2024 was an exceptionally successful year for ELENA LUKA GROUP. Last year, all the hard work, passion and knowledge that the company possesses were recognized, valued and rewarded. Awards such as "Macedonian Quality", "Leadership for Diversity" and "Woman of the Year" recognized the hard work, perseverance and values that ELENA LUKA cherishes in its work principle.
Read about how the owner and general manager of ELENA LUKA GROUP, Mrs. Elena Pandeva (ELENA LUKA), evaluates the year behind us, what her greatest challenges and achievements were, but also about the inspiration that drives her creative vision, in the exclusive interview for the cover of the January issue of Fashionel.
You concluded 2024 as an exceptionally successful year, which provided you with an inspiring start to the new one ahead of us. How did you experience the past year and how do you personally evaluate it?
-The past year was absolutely marked by the enormous successes of ELENA LUKA GROUP. 2024 was a dynamic year of exceptional opportunities, along with great challenges, but above all a year of extraordinary victories that exceeded standards and expectations. I personally rate it as one of the most productive, when all the invested effort, passion and knowledge were recognized, valued and rewarded. I am proud that together with my team we opened new horizons in every aspect of our work and achieved excellent results in our key projects. I met every challenge with determination and desire to create something that will leave a lasting mark and I believe that I realized that ambition, and that certainly implies even greater responsibility and opportunities for even greater progress in the future. But what makes the year we have already said goodbye to exceptionally special is that our family of satisfied customers is even larger and that ELENA LUKA GROUP has once again confirmed why it is a market leader in every sphere of its activity.
What were the moments in 2024 that left the most impression on you and that you will definitely remember?
-The list of moments that marked 2024 makes me particularly proud, because it includes capital projects that I not only successfully implemented together with my team, but were also widely recognized by society. Among the key projects for ELENA LUKA HOME that opened an exceptionally important chapter in our work was the official promotion of the premium residential and business complex FUTURA, which is being built according to the highest standards in the municipality of Kisela Voda, and it is precisely on this essential project that our focus in the construction company will be in the current year. ELENA LUKA, with all its numerous successful projects and unique collections, has confirmed its status as a brand leader in the fashion industry. The luxurious wedding collections, the avant-garde formal lines, as well as the current LUXURY BROCADE, i.e. the extremely successful brocade collection, are just a part of the recognizable fashion delicacies, in addition to all the significant collaborations, presentations and fashion shows, which gave an invaluable fashion stamp to the past year and literally marked 2024 in fashion. The most famous and influential online fashion magazine FashioneEL powered by ELENA LUKA, has received a new, even more modern look and a modern redesign of the website, which begins its new, even more successful chapter in its domain, which makes me truly happy. I am proud of what I have achieved, but I also look forward to presenting you with all the novelties that we are preparing. This year was just the beginning of a new period of growth and innovation for our team and the brands in the ELENA LUKA GROUP family.
You received many awards for your work during 2024. What do these awards mean to you?
-Recognitions and awards have a huge meaning, personally for me, but of course for the entire dedicated team of ELENA LUKA GROUP. Verification and recognition of the love, professional approach and effort that I put into my work also comes through the awards that last year were truly numerous and extremely valuable. Awards such as "Macedonian Quality", "Leadership for Diversity" and "Woman of the Year" are more than just recognitions - they are a symbol of hard work, perseverance and the values that I cherish in my work principle. The "Macedonian Quality" award, which was awarded to me by the respected President of the country, Mrs. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, and organized by the Union of Chambers of Commerce, is a source of pride for all brands from the ELENA LUKA GROUP family and confirmation that we set high standards for quality and innovation. This award is an inspiration for us to continue to lead the market by setting the criteria for quality at the highest level. The "Leadership for Diversity" recognition from the "Ability Awards" is an incentive and obligation for me to invest even more in the promotion of inclusivity, equality and diversity. It is a reminder that the corporate culture we are building should be an example of a society in which everyone has equal opportunities for success and progress. I experience the "Woman of the Year" award as recognition not only for me personally, but also for all the women who are part of the successes in all the spheres in which we create. They are the heart of our work, the motivation behind every project and the inspiration for the future we build together. These recognitions remind me of the responsibility to continue working with the same energy, to create new values and inspire new generations. They are not only a personal success, but also the success of my team and the community we support. Their value is that they strengthen our motivation and encourage our commitment to continuous growth and positive impact.
What was the biggest challenge for you as a designer and female leader in 2024?
-I never see challenges as a problem, but rather as an opportunity for growth and to prove to ourselves that we can always do better and that our success has no limit.. Every challenge is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and vision, we can overcome even the most complex situations. As a leader and visionary, challenges are part of my everyday life, but managing them effectively is a skill that I have honed over time and through experience. What I have learned is that every challenge is an opportunity to rise, to show flexibility and innovation, and that true success comes when a team unites to achieve a common goal. This year was an example of how perseverance, vision, and faith in oneself and others can transform challenges into successes.
