Dancing Through Life: Karolina's Story

Who would have thought that a Terranova store could turn into a place to learn dance moves? And yet, in Vienna, this happens thanks to Karolina Focova, the store manager, and her team, who, between assisting customers, have fun creating real choreographies.
"One of the main goals of my job," Karolina explains, "is to contribute to creating a harmonious atmosphere among my team members, even through fun. I believe this is the secret to building a healthy and welcoming work environment, just like in a big family. A positive atmosphere like this not only makes our team more united but also reflects on the customers’ experience and, consequently, on our professional performance."

Originally from Slovakia, before joining Teddy, Karolina worked in a financial office. But something was missing. "The environment was too static and monotonous; I spent my days in front of a computer screen. I didn’t want a job where I had to sit all day but rather a role that allowed me to move, be creative, and stay active. So I started sending out résumés, and in 2015, I was hired at the only Terranova store in Vienna, which at the time was a franchise." Since then, every day, she commutes by train from Bratislava, the city where she lives, to Vienna, back and forth — a commitment that demonstrates her passion and dedication to her work.

At the store in Austria’s capital, Karolina immediately realized that this was her path. Starting as a sales assistant, she quickly took on roles with increasing responsibilities. "I soon realized that the fashion world had a great creative potential that fascinated me. I started working with the visual merchandiser, helping organize the store space and create displays that told a story. It was like dancing with clothes: every product had its place and function."

In 2018, after refining her skills, Karolina was sent to Italy for a training period at Teddy’s headquarters in Rimini. "That was a turning point. I saw how the company worked up close, learned about the values that unite us, and understood how important teamwork is. It was a formative journey, not just professionally but also personally. I met positive, vibrant people who passed on to me the true spirit of the Teddy family."

Before becoming a store manager, Karolina decided to change jobs and try a new experience, but after just a few months, she went back to her roots. "I moved to another brand for a while, but it wasn’t the same environment. When I found out that my old store in Vienna was becoming a directly managed store of the company, I didn’t think twice—I decided to return with even more enthusiasm. At Teddy, you are a person with a name and a surname, whereas, in other places, you’re just a number."

Now, as the store manager of the Vienna store, Karolina is responsible for 21 people and considers each team member a fundamental asset. "Every day, I try to be a point of reference for my team, but above all, to listen to them and support them. When someone feels understood and valued, they can give their best. My leadership is based on the principle that a positive and collaborative environment is the key to achieving better professional performance."

Although fashion is a central aspect of her job, Karolina never forgets her passion for dance. "Whenever I can, I organize small dance sessions with my team — it’s a way to relieve stress and have fun together. Dance, like fashion, is a language that allows you to express yourself without words. And in the end, our job is just that: to convey emotions."

At Teddy, we care deeply about the well-being and growth of every single member of our family. That’s why we are committed to creating work environments where passion and creativity can thrive — because we believe that only in a positive atmosphere can important results be achieved.