Iryna, how did your journey with beauty pageants begin? What inspired you?
It all started quite unexpectedly. One day, a representative of the Ukrainian diaspora in Miami reached out to me and invited me to represent Florida in the Ms. America WI pageant. Honestly, it felt surreal. In my youth, I competed in many beauty pageants in Ukraine — I even represented my country internationally.
But that was a different time, a different version of me. At the time of this invitation, I was 35, married, a mother to a grown son, not in my best shape — beauty pageants felt like a closed chapter in my life.
At one point, I even thought it might be a scam! Still, I told my husband about it. He’s a successful American businessman, 99% Italian, with a passionate heart, and quite jealous. I was certain he’d say “no,” which would be the story’s end. But to my surprise, he said, “Of course we’re doing this!”
That moment changed everything. There was no turning back. There is no room for doubt. There is no space for fear. My husband believed in me — I had to believe in myself, too.
Later, he admitted he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea. But he also knew I’d never forgive him if he didn’t support me. And for that, I am truly grateful.
What were the main challenges on your way to the “Mrs. World” title?
The greatest challenge was working with myself — and especially with my mindset. In our post-Soviet mentality, there’s still this idea that a woman over 30 is somehow no longer “young.” But in the U.S., that idea doesn’t exist! Here, women in their 60s live full lives, get married, start new careers, and shine brightly.
Even though I thought of myself as confident, young at heart, and beautiful, I still believed beauty pageants were behind me. And that was something I had to reframe completely. I had to remind myself that I was at my prime, could do anything, and deserved it.
Another big challenge was building a team — in a country that was still so new to me. At the time, I had only been living in the U.S. for three years. But I was incredibly fortunate to meet some talented and inspiring Ukrainians here who supported me fully.
Thanks to them, I rose from Mrs. Florida to Mrs. America to finally win Mrs. World International. I’m endlessly grateful to my team. This victory is not mine alone. It’s a shared achievement. And I truly believe that success is always about the people beside you.
There’s one more moment I’ll never forget. The final round of the competition came down to just two contestants — myself and the representative from Russia. And I won. That moment was deeply symbolic. Once again, it was clear: victory belongs to Ukraine.
What does this victory mean to you — personally and as a representative of Ukraine?
This victory is a deep personal honor and a moment of immense pride. It results from years of growth, hard work, resilience, and self-belief. It’s more than a title for me — it symbolizes everything I’ve overcome and the woman I’ve become.
But even more than that, it’s a victory for Ukraine. In a time when our nation is facing incredible challenges, standing on an international stage and representing Ukrainian women is powerful. It’s a way to show the world that Ukrainian women are strong, intelligent, graceful, and dignified. It’s another reminder that our spirit is unbreakable — and that Ukraine continues to win in resilience and courage, beauty, culture, and excellence.
With my story, I want to inspire other women. To show them that they can do anything. And they don’t need to be perfect to do it — because none of us are. And that’s the beauty of it! Every one of us is unique, with her strengths and traits. The secret is learning to embrace them — and let them lead you forward.
What did winning the pageant give you?
Winning the pageant gave me far more than just a crown and a title. It was proof that dreams do come true if you believe in yourself and commit to growth. This victory opened doors to new opportunities and amazing people and gave me a powerful platform to represent women who strive for evolution, strength, and balance.
Being the wife of a successful millionaire isn’t always easy—it means constantly growing, evolving, keeping things exciting, and holding your own. After my win, I saw how proud my husband was of me. After just the first day of the competition, he told me, “Thank God I’m in your team.” He saw the confidence, drive, and energy I brought to the stage with my team. He was beaming with pride!
And as a mother, there’s nothing more meaningful than seeing that pride in your child’s eyes. My adult son was by my side every single day of the pageant. He supported me, helped me, and believed in me. Imagine how a son must feel, seeing his mother crowned Mrs. World International. That kind of pride — that moment — is worth every challenge and effort I faced along the way.
But the most valuable part of this journey wasn’t the crown. It was the path that led me to it — the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the transformation I went through. I became a new version of myself: more confident, grounded, and radiant. I can literally see the difference in my photos from before and after — not just in appearance but in energy. The confidence, self-worth, and inner strength are now part of who I am.
The crown became more than a symbol—it became a tool. My hands have grown stronger because now I can help more people. My voice has become louder, and I’m heard not only on stage but also in social projects, charity work, and public speaking. People listen, which means I carry a responsibility with every word I say. This win gave me the platform to speak up, inspire, and lead.
