The Art of Reinvention: How Ilinca Toderița Found Her Own Formula for Success

From the courtrooms of Mayfair to launching her own matcha brand, Ilinca’s journey is a reminder that success often comes from following your curiosity — not just your plan.

When BSB alumna Ilinca Toderița looks back at her path since graduating in 2017, it feels like several chapters of very different stories woven into one. From the adrenaline of courtrooms and the world of criminal law to the creativity and courage of launching a wellness brand, her journey has been anything but conventional.

Now based in London, Ilinca is the Co-Founder of Kloudy, a new functional matcha beverage brand she started with her close friends Filippo (also a BSB alumnus) and Gabriela. The company is about to launch officially across the UK and Europe and its website is already live at www.kloudymatcha.com.

“Life has been wonderfully busy lately,” Ilinca says. “We’re preparing for our official launch, which is both thrilling and slightly terrifying. The wellness and functional drinks space is growing rapidly and I’m really hoping Kloudy can become something truly special.”

What university and course did you attend?

I attended Queen Mary University of London, where I studied English Literature. Afterwards, I completed my law conversion course (PGDL) and then the LPC (Legal Practice Course) at BPP University.

After graduating, I trained at a boutique law firm in Mayfair and qualified as a solicitor. I worked as a criminal solicitor for about a year before taking the leap to co-found Kloudy, a ready-to-drink adaptogenic matcha brand.

How was university – what did you enjoy and what were the challenges?

I absolutely loved university — perhaps for all the wrong reasons at times! I loved meeting people from every corner of the world and the independence that came with living in London.

Studying English Literature instead of Law for my undergraduate degree turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. It opened my mind to philosophy, critical theory, gender studies and ideas about race and identity that deeply shaped how I see the world today.

I always tell anyone considering a career in law to study something they genuinely love first, because with the PGDL you can always pursue law later. Passion makes all the difference.

The hardest part was that two of my university years were during COVID, which meant online lectures and endless screen time. It took a lot of self-discipline to stay engaged. That, and learning to manage my own time without external pressure, were definitely the biggest challenges — but both taught me independence and resilience.

What are you doing now? What’s next?

Right now, I’m fully focused on Kloudy, the beverage brand I co-founded with Filippo and Gabriela. We’re preparing to launch across the UK and Europe very soon, which is both thrilling and slightly terrifying.

The most unexpected part of my journey so far has definitely been moving from criminal law to wellness entrepreneurship.

One year I was in court and prison almost every day, the next I was researching adaptogens that support cognitive function. If anything, it’s shown me that you don’t have to stay confined to a single career path just because of your degree or qualifications.

I’m proud of my time as a solicitor — it was my dream for so many years and qualifying in the Courts of England and Wales remains one of my proudest moments. But I also love the challenge and freedom that come with building something of my own, and although it has been very hard work at times, I’m so proud to be doing it with my closest friends.

When did you graduate from BSB? Any particular memories that stand out from your BSB years?

I graduated from BSB in 2017, and I honestly loved every minute of it. My most vivid memories are from debating competitions — nothing compared to the adrenaline of standing on a stage, arguing your heart out. That’s also where Filippo and I became such close friends.

I’ll never forget the debating trips and the World Scholars Cup events; they were such bonding experiences, not just between students but with teachers as well. Looking back, I feel so much affection and pride for those years. They were some of the happiest of my life and the teachers played such a huge part in shaping who I’ve become.

Anything you’d like to say to your BSB teachers or to current students?

To all my teachers — thank you. You were endlessly kind, supportive and full of humour. You made learning feel alive.

To current students, make the most of your time at BSB. Join the clubs, try everything and talk to people outside your year or class. Some of my closest friendships began in after-school activities, not classrooms.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — they’re an essential part of growing up. Just give everything your best effort, enjoy it and have fun along the way.

Looking ahead

Although she now lives full-time in London, Ilinca hopes to visit BSB soon — and maybe even bring a few bottles of Kloudy Matcha for teachers and Sixth Form students to try.

“It contains 80mg of caffeine, so only for those over 16!” she laughs. “But I’d love to come in and catch up in person once things calm down. I’ve wanted to do that for a few years now. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again.”

To learn more about Ilinca’s new venture, visit www.kloudymatcha.com.