Ilona Nesterova’s life is a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Born and raised in Ukraine, she grew up with a strong sense of ambition and a belief that life is meant to be designed, not simply endured.
With a natural gift for communication and a passion for excellence, Ilona pursued higher education, earning a Master’s degree in Law. Her legal studies instilled discipline, analytical thinking, and negotiation skills that would later become invaluable across her career paths.
Even during her years of study, Ilona was drawn to the world of beauty and fashion. Her striking presence, poise, and professionalism quickly led her to an international modeling career that would span 17 years. Through modeling, she traveled extensively, worked with renowned photographers and designers, and developed the confidence and stage presence that would carry into every aspect of her life.
In 2013, Ilona made a life-changing decision — to move to the United States. She arrived with determination, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a vision for a brighter future. The journey was not without challenges, but Ilona embraced each obstacle as an opportunity to grow. America offered her a chance not only to continue her modeling career but also to expand into new ventures.
She went on to earn prestigious beauty titles including Mrs. Sunny Isles, Mrs. Miami, and Mrs. Universe Ukraine, each recognition symbolizing more than physical beauty — they represented empowerment, confidence, and the ability to inspire other women to pursue their dreams.
Beyond the stage and camera, Ilona’s heart has always been rooted in giving back. In 2019, alongside her husband, she co-founded the Lion King Tavadia Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Through the foundation, she has contributed to causes ranging from children’s welfare to community support programs, embodying her belief that true success comes with the responsibility to uplift others.
One of Ilona’s greatest passions is supporting women in building independence and self-worth. She mentors women from diverse backgrounds, showing them how to transform their skills, passions, and talents into thriving businesses. Whether it’s guiding them into real estate, mentoring them in the travel industry, or encouraging them to believe in their own potential, Ilona focuses on helping women not only achieve financial freedom but also gain the confidence to shape their futures. She believes that when women support each other, entire communities are strengthened.
At the same time, Ilona began building her career in real estate. As a licensed Florida Realtor with Core Realty, she specializes in luxury residential properties, investment opportunities, and new construction — particularly in the Miami and Sunny Isles Beach areas.
Her background in law provides her with a unique edge in negotiations, while her global connections and multilingual skills (English, Russian, and Ukrainian) allow her to serve a diverse, international clientele. For Ilona, real estate is not just about transactions — it’s about helping clients create a lifestyle, a sanctuary, and in many cases, a long-term financial legacy.
Never one to limit herself to one field, Ilona also built a thriving travel business, founding TRAVELONA. As a travel business mentor, she empowers others — especially women — to create freedom and income through the travel industry. Under her guidance, aspiring entrepreneurs learn how to book travel for others, build teams, and market themselves, all while gaining the ability to work from anywhere in the world. Her approach blends business strategy with personal empowerment, helping people see travel not just as a vacation but as a vehicle for designing the life they truly want.
Ilona’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “You are the designer of your life. Own it. Win it. Live it”. She believes that dreams should be pursued with both vision and action, and that every person — regardless of where they start — has the ability to rewrite their story. Her own journey — from law graduate to international model, from beauty queen to nonprofit founder, from realtor to travel business leader — is proof of that belief in action.
Her days are full and purposeful. In real estate, she’s showing multi-million-dollar penthouses to investors or guiding first-time buyers. In her travel business, she’s hosting team trainings, speaking at events, and mentoring new partners. She is equally at home in a business meeting as she is on a stage, at a charity gala, or exploring a new destination. And yet, despite her accomplishments, Ilona’s proudest role remains that of a mother and wife. She treasures her time with her two children, believing that the greatest legacy she can build is one of love, values, and opportunity for them.
Recognition and titles have brought her into the spotlight, but it is her authenticity, generosity, and drive that keep her there. Whether she’s wearing a crown, holding a property contract, or boarding a plane for her next travel adventure, Ilona embodies the balance of elegance and entrepreneurial spirit. She has mastered the art of turning challenges into stepping stones, dreams into plans, and plans into achievements.
Looking ahead, Ilona’s mission is to expand her impact even further — growing TRAVELONA into a global travel business community, increasing the reach of the Lion King Tavadia Foundation, and continuing to help clients and team members alike build a legacy they are proud of. She envisions a world where more people — and especially more women — can experience the freedom she has built: freedom of time, financial independence, and the ability to live life on their own terms.
For Ilona, success is not just about personal gain; it’s about creating a ripple effect. Every home sold, every business launched, every charitable project funded has the potential to inspire someone else to take action on their own dreams. Her story serves as a reminder that with passion, persistence, and purpose, it is possible to transform your life — one decision at a time.
Key Highlights of Ilona Nesterova’s Journey:
- Master’s Degree in Law, Ukraine;
- 17-year international modeling career;
- Beauty titles: Mrs. Sunny Isles, Mrs. Miami, Mrs. Universe Ukraine;
- Founder of Lion King Tavadia Foundation (est. 2019);
- Licensed Florida Realtor, specializing in luxury properties with Core Realty;
- Founder & Mentor of TRAVELONA, empowering others to build legacy businesses in travel;
- Advocate for women’s empowerment, independence, and entrepreneurship
- Fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian.
Ilona Nesterova’s biography is not just a record of her achievements — it is an invitation to dream bigger, work harder, and never settle for less than the life you deserve. From her roots in Ukraine to her flourishing life in Miami, she has proven that the path to success is built on courage, resilience, and a clear vision for the future.
Ilona Nesterova, PA
Luxury Real Estate Specialist
Core Realty – Sunny Isles Beach, Miami & South Florida
Address: Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Phone: 786-469-9235
E-mail: ilonarealty@gmail.com
www.ilonamiami.com
Instagram: @miamiluxinvest