Most importantly, I realized true beauty isn’t just about how you look. It’s about who you are, how you carry yourself, and the energy you bring into the world. It’s about wisdom, action, and harmony.
You live in Miami. How did you manage to blend the American lifestyle with your Ukrainian identity?
Living in Miami has been an extraordinary journey that has allowed me to embrace the best of two worlds — the boundless opportunities, energy, and freedom of the American spirit and the rich traditions, strength, and heartfelt resilience of my Ukrainian heritage.
I came to the United States, and this country gave me the space and support to make real what I couldn’t even dream of. Here, I’ve found a home and a community that welcomed, encouraged, and empowered me to grow. I’m endlessly grateful to America for the chance to build a life filled with purpose, love, and new beginnings. Becoming a U.S. citizen was not just a legal step but a moment of profound pride and appreciation.
At the same time, I have never let go of my Ukrainian identity. I continue to honor our traditions, celebrate our holidays, speak our language at home, and support the Ukrainian community here. My culture is a deep part of who I am, and I carry it with pride wherever I go.
But for me, being Ukrainian and being American are not in conflict—they complement each other. Ukraine gave me my roots, and America gave me wings. Today, I live as a proud blend of both—a Ukrainian soul and an American heart.
Do you feel the support of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States?
Absolutely. I feel a deep and heartfelt support from the Ukrainian diaspora here in the United States. In fact, they became my team, my partners, and my friends throughout my journey to the crown. This is an extraordinary community of strong, conscious, and united individuals who carry their heritage with pride and never forget where they come from.
With every meeting, every message, every kind word of encouragement, I feel the warmth and strength of our shared identity. That unity fuels me. It inspires me to work harder, speak louder, and represent our culture and values with dignity and pride.
The Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S. is a beautiful example of how distance cannot weaken identity. On the contrary — it strengthens our spirit. Their support has been one of the most powerful sources of motivation and pride for me on this path.
In your opinion, what can Ukrainian women bring to the world in the sphere of beauty and female leadership?
My victory at the international pageant once again proved what I’ve always believed — Ukrainian women are among the most beautiful in the world. But our true power lies beyond appearances. We carry a unique blend of strength, elegance, intelligence, and resilience.
In the realm of beauty, Ukrainian women show the world that true attractiveness is not just about how you look — it’s about depth, values, culture, and kindness. Beauty is a reflection of the soul, and we shine from within.
When it comes to female leadership, Ukrainian women are redefining what it means to lead. We lead with heart. Our leadership is rooted in empathy, courage, and an unshakable spirit. We know how to be determined and com- passionate at the same time.
We don’t just inspire — we take action. We turn challenges into opportunities, pain into power, and dreams into results. And with that spirit, we have the potential not only to transform our own lives, but to impact the world around us in meaningful ways.
After your victory, you became a coach for women who dream of the stage. What inspired you to take that path?
After winning, I felt a deep calling to give back and continue my royal path. I realized that my story, my journey, and my transformation could become a source of strength for other women. I know firsthand the doubts, fears, and invisible walls women face — not just in beauty pageants, but in life.
Every time a woman comes to me, I see a version of my past self. I see a spark with the potential to shine on the biggest stages. Some question whether victory is even possible for them. Others just need me to believe in them, help and support — so they can shine brighter than any star. That’s why I’m here: to support, to guide, and to help each woman step into her unique brilliance.
I wanted to be the voice of encouragement, the safe space, the spark of belief. I don’t just teach pageant strat- egies — I help women see their worth, step into their light, and celebrate their uniqueness. Every time one of my queens steps on stage, it’s like I’m right there with her. Her victory becomes mine too — we live those moments together.
What touches me most is watching how these women transform — not just on the outside, but from within. Their energy shifts, their confidence rises, their posture changes. They begin to shine, not only in a gown, but in everyday life. That’s my art. That’s my joy. That’s what makes me proud.
I’m on a mission to break the last remaining stereotypes that limit women by age. Ageism has no place in the modern world. Beauty, power, and purpose do not expire. A woman is radiant whenever she chooses to be — and I’m here to help her remember that.
What are the main themes you cover in your mentorship program?
First and foremost, I want every woman to know that she is beautiful — regardless of her age, height, weight, or any other external trait. True beauty lies in how a woman carries herself: in her posture, her presence, her voice, what she says, what clothes, makeup and hairstyles she chooses, how she moves. My goal is to help women discover and present the very best version of themselves — the one that’s already within them.
