We were lucky to catch up with Teodora Todorova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Teodora thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was opening my own hair salon, Moonflower Hair Studio. I had always dreamed of creating a space that felt more like a home than a business — a place where people could relax, feel seen, and leave not just looking good, but feeling restored.

For years, I worked in a corporate salon environment where everything was structured and predictable. Eventually, I transitioned to booth renting, which gave me more freedom but also meant I was fully responsible for growing and maintaining my business. Still, I dreamed of creating something more — a space that felt warm and welcoming, where clients could relax, connect, and feel genuinely cared for.

Taking the leap from booth renting to opening my own salon was both exciting and terrifying. It meant investing my savings, taking on new responsibilities, and trusting that my vision would resonate with others. There was no safety net — just faith in myself, my skills, and the community I wanted to build.

There were moments of doubt, especially during the renovation process and the first few months after opening, but I kept reminding myself why I took the risk: to create a positive, inclusive, and empowering space for both clients and stylists.

Looking back, that risk completely changed my life. It allowed me to build something that truly reflects my values and has become more than just a salon — it’s a home for creativity, connection, and confidence.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Teodora, the owner and founder of Moonflower Hair Studio in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My path into the beauty industry was fueled by creativity, determination, and the goal of building a meaningful career where I could help others feel their best. After moving to the U.S. from Bulgaria as a teenager, I had to start over and find my own path. The challenges of adapting to a new country inspired me to work hard and create my own version of the American dream — one built on dedication, creativity, and the desire to uplift others.

Over the years, I worked in both corporate salon settings and as a booth renter, gaining valuable experience that shaped my vision for the kind of environment I wanted to build.

At Moonflower Hair Studio, we specialize in custom color, haircuts, and extensions — but our focus goes far beyond the services we offer. The salon was designed to feel like a second home, where clients can unwind, be themselves, and leave not only looking amazing but feeling truly cared for. Education and empowerment are also at the heart of what we do — we love teaching clients how to maintain and style their hair so they can feel confident every day.

What sets Moonflower apart is the atmosphere we’ve created. It’s warm, inclusive, and grounded in authenticity. We want every person who walks through our door to feel comfortable, connected, and inspired.

I’m most proud of building a brand that reflects my values — creativity, compassion, and community. Moonflower Hair Studio is more than just a salon; it’s a space where beauty, confidence, and genuine connection come together.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to create something that makes people feel — confident, seen, and cared for. Hair is such a personal form of art; it’s not just about technique or trends, it’s about transformation. Watching someone’s posture change, their smile grow, or their energy lift after a service is an incredible feeling.

I also love that creativity in this industry is endless — there’s always something new to learn, experiment with, or refine. Every client is a new canvas and a new opportunity to express artistry in a way that’s both personal and meaningful.

Ultimately, the most fulfilling part is the connection. My work allows me to build relationships, share stories, and be part of moments that make people feel good about who they are — and that’s the kind of art that truly lasts.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I was 16, I packed up my life in Bulgaria and moved to the United States by myself. I didn’t have family waiting for me here, and I barely spoke English. Everything was new — the language, the culture, even simple things like how school worked or how to make friends. There were so many moments I felt lost or out of place, but I kept pushing forward because I knew I wanted something bigger for myself.

Those early years taught me how to adapt, work hard, and keep going even when things felt impossible. I worked my way up in the beauty industry — starting in a corporate salon, then renting a booth, and eventually taking the leap to open my own business. Ten years after moving to the U.S., I opened Moonflower Hair Studio, completely self-funded. It was the biggest risk I had ever taken, but it was also the most rewarding.

Of course, it didn’t go smoothly. The weekend before opening, the ceiling started leaking — badly. I remember standing there, exhausted and heartbroken, watching water pour down on this space I had poured everything into. But instead of giving up, all of my friends showed up. We spent hours cleaning, mopping up water, building salon furniture, and getting everything ready. When I finally opened the doors that next week, it felt like more than just the start of a business — it was proof that I could build something from nothing, even in a place that once felt so far from home.

That experience reminded me why I’ve always kept going: because resilience isn’t about never facing challenges — it’s about facing them, finding a way through, and realizing just how strong you’ve become along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moonflowerhair.com
• Instagram: hairbyteodora , moonflower.hairstudio
• Facebook: Moonflower Hair Studio