollar company that sells in more than 280 countries.

What excites you about the future of PixelPool?

Years ago, our parents had no idea they would be able to do so much through a small screen that fits in the palm of their hand. Technology is driving the world forward at an unprecedent speed and in its very own way PixelPool is part of this change. So far, the company has created innovative digital retail solutions, rethinking the way business is done in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable and efficient. I am thrilled to be able to contribute in any way I can to PixelPool’s growth, and I am excited about the things we don’t know are yet possible, but we are about to achieve.