Interview Spotlight with Tanya Karabasheva from arte.doc

This week in our interview series celebrating our 20th Anniversary, ELIA’s Roots: Stories from Our Member Companies, we speak with Tanya Karabasheva from arte.doc.

This interview series is a continuation from our Past Board Members series, and this time we turn to the ones who have enabled ELIA to grow into the association it is today and showed support and engagement throughout the years: our Members.

In each article, a Member Company shares their unique story with ELIA, from special memories and Member value, to business milestones and industry connections.

Now, let’s hear from Tanya Karabasheva’s ELIA journey over the last decade..

When did you first join ELIA, and what brought you to the association?

We joined ELIA 13 years ago, in March 2012. I remember the day very well. At that point, we were already a well-established company in Bulgaria. But I felt it was time to look outward and to connect with the broader European language industry. I wanted to see where we stood, how we can grow further, and be part of a community that was actively shaping the future of our profession. ELIA was the right choice—an association with a clear mission and strong values. Being part of it gave us a fresh perspective and helped us think more internationally.

What is one of your favourite memories from an ELIA event or within the community?

We really appreciate the ELIA Together conference—it was the first ELIA event we attended as a company, and it left a lasting impression.

There was something truly special about the atmosphere. The openness, the quality of the conversations, and the sense of shared purpose. It felt less like a formal industry event and more like a space where people genuinely wanted to connect, share, and grow together.

That “together” spirit truly resonated with us at arte.doc and it’s something we’ve carried with us ever since.

What do you value most about being part of the ELIA community?

The people, without a doubt. There’s something very grounding and real about the ELIA community. It’s made up of professionals who care about their work, their teams, and the industry as a whole. I’ve met partners, had great conversations, and always felt a sense of belonging. You don’t feel like just another company on the list—you feel seen.

How has ELIA impacted your business or your professional journey?

It gave us a wider lens. It helped us see beyond our local context and evaluate our work on an international scale. And very importantly—it gave us ways to not only learn, but also contribute.

We brought back ideas that helped us rethink how we work, but we also brought ourselves forward.

A great example is our AI chatbot, Artina—designed to support our clients 27/4. We had the opportunity to share that project during an ELIA Together event, and it sparked conversations we’re still having.

That balance of learning and giving back is something we truly value.

Looking ahead, what do you see for the future of ELIA and our community?

I believe ELIA has an even more important role to play in the future. With so much change in the industry: AI, automation, new client behaviours; we need grounded, ethical spaces where people can speak openly, share experiences, and grow together.

My hope is that ELIA continues to be that kind of space—welcoming, honest, and future-focused. Where even smaller or quieter voices feel they belong.

And I’m especially happy that we now have representation on the Board of Directors. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the association and its members, and to help them grow. Together.

Thank you to Tanya for sharing arte-doc’s ELIA journey! Your engagement and support continue to inspire and guide our community and Members, and we are grateful for the ELIA Family we have fostered together.

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Stay tuned for the next ELIA’s Roots article.