INTERVIEW – MIKHAELA PANAIOTOVA

1. What is your name ?

My name is Mikhaela Panaiotova.

2. Where are you from ?

I am from Shumen.

3. What is your craft ?

My craft is braiding and generally hair making and I also do beard styling and grooming.

4. Can you describe your craft and its purpose in more detail ?

In the medieval ages people and particularly men had much longer hair than nowadays and before going to war, before all battles they had to have their hair made into a bun or braids, whichever they chose. This was done in order for their long hair not to get in the way of their armor or field of view when fighting and it was the hairdresser’s job to do this.

5. Do you do this professionally or is it just a hobby ?

No, I don’t do this professionally because I’m still at school, but maybe someday in the future I might start doing this as a profession.

6. For how long have you been doing this ?

I’ve been doing this for about 5 years.

7. What inspires you to do this ? From where do you draw inspiration ?

Art in general. Art has the ability to inspire the human mind.

8. Do people show interest in your craft ?

Yes, people definitely are interested in this sort of thing. One sees from another and decides to come, then someone else sees from him, and then the next, and the next and they just never end.

9. Do you like the atmosphere and the whole festival ?

Yes, I like it very much. I’ve been showing my craft and my abilities to do it at festivals like this for quite some time now and I take great pleasure in doing it.

10. Do you have anything else to add ?

I would like to invite everyone who admires this form of art and those who do not, to come and see this festival or any other medieval festival. I am sure they would enjoy it very much and they’ll be left with great feelings.