At Balcia, we believe passion doesn’t clock out when the workday ends. What our people do beyond the office walls- whether it’s behind a camera, a drum set, or even a fencing mask, tells just as much about who they are as professionals as what they do from nine to five.
So, we took a look beyond desks, contracts, and calls to see how our teammates across countries turn their free time into art, rhythm, competition, and creativity.
Magda - Capturing Love Through the Lens
During the week, Magda is part of the Balcia Team. On weekends, she transforms into a wedding photography shark, chasing emotions, not deadlines.
It all began back in 2011, when she received her first DSLR, a Nikon D90 (which, by the way, still works perfectly today). At first, she captured nature and her friends - until she felt ready to take on her first engagement session. In 2020, she finally took the leap.
“I realized that dreams don’t come true on their own - you have to invest in them”
Magda says.
After photographing her first wedding, she was hooked. Today, with more than a million photos behind her, she still finds joy in every shot.
She loves capturing love itself, being there for couples on their most important day is something she finds deeply fulfilling.
Mateusz - Keeping the Beat (and the Balance)
When he’s not working as an in-house lawyer at Balcia, Mateusz trades the office for a drum kit and lets rhythm take over.
He’s been drumming since the age of 15, when his father set up a drum set at home and he instantly knew - this was it. From blues rock and gothic sounds to alternative and metal, he’s explored it all. After a short break, he returned to his passion, rehearsing with his band and preparing material for a demo album and live shows.
“Playing drums teaches concentration, coordination, and discipline, but also teamwork and compromise,” Mateusz says.
Toms - Fencing with Focus
Toms picked up a sword for the first time at age 12 - a bit late for fencing, as he admits, but sometimes passion finds you exactly when it should.
Soon, training became part of his everyday life. He traveled long distances to practice, trained for hours, and competed at both European and World Championships.
“I became multiple-time Latvian Champion,” he says.
“Now I no longer compete, but I still referee at international fencing events - and who knows, maybe one day I’ll be part of the Olympic Games.”
For Toms, fencing isn’t just a sport. It’s a discipline that sharpens the mind, builds focus, and connects him to people all around the world.
Jānis - The Lawyer Who Once Brewed and Still Rocks
By day, Jānis is every bit the classic lawyer - polished suit, steady confidence, and a sharp legal mind. But his story goes far beyond the office.
For years, Jānis mastered the art of brewing craft beer and even ran his own small brewery. Though he’s since hung up his brewer’s apron, that creative spirit is alive and well - now channelled into music. As a member of the band Four Minute Man, Jānis keeps the rhythm going, and in 2023, the group was even nominated for Best Rock or Metal Album.
“One thing I truly learned through my experience in a band is that it’s a micro version of corporate teamwork - where diverse talents and the right chemistry must come together to achieve a unified outcome.”
At Balcia, Jānis is proof that there’s space for every story, from the boardroom to the stage.
Dalia - A Little Dog with Big Dreams
And then there’s Mister Marijus Marselio Kompanija - or simply Mariukas - Dalia’s short-haired miniature dachshund with a personality (and title list) much bigger than his size.
Together, they’ve turned weekends into a series of adventures across Lithuania and beyond. Since his very first show at just five months old, Mariukas has competed in around 20 contests, proudly earning titles such as Lithuanian Junior Champion and Lithuanian Champion.
Next up: Latvia and Estonia, where he’ll be competing for the title of Baltic Champion.
“Dog shows are a mix of excitement, training, and shared joy,” Dalia says.
“It’s a passion that brings people - and pets - together.”
Kelli - The Translator Who Turns Words into Worlds
When Kelli isn’t busy supporting the team, she dives into a completely different universe - one made of stories, dialogues, and subtitles. Since 2020, she’s been translating films and series from English into Estonian. For her, it’s more than just language work; it’s a way to explore new worlds and perspectives.
“Sometimes I get to translate shows that haven’t even aired yet - that’s always exciting,” Kelli says.
“But the best moment is seeing my name in the end credits and knowing that my words helped tell someone else’s story.”
Beyond Work, There’s Life - and Passion
From photography and drumming to brewing, fencing, and dog shows - very story reminds us that passion doesn’t start after hours. It fuels creativity, empathy, and perseverance every single day.
Balcia is a place for everyone - whether you spend your weekends behind a camera, on stage, at a fencing hall, or with your four-legged champion. Whoever you are after working hours, you’ll always fit right in.