In my mentorship program, I focus not just on outward transformation but on building true inner strength. The core themes include:
- building confidence and self-worth;
- mastering self-presentation;
- stage and camera presence;
- emotional intelligence;
- feminine leadership;
- personal goal-setting and vision planning.
Another key element is learning how to balance beauty, family, career, and ambition without losing yourself in the process. I don’t just prepare women for the runway — I help them unlock their full potential and become the version of themselves they and their loved ones can be deeply proud of.
What’s the difference between internal and external preparation — and which is more important?
External preparation is what the world sees first: your walk, your posture, your style, your makeup, how you carry yourself on stage. It’s important — it creates the first impression and enhances your presence.
Inner preparation is the foundation of it all. It’s about self-belief, clarity of values, emotional resilience, motivation, and purpose. That’s what gives a woman her glow, her power, her authenticity. Without inner strength, even the most flawless appearance can feel empty. People don’t just see you — they feel you.
Internal preparation allows you not only to step onto the stage, but to stay centered, handle pressure, and own both your victories and your challenges with grace, conquer the jury of the pageant and the audience.
That said, we absolutely invest time in external transformation as well! I have so many effective tools and secrets that can elevate any woman’s appearance — often to a level where even she is surprised by her own reflection. When the inner and outer align, that’s when a true queen is born.
You work with women from different countries. In your opinion, what qualities unite strong women regardless of nationality?
Working with women from across the globe — I’ve come to realize something deeply powerful: true feminine strength transcends borders. Culture, language, and background may differ, but the essence of a strong woman is universal.
What unites strong women everywhere is their resilience — the ability to rise after falling, to rebuild themselves with grace, and to keep believing even when no one else does. These women are committed to growth, to leading with compassion, and to creating impact not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities, and the world.
They embody empathy, emotional intelligence, and courage. They know how to be soft and powerful at the same time — to nurture and to lead, to support others without losing themselves in the process.
And above all, they radiate love. Love for themselves, for others, and for life. That inner light — the heart-led strength — is what connects powerful women across every nation. It’s what makes them not just beautiful, but unforgettable.
Do you ever feel like everything is in vain? What do you tell your students during those moments?
Yes, absolutely — there are moments when it feels like everything is falling apart, when the doubts are louder than your dreams. And that’s okay. It’s part of the journey.
During pageant prep, I often see my queens cry. They feel overwhelmed, exhausted, pushed far outside their comfort zone — and then I ask them to do even more, to go even further. At that moment, it feels impossible to them. But they take that step, they push through — and then, something beautiful happens: they rise, they transform, they shine, and they win.
I always tell my queens: allow yourself to feel. Cry if you need to, rest if you must — but don’t stop. Remind yourself why you started. Look at how far you’ve come. Even the tiniest step forward is more powerful than standing still. And always remember: it’s darkest just before the dawn. You are stronger than you think.
I’ve had those moments too — when everything seemed lost and success felt out of reach. But I made a choice to keep going, to start again if needed, and to believe that failure is just part of the process. When you keep showing up, keep working, keep growing — success becomes inevitable.
And I want every woman reading this to hear me: you will succeed. Not because it’s easy, but because you are powerful, determined, and worthy of everything you dream of. Just keep going.
Which of your students’ success stories touched you the most?
Every one of my queen has a story that inspires me, but there’s one that moved me to tears — and I’ll carry it in my heart forever.
She was a beautiful woman on the outside, but full of fear and doubt on the inside. She didn’t believe she belonged on a stage — not because she wasn’t worthy, but because life had taught her to shrink herself. She walked into our first session almost apologetically, as if her presence needed permission. But I saw in her something powerful — a quiet light just waiting to shine.
We worked not only on her walk, pose, and stage presence, but on rebuilding her confidence, her voice, her belief in her own value. And then came the day she walked on stage — tall, radiant, eyes glowing with newfound self-worth — and in that moment, I knew she had already won.
She beat the loudest voice that holds so many women back:
“I’m not enough.”
Her transformation wasn’t just physical — it was spiritual, emotional, personal. And even before she received a title, she had already claimed something more important: her power.
That’s why I do what I do. Because for me, this isn’t just about pageants — it’s about helping women come home to themselves, and shine brighter than they ever believed possible.
How do you see the modern mission of beauty pageants?
