Through Her Lens: Photographer Lina on Following the Clues, Not the Plan

If you’ve ever been to one of our events, you might already recognise Lina Kovecheva.

She was the kind soul behind the lens at our recent photography workshop (and honestly, the definition of calm and patience!). Lina has a gift for making people feel completely at ease in front of the camera, a silent cheerleader who captures real, confident moments with heart.

She’s also become a familiar face at Level Up events, and we’re so delighted to introduce her properly through this week's PowerWomen feature. Her story reflects so many of the qualities we celebrate in our community, kindness, curiosity, creativity, and quiet confidence. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best growth comes from simply following the clues life leaves along the way.

Running a creative business for seven years has been less about following a plan and more about following clues.

Long before I moved to the Isle of Man, I learned to stay open to new directions, new possibilities, new perspectives, and the subtle nudges that signal it's time to take the next step.

My journey has never followed a straight line, and I've come to realise that's exactly what makes it mine.

Take, for instance, my last full-time job before going solo. That role taught me I'm naturally observant and that I handle pressure with calm and grace, qualities that didn't just help me survive, they helped me thrive. I often found myself not just enforcing rules, but hearing stories - real human moments behind everyday delays. People would explain why they hadn't moved their cars, and honestly, each story made perfect sense.

I'd still have to take photographic evidence and issue the fine, but I did so with a sense of respect. I suppose that's when I first began noticing the power of listening.

I don't talk much about that chapter, especially here on the Isle of Man. I've avoided it, worried about being associated with local traffic enforcement, which, let's face it, isn't exactly celebrated. But one of my core values is honesty. And honestly? That part of my story shaped me. It taught me patience, compassion, and how to stay neutral in challenging situations. That experience deserves its place in my journey.

After eight years of living in Brighton, completing a degree in digital design and communication, meeting thousands of people, and honing the art of truly listening, my partner and I felt the pull of something new. A different clue appeared, and we followed it all the way to the Isle of Man.

I fell in love immediately.

We landed in Laxey, and during those first six months, something beautiful happened: I rediscovered community. Every time I stepped outside with our dog, a local would stop, smile, and ask where we were from. Coming from Brighton, where you're surrounded by a quarter of a million people but barely spoken to, that warmth caught me off guard. It also felt like a sign.

And then there's the nature - don't even get me started. The wild, quiet, breathtaking landscapes here are more than just beautiful backdrops. They've become part of my daily rhythm. Part of how I connect, create, and show up.

Naturally, starting a business in a new place wasn't an overnight decision. I first explored the hospitality sector, then shifted into entertainment. It wasn't until much later that I found myself doing what I now love most: working with professionals in leadership, marketing, and communication - helping them tell their stories with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

This is the heart of what I do now, and the work continues to evolve. Just like life does. In fact, I'm quietly stepping into the next chapter, a season of deeper personal development, broader growth, and even more storytelling. But more on that soon.

One thing that hasn't changed throughout all the twists and turns? My ability to stay grounded. To stay calm, present, and responsive, even in uncertainty. To breathe through the challenge and invite peace. I believe we're all capable of that. And I believe that, when we listen to our lives -  really listen - the clues will show us where to go next.

Lina’s journey is proof that confidence doesn’t have to shout, it can be gentle, grounded, and full of grace. We love how she reminds us to trust our instincts, stay curious, and keep listening for life’s little nudges.