The premium residential and business complex FUTURA is a particularly significant capital project of ELENA LUK HOME. How satisfied are you with how it has been received so far?
-FUTURA Complex has been exceptionally well received by the public, which is a great satisfaction for me considering the capital importance of this project. The positive reactions of the market, collaborators and clients confirm that the innovative approach and our commitment to quality result in a successful project. This complex is a symbol of the modern lifestyle, and I am glad that people have recognized it as a value. The visionary project FUTURA Complex is representative of the most modern top architecture that puts the quality of life in focus. With an area of 47,000m2, this ultra-modern residential and business complex stands out with its innovative and functional design, with a concept that aims to build a recognizable, modern and maximum quality lifestyle. Located in an excellent location in the municipality of Kisela Voda, just a few minutes walk from the center of Skopje, the complex offers a unique combination of urban living, comfort, security and a housing concept tailored to the requirements of modern man. With four residential and commercial buildings, 382 residential units, a green oasis for recreation and attractive business space, FUTURA Complex unites all aspects of quality living. It is a great honor and pleasure for me that ELENA LUKA HOME is behind such a capital architectural work.
Which collection or project can you single out as your favorite from this past year and why?
-Every segment, every unique piece and every collection designed at ELENA LUKA is a symbol of an infinite and unreserved love for the work and the entire creative process. That is why every design signed by the brand radiates priceless beauty, and our clients who have a high-profile sense of aesthetics always recognize the value and art that ELENA LUKA creates, and that for me is the greatest satisfaction. The essence is in the courage to be different and in constantly exceeding the limits of expectations. ELENA LUKA is synonymous with avant-garde, luxury, uniqueness and individuality, because every design has character and expresses an attitude. The essence of ELENA LUKA is above all in the fact that it is my personal immense love and the personal stamp that I leave in every segment of its work, makes it irreplaceable.
What was the biggest inspiration in your work last year?
-The biggest inspiration in my work this past year has been the good results and satisfaction of our clients and the community. Every project that fulfills the clients' vision and creates smiles is proof that hard work and dedication really do make a difference.
In ELENA LUKA, these are the moments when creations exceed the expected beauty and become part of the important moments in our clients' lives. Their happiness and the pride with which they wear our designs inspire me to create even more innovative and unique solutions.
In ELENA LUKA HOME, the satisfaction of people who see their dreams translated into their home is priceless. The reactions of clients when they see their vision come to life in the space are the greatest confirmation that every detail and every idea is worth it.
Customer and community satisfaction and support are the pillars of our inspiration and the foundation upon which we build the future of our brand. They motivate us to grow, learn, and set even higher standards.
You stand out for your support of women entrepreneurs. How do you encourage women to believe in their potential?
-I encourage them through personal example, showing that any idea can become a reality with enough perseverance and dedication. Through various initiatives at ELENA LUKA GROUP and through our foundation, we organize trainings, mentorships and networking events, where women can develop their ideas and receive support. I always emphasize that ambition and creativity should have no limits. The right moment to start your own business is now! There is no need to postpone dreams and needs to express yourself. There will never be 100% favorable conditions for the realization of some unusual or extraordinary dream, because in the beginning when we have a unique idea it is difficult to accept. Do not be afraid of ambition. Women who are ambitious can be excellent leaders and excellent mothers and wives, and that concept absolutely works. It is not only important how much you earn, but how much personal contribution you leave on the quality of life of others around you. Because the community should have a positive climate in which we all act qualitatively. Women's networking is very important and the success of one woman should be a motivation for other women. Being a woman means having power and having the strength and capacity with which you can make this society much better. Self-confidence, perseverance, a unique idea and permanent work.
In what direction will your brands move in 2025?
-In the next period, the focus will be on the integration of innovations in all operational processes. The goal is to build a future that will not only meet needs, but also exceed expectations. In every segment of my work, together with my team, we are focused on creating values that inspire and become timeless. ELENA LUKA HOME works intensively on building a quality, urban and world-class lifestyle in housing. ELENA LUKA continues its mission to make women happy and confident with a perfect fashion art in which I have invested a serious part of myself. As a result of this dedication and professionalism, success is a natural outcome in my work.
What is your message to those who want to achieve their dream in fashion or business?
-Believe in yourself and your idea, because dreams cannot wait. Work hard, invest in your knowledge and don't be afraid to push the boundaries. Every success begins with the courage to take the first step.
What would you like to wish for yourself in the new year 2025, and what would you like to wish for your colleagues, clients and our readers?
-I wish myself health and energy to continue to realize my vision of positive impact in every sphere in which I work. I wish my associates, clients, my team and all the wonderful people much success, inspiration and joy. May 2025 be filled with new opportunities, sincere partnerships and joint triumphs!
Bojana Stevcheska
English 
Macedonian