Storefront Stories: Ivana Stoyanov, Director of Strategic Growth, Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce

Storefront Stories: Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce - Celebrating Women's History Month Spotlights
 

In honor of Women's History Month, we’re spotlighting #ACKChamber Women-Owned Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders! We asked Ivana Stoyanov, Director of Strategic Growth, here at the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce a few questions, these are her answers!

 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself? 

A:  My name is Ivana Stoyanov. I am Mateo’s mom and Kiril’s wife. Passionate traveler. And the Director of Strategic Growth at the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce. I visited Nantucket in 2013 and fell in love with the island and with the handsome man. Here I am - 10 years later living the dream 30 miles out to sea with my 3 boys.

Q. What tips or advice do you have for other women in business? 

A: Help whenever you can and ask for help whenever you need it. Being able to recognize your weakness is actually one of your biggest strengths. 

Q. What mantra do you live by? 

A: The harder you work the luckier you get. And I totally stole that from my husband. 

Q: Who is the most influential woman in your life and why? 

A: Mama! She is the one everyone loves and admires. The one who does not get tired and doesn’t ever need a break, but always reminds me that I should pause and take a deep breath. She is always there when I need her but miraculously knows when is the good moment to let me be. I still have a long way to go to be like her, but I am learning every day.
 

I am also so blessed to be surrounded by so many other loving, caring, and strong women in my life like my aunts, mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and all my fabulous girlfriends. They influence and inspire me on a daily basis. And I don’t tell them that enough. Go tell all your girls how much you love and appreciate them!

Q. Why do you think it's important to support other women?

A: With a good support system a woman can move mountains. And once she moves those mountains you may find many trails behind them that you can now hike with ease. Get the ball rolling and see it for yourself. 

Q: To what do you attribute your success?

A: To never being afraid to roll my sleeves up. 

Q: What have you most enjoyed about working with the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce?

A: The work I do brings opportunities to meet and learn from so many brilliant women and men in our community - my teammates, our board members, committee members, and over 800 Chamber members I regularly interact with. 
 

Our team is built on a passion for this island and the small business community and it feels so good to be a part of it. I loooove that regardless of the workload I am always encouraged to prioritize my family and overall well-being.