Olya and Boris are the people behind the delicious Trastena brand. We know them as smiling people with a glass in their hand. Pioneers in what they are doing, they have been on the market for 10 years with the organic raspberries wine we love!
Who are Trastena and what is your mission?
Trastena are different wines with different design and different approach to consumers. We are wine producers and our mission is to impose high standards of quality in fruit wines in Bulgaria, as well as to prove that difference can actually be very cool.
Why did you support Sofia Pride in 2017 and will you do it again?
For years, our products have been eliciting scepticism and criticism because they are different. It was very difficult to get the conservative Bulgarian consumer to even try such a product. But we succeeded! And the “different” product actually proved to be very enjoyable. In addition to this metaphor, we also have the human desire to see equality and freedom on earth, as well as everybody drinking their wine. So we decided to support the Sofia Pride!
Have you experienced any outflow of customers or a negative effect from last year’s cooperation with Sofia Pride?
Of course. Two out of 16,000 people were shocked by our decision. We are glad to have clarified our relationship in a timely manner.
Would you encourage other businesses to express their support?
Yes, as long as it’s not just because of economic interest. Support is not putting a rainbow on your products and then selling them for double the price because LGBTI people are financially sound, for example. Support is clearly stating your position, finding affiliates in the office, put a marabu if you dare and go out to dance!
What was your experience of the latest edition of Sofia Pride?
Beautiful, colorful, evolving.
What is your message for the LGBTI community in Bulgaria?
Do not stop fighting. It is a battle for freedom and human rights that will remain in history.
Author: Raya Raeva