Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Staronova

Hi Eva, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I have always walked a path uncharted, guided less by certainty and more by the currents of opportunity, by the quiet whispers of chance. Life, to me, is an intricate dance of possibility, where each step unfolds in perfect harmony if only we listen closely to the rhythm of its offering.
I can’t say “no” easily, because I see how threads weave together, how moments and people are bound to cross, creating something greater than any singular part. My story is not a line but rather a web—eclectic, dynamic, and filled with the grace of what might be.

I was born in the heart of Slovakia, but my spirit expanded across the ocean, molded by the streets of New York, where I spent my formative years. There, in the vastness of the American dream, I found my path. An exchange program brought me to Richmond, Virginia, where my host-mother Bridget asked me a question that would set a course: “Are you a model?” I said: “No.”
She said: “You should be”, and she led me into a world of beauty and fashion that continues to ripple through my life. I am grateful to her for opening that door, for seeing in me something I hadn’t yet recognized in myself.

But my thirst for learning was never something I could compromise. Academia, for me, was not a detour but a foundation. I pursued marketing management and international business. This became my compass, guiding me through the labyrinth of entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and creativity.

In founding a non-profit, The Plus421 Foundation, I sought to build a bridge between Slovakia and the world, to share the rich cultural tapestry of my homeland with global audiences. Through Slovak Fashion Night at New York Fashion Week and initiatives like The Glass Button Awards, we have opened doors for young Slovak designers, giving them the stage to shine, to let their art speak across oceans.
It fills my heart to see these connections flourish, to watch cultures entwine through the universal language of creativity.

My journey continued, taking root in Los Angeles where I founded Royal Sense USA—a company that draws upon the purity of nature, crafting products from Bulgarian Rose Water.

The diplomatic stage called as well, with roles at the Consulate General of Slovakia in New York and later at the Slovak Embassy in Lebanon. These experiences brought yet another layer to my journey, intertwining diplomacy with culture, commerce with creativity. I have also lent my voice and energy to the luxury sector, navigating the intersections of art, fashion, and business with Grimoldi Milano and Ian Shrager Company.

I find my joy in giving back, in sowing seeds that others may harvest. Life, to me, is the greatest gift—a chance not only to receive but to give, to leave something behind. A legacy that echoes beyond our individual stories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I must say that I find people to be the most challenging aspect of all. It’s disheartening to witness how often individuals choose to build walls rather than transcend them, to separate rather than connect. Kindness and compassion, which should be innate, seem to be overshadowed by fear, misunderstanding, envy, and the tendency to drag others down instead of lifting them up.

This challenge isn’t confined to one place or one moment—it’s a global phenomenon, an undercurrent of division that oozes from our society as a whole. I see polarization and separation everywhere, whether in personal relationships, cultural exchanges, or even broader political landscapes. Instead of embracing our shared humanity, too often we retreat into isolation, forgetting that true progress comes from unity and collective growth.

I believe in the power of connection. I believe we can do better. It’s why I’ve always sought to create spaces where collaboration, compassion, and understanding can bloom, whether through cultural and economic diplomacy, fashion, or non-profit work. These challenges inspire me to keep pushing forward, knowing that even in the face of division, we can build bridges where there were once walls.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

My work has always been driven by a desire to connect—whether it’s people to opportunities, cultures to each other, or communities to their roots. Through my non-profit, Plus421 Foundation, I focus on creating alliances between Slovakia and the United States, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Slovakia and helping Slovakian entities, businesses, and artists gain visibility on a global stage.

One initiative I’m particularly proud of is our effort to help Americans of Slovak descent reconnect with their heritage. We assist them in obtaining Slovak citizenship by descent, allowing them to carry forward the spirit of their ancestors. To me, this work is more than a project—it’s about fostering identity, pride, and belonging across generations and borders.

What sets me apart? I don’t know.. All I know is that I view my work as an ongoing effort to weave together lives and opportunities in a way that benefits everyone involved. As mentioned before, I believe deeply in the power of connection and collaboration, I’m filled with inner warmth, when I can enable others to grow and thrive. Whether it’s through our charitable activities, cultural and educational programs, or simply through kindness and a smile,

What are your plans for the future?

We have a new Eugen Suchon Awards for Music – scholarship program within the +421 Foundation. I’m thrilled, as there are some exciting projects being born under the leadership of our music director, Julia Radosz, who is an amazing spinto soprano and visionnaire! I’ll share more details next time around! :)
In terms of my business, we have a new rose water brand, Rose Vibes https://drinkrosevibes.com/product/rose-essential/
‘Beauty from within.’

Pricing:

• From $12.90 / 12 oz bottle
• From $135 / month rose water supply
• UPLIFT Fun Drinks from $54 / 12×12 oz bottles

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drinkrosevibes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plus421foundation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eva.jurinova.56
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evastaronova

Image Credits

Dominika Hrncirikova
Jonn Klein
Monika Lacekova