I am a highly motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in the interior design and home furnishing retail industry since 2006. I successfully manage my own tourism business since 2019, where I have independently applied skills in digital marketing, content creation, and SEO to increase visibility and attract clients. I am a dedicated, curious, and empathetic team player who consistently maintains high standards of work. I am passionate about leveraging my creative design expertise and proven business acumen to deliver outstanding results for clients and projects.

Valentina Dencheva

I am a highly motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in the interior design and home furnishing retail industry since 2006. I successfully manage my own tourism business since 2019, where I have independently applied skills in digital marketing, content creation, and SEO to increase visibility and attract clients. I am a dedicated, curious, and empathetic team player who consistently maintains high standards of work. I am passionate about leveraging my creative design expertise and proven business acumen to deliver outstanding results for clients and projects.

Available to hire

I am a highly motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in the interior design and home furnishing retail industry since 2006. I successfully manage my own tourism business since 2019, where I have independently applied skills in digital marketing, content creation, and SEO to increase visibility and attract clients.

I am a dedicated, curious, and empathetic team player who consistently maintains high standards of work. I am passionate about leveraging my creative design expertise and proven business acumen to deliver outstanding results for clients and projects.

See more

Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
Bulgarian
Fluent
Russian
Intermediate
German
Beginner

Work Experience

Manager, Home Furnishing & Retail Design at IKEA Austria
July 1, 2022 - September 16, 2025
Designed and implemented commercial strategies aligned with global trends and local market needs, elevating store performance as a benchmark in range presentation. Analyzed market research, sales results, and campaign performance to develop actionable short- and long-term commercial strategies. Built, trained, and mentored high-performing teams across multiple locations; led recruitment and succession planning. Optimized customer flow and in-store navigation to enhance the shopping experience and engagement. Achieved top global Concept Review score (42/46) and boosted Brand Capital Index by +5 points; secured green results in Communications & Image, Sales, and Sustainability reviews. Transformed store performance from rank 14 to top 3 globally through innovative retail layouts and cross-functional collaboration. Ensured store solutions were locally relevant and seasonally aligned with global brand direction. Managed departmental projects per Commercial Calendar and Operating Plan; ensu
Manager, Home Furnishing & Retail Design at IKEA Al-Futtaim, QATAR
March 2, 2020 - September 16, 2025
Led commercial and visual merchandising initiatives; developed and implemented strategy across the Qatar store network; improved range presentation and customer flow; mentored store teams; collaborated cross-functionally to execute campaigns.
Manager, Home Furnishing & Retail Design at IKEA Al-Homaizi
November 1, 2016 - February 28, 2020
Directed Home Furnishing & Retail Design projects for Kuwait market; oversaw local adaptations of global concepts, coordinated cross-functional teams, and ensured alignment with brand standards and commercial targets.
Country Visual Merchandising Manager at LC Waikiki, Bulgaria
October 1, 2016 - September 16, 2025
Implemented visual merchandising strategy for 10 stores in the country, based on company guidelines. Prepared mockups for window displays, interior displays, floor plans and promotions; monitored costs within budget; coordinated refresh displays for product launches and seasonal themes; contributed to new store openings; developed trainings for sales personnel and store staff.
Visual Merchandising Manager at IKEA Bulgaria
October 1, 2010 - December 31, 2013
Managed visual merchandising and range presentation initiatives, contributing to store performance and alignment with brand direction. Involved in planning and execution for campaigns and store openings.
Interior Designer at Euromebel Ltd. / Martineli Ltd.
January 2, 2006 - September 30, 2010
Managed end-to-end design projects from concept to execution, specializing in space planning, furniture selection, and client consultations. Developed creative 3D designs and material selections tailored to client needs and trends.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 2000
Online Diploma in Digital Marketing Management at Vienna Business Academy
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Certificate in Display & Visual Merchandising at The British Display Society
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020

Qualifications

Communication & Interior Design Management
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Leadership Program
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Marketing & Marketing Communications Training
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
My Conscious Leadership
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

Industry Experience

Retail, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Real Estate & Construction, Other
    uniE621 Apartment in Varna
    Creative direction and Interior design for a 65sq.m. flat in Varna. Product selection. Decoration. Project management and construction control. Cost control. photo designer
    paper Varna City South park

    Interior design for an apartment in Varna.

    uniE608 GUEST HOUSE IN RHODOPI MOUNTAINS, BULGARIA
    I transformed a simple idea into a fully operating guest house, taking part in every step along the way. Since 2019, I’ve been proudly running and growing this business with a personal touch.