#TheAlternativeSchool x We Invent are launching the #YoungLady interview series, recommended by RSM, empowering female talent.

From a career prophecy ritual when she was only one and a childhood full of DIY experiments that announced her as “a tiny creator in this massive cosmic sandbox” to the recent appointment as #YoungLionDigital, Cristiana’s journey is a sparkle bundle. “Romania should be known for its incredible contrasts, its knack for turning challenges into opportunities and its humor as a coping mechanism”. Discover her unapologetically honest perspective in this interview, part of the #YoungLionsRomania2025 series. She’ll take the reader through the quirks of local culture, the importance of staying present and the joy of building herself up, one brick at a time.

Alongside Mădălina Sandu, Cristiana won the Young Lions Digital competition, empowered by Raiffeisen Bank Romania, accessing the complex festival content @CannesLions, for a week, in june 2025.

WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR SOUL SING? WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

For me, happiness is all about witnessing genuine kindness. Not the cliché “peace on Earth” kind of vibe (yes, I do have that reference in mind), but more of an inspirational flair. It’s those moments when I encounter good people that really light me up.

A CHILDHOOD STORY THAT ANNOUNCED THE CREATIVE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY

In Romania, we have this quirky tradition called „tăierea moțului”—basically, your first birthday doubles as a career prophecy. They sit you down, place a tray of random objects in front of you, and whatever you grab is supposed to hint at your future. Well, “baby me” went straight for the pen.

Later, when my neighbor couldn’t come out to play, I’d stay inside and make DIY notebooks for imaginary roles like police officers, secretaries, or shopkeepers. Fast forward a bit, I decided I had some talent and started writing poetry for the school magazine. Sure, those poems would make me cringe now, but they were just another step in finding my creative groove.

BEST CONTEXT EVER FOR INSPIRATION WAS

Honestly, anywhere. Literally. Whether you’re on a packed bus, riding the metro, waiting in line at your local supermarket, slightly tipsy in a club bathroom, or standing in a bus station waiting for your ride—if you’re fully present, inspiration will hit. It’s all about catching those fleeting moments and turning them into something creative.

THE PROJECT YOU LOVED MOST

This might sound a bit self-centered, but I’m the project in question. And yes, I’m fully aware of how narcissistic that might come across, but it’s not about vanity; it’s about growth. Every day, I’m working on building and improving myself, brick by brick—or sometimes just a quarter-brick at a time. It’s a messy, imperfect process, but it’s also deeply rewarding. So yeah, I guess you could say my favorite project is one that’s always under construction: me.

THE PROJECT OTHERS LOVED MOST

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that my friends and family always seem to love the projects I work on—no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a quirky hashtag I came up with for a public figure’s social media post or a line of mine that ends up on TV or a popular building in Bucharest, their enthusiasm never wavers. These examples aren’t about the scale of the project, but about how they always cheer me on, no matter what. Honestly, their constant support makes every project feel like a win!

THE BEST THING ABOUT LOCAL CREATIVITY IS

We have this saying (“Din rahat, bici”)  that I can’t quite share because of a double sense behind one of the words. For polite company it might be a bit too colorful (but – guilty as charged- I do love the expressive language Romanians use). Essentially, it means we can turn just anything into something great. Our history is rich with creative crafts like weaving, woodcarving, and ceramics, all deeply woven into our cultural identity. Local artists draw inspiration from these traditions and transform them in ways that resonate with modern times. We honor our roots while putting our unique spin on things—it’s like giving tradition a fresh makeover.

BEST STATEMENT OF LOCAL HUMOR

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that if a Romanian isn’t making jokes out of tough situations, then who will? We have this unique blend of humor that thrives on the absurdity of life.

You might notice us walking down the street with serious faces, looking like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But once we gather around a table, it’s a whole different vibe—we radiate joy and laughter! It’s like flipping a switch; we can go from “serious Balcanic” to “life of the party” in no time. Whether it’s cracking jokes about our daily struggles or finding humor in the chaos around us, we embrace that ”haz de necaz” spirit.

ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEADHUNTERS, RELATED TO LOCAL CREATIVES

When it comes to tapping into the vibrant pool of Romanian creativity, here’s a nugget of wisdom: embrace the local culture and humor! Romanians have a knack for turning challenges into opportunities, often using humor as a coping mechanism. This playful spirit is reflected in our creative endeavors, so don’t be surprised if you encounter some cheeky wit or a bit of irony in the work.

BEST PLACE IN BUCHAREST

Of course it’s Cișmigiu Park. Cișmigiu is like a little oasis of calm in the middle of the city’s chaos. There’s something magical about strolling along its winding paths, finding a quiet spot under the trees, and throwing down a blanket to read or just people-watch. Sure, it’s not always perfectly groomed, but that’s part of its charm—it feels real, lived-in and somehow very Bucharest. It’s the kind of place where you can escape for a while without ever leaving the city.