Modern beauty pageants are no longer just about physical appearance. Their true mission today is to give women a voice — a powerful platform for self-expression, social impact, and personal growth. It’s a space where women can share their stories, raise awareness on important topics, and inspire others through their strength, intelligence, and authenticity.
Pageants today gather incredible women from all over the world — strong, driven, compassionate, and unique. It’s an amazing opportunity for meaningful networking, deep connection, and genuine sisterhood. Women don’t compete here — they collaborate, uplift, and empower each other.
These contests prove that beauty has no age, no single shape, no fixed size. A woman can be radiant at any stage of life — when she knows who she is, believes in her worth, and shares that light with the world.
Because true beauty is a reflection of inner strength, confidence, and purpose — and that’s what truly makes a woman unforgettable.
Do you plan to create your own educational platform or school for women?
I believe it already exists — at least in its first form! Through my social media, I inspire women every single day, share my personal stories and secrets of success, and create a space for open conversations and growth. That’s already a learning platform in itself.
I also work one-on-one with women as a coach and mentor, helping them unlock their potential, find their confidence, and move toward their goals.
In addition, I occasionally co-host training programs in partnership with the Influencer Academy — where we teach how to build a strong personal brand, grow and monetize your social media, and use online platforms in a meaningful and empowering way.
Today, social media can be an incredible tool for self-development and transformation — if you know how to use it right. And I’m here to help women do exactly that — step into their power and shine, both online and in real life.
What are your dreams beyond the runway and the cameras?
My dreams go far beyond the runway and the spotlight. And I’m grateful to say — I see a beautiful pattern: many of my dreams are coming true, one by one.
I dream of creating projects that truly change lives — educational, philanthropic, and cultural initiatives that empower women around the world. I want to build platforms where women can discover their strength, embrace their uniqueness, and feel supported and inspired. For me, it’s about more than visibility — it’s about impact. I want to use my voice and my experience to stand up for those who feel unheard, and to create something lasting, something real and meaningful.
One of my deepest values is family. I’m incredibly proud of mine. Today, I see how difficult it is for many people to build healthy, loving relationships. For many years in Ukraine, I ran a matchmaking agency — it’s actually how I met my husband! Through our work, we helped countless people find love and build strong families.
Due to the war, we had to pause that work, but I dream of relaunching it in a new format. The world needs more love — not just romantic love, but connection, mutual respect, care, and true partnership. That’s a mission I hold close to my heart: to help people not only meet the right person, but build a relationship that lasts and fulfills them both.
BLITZ
The most important value in life?
My people and my family.
Your morning ritual?
I love starting my mornings slowly, savoring every moment. I always call my mom in Ukraine and my friend in Washington. I enjoy having breakfast at home. One thing that never changes — a whole avocado is a must on my plate, while the rest of the breakfast may vary. And coffee with almond milk.
What Ukrainian dish tastes like home to you?
My dad’s cabbage rolls and my mom’s cherry or plum pies
What would you tell yourself 10 years ago?
I would love to go back and see myself during one of the hardest times of my life — going through my first divorce. I was alone with my son, without a job, without money, without support… It was terrifying and heartbreaking.
I would tell that woman:
“This pain is temporary. It’s not the end of your story — it’s the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. Don’t let fear or heartbreak stop you. Keep moving, no matter how slow. One day you’ll be loved, valued, and successful. You’ll build a life full of meaning, joy, and strength. Everything you dream of is still ahead — and it’s you who’ll create it. Just believe. You’ve got this.”
Your message to Ukrainian women around the world
To all Ukrainian women around the world: you are powerful, unique, and beautiful — not just on the outside, but in your heart, your soul, and your actions. These are difficult times for all of us. Many have lost their homes, their loved ones, their sense of stability. But your life is still yours — and it’s worth living fully and joyfully.
Live for yourself. For those you love. For those we’ve lost.
And remember — the darkest hour always comes before the dawn.
You are stronger than you think. You can still start over.
Imagine you’re 80 years old… what would you tell your 30, 40, or 50-year-old self? Probably something like:
“There’s still so much ahead. Don’t be afraid. You can do this.”
So let me say this to you now: Believe in yourself. Take action. Keep dreaming. Build a life you truly love.
Wherever you are — in Europe, America, Asia — carry the light of Ukraine with you.
We are women of dignity, wisdom, and strength.
Support each other. Unite. Walk your path with courage and grace.
Together, we are unstoppable.
And I believe in you — each and every one of you.
Miami, Florida