BEST PLACE IN ROMANIA

For me, it’s Vrancea. It’s not one of those flashy, tourist-packed destinations, and that’s exactly its charm. The landscapes are breathtakingly quiet—rolling hills and a kind of stillness that feels rare these days. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the noise and just exist. There’s no rush here, no crowds, just you and the scenery. It’s the kind of spot where you can sit back, take a deep breath, and feel like the world has slowed down just for a moment.

MOST DISTURBING CLICHÉ ABOUT ROMANIA IN THE MEDIA OUTLETS OF THE WORLD

One of the most frustrating clichés about Romania is the stereotype that we’re a nation of thieves. It’s exhausting to see this narrative overshadow the warmth, creativity, and resilience of our people. Sure, like any country, we have challenges—but focusing only on the negatives ignores everything else we bring to the table: rich culture, incredible landscapes, and a talent for making the best out of any situation. It’s time for the world to move past these outdated labels and see Romania for what it truly is—a place full of potential and heart.

ROMANIA SHOULD BE KNOWN FOR

Romania should be known for its incredible contrasts—where history and modernity collide in the most fascinating ways. From the medieval streets of Sighișoara to the edgy contemporary art exhibits in Bucharest, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place where you can hike untouched mountains in the morning and sip coffee in a hipster café by afternoon. The culture is as vibrant as it is diverse, blending old traditions with fresh creativity. And let’s not forget the warmth of the people—serious on the outside, but full of humor and hospitality once you sit at their table.

YOUR VIEWS ON SPIRITUALITY

Asking a Pisces about spirituality :). I believe in something bigger than myself, but its name changes depending on my requests. One day it’s God, another day it’s the Universe.

I also believe we’re all tiny creators in this massive cosmic sandbox. We shape our realities with our thoughts, actions, and the way we connect with ourselves. Self-discovery is a big deal for me—it’s like peeling back layers to find out who you really are. And funny enough, these ideas often bump into stoicism: accepting what you can’t control and mastering what you can.

So, spirituality for me is this mix of introspection, creation and a little humor. It’s about finding meaning in the chaos and rolling with it.

YOUR VIEWS ON MONEY

Very open to it. I’m all about the flow: happy to give when I can, but even happier to receive (manifesting that abundance). Sure, it’s just a social construct—we’re the ones who decided these little pieces of paper and numbers on a screen mean something. While money isn’t the ultimate goal in my life, I’m not about to pretend I don’t need it. Thriving in this capitalist jungle takes more than just good vibes :).

AN INSPIRATION SOURCE YOU RECOMMEND FOR A YOUNG CREATIVE

The Copy Book. It’s not just a guide—it’s a masterclass in the art of copywriting, straight from the legends who shaped the industry. Packed with timeless wisdom, real-world examples, and behind-the-scenes stories, it’s like sitting down for coffee with the greats and soaking up their brilliance. This book doesn’t just teach you how to write; it teaches you how to think, how to connect, and how to craft words that truly resonate.

A LOCAL BASED FEMALE TALENT TO BE PROMOTED AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

I have immense appreciation for Megan Dominescu (@dominescu on Instagram) due to her remarkable talent in craftsmanship and creativity. She skillfully blends various art forms, from textiles to photography. Her work, including the illustrative rugs, showcases an innovative and personal approach. Her illustration book is a captivating blend of intergalactic themes and heartfelt introspection.

BIO:

She’s just a chill girl – one who loves blending words with emotions. Born in a small town 50 to 70 kilometers from Bucharest, she grew up close enough to feel superior when introducing herself to those from further away, yet far enough to miss out on daily city experiences. This balance has shaped who she is today.

When she’s not relaxing, painting, or discovering new music (she especially enjoys finding fresh artists), she can often be found unwinding with some good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzles.

As part of the cMBA #FutureProofCreativity program, Cristiana was a member of the M&C team alongside Mădălina Sandu, securing 1st place and qualifying for the #YoungLionsDigital competition empowered by Raiffeisen Bank Romania.

Want to walk the same path as Cristiana?

#TheAlternativeSchool launched the application for the next season: Young Lions Competition, 1 Roger Hatchuel & 2 ERA scholarships with destination Cannes are in order, as well as chances to win a place at the #FutureProofCreativity Module, taking place over zoom, between 5th of November-10th of December. More info here.

Solve or recommend the brief for those under 25 and stay tuned for brief dedicated to talents under 30, aiming for the YoungLions 2026.

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Cover photo credit: ME ALCHEMY / Iulian Ratescu