- Let’s start with the basics: can you tell us your full name, your age, where you were born, and where you currently live?
Hi! My name is Yuliya Kalanzhova, I am 34. I was born in Kazakhstan, but originally, I am half Bulgarian and currently I`m living in Bulgaria.
2.Yuliya, how do you feel about representing Bulgaria at Miss Europe Continental?
Representing Bulgaria at Miss Europe Continental is definitely feeling very proud of, and of course if we are able to claim about our country even on the beauty contests – that`s a very good idea!
3. You’re both a mother and a very active woman in the fashion world. How do you balance these two roles?
I`m trying to have a balance in life general, because being a mother and at the same time an active woman require a lot of discipline, schedule, organization, strategic mind to think 5 steps ahead!
4. What inspired you to participate in Miss Europe Continental?
I have been always imagining myself at the stage when I was a kid. When I was a teenager, I attended the art class focused on national dances and music, the feeling of being on the stage was one of the best, like I am on my place! And now when you ask me what inspired me to participate -I would say that first reason is to make my child dream to come true, and the second – because I like that!
5. Fitness is part of your daily life. How important is it to you to stay fit, both physically and mentally?
Yes, fitness is the part of my life, I find it helpful not only for the physical better looking but also for feeling better mentally. I discovered after maybe one year of being consistent – that fitness helps to release stress and negativity, the mind is getting empty and you are ready for new interesting and positive beginnings, so since that time for several latest years it is very essential to me!
6. What are your greatest passions in life?
My greatest passion is Art, being the part of the Art – like participation in photoshoots, trying on different images; observing of the Art like vising of museums; looking like the Art in a form of dressing up and being feminine!
7. How do you experience the competition: more as a personal challenge or as a growth experience?
I look at the competition as a growth for myself. I do not find it as a challenge neither personal nor impersonal. But this is literally the growth, because any contest requires to be brave enough to claim about yourself, to be confident enough to participate, to be prepared enough for such a fascinating moment!
8. What is the most important lesson you would like to pass on to your child through your example?
The most important lesson or even advice I would give to my child through my example is “Always believe in yourself, follow your dreams and reach your goals”.
9. In a world where perfection is often idealized, what message do you want to convey to other women?
In a world where perfection is often idealized, my message to the other women is “just stay unique, the trends are cycles, work on your mind, support your mental and physical health, and just stick to your own ideas and beliefs”!
10. And finally, what does being a “strong woman” mean to you?
“Being a strong woman” in my perspective means to be courageous – to set your boundaries when it is needed, to make an action when situation forces you, to be responsible for what you are doing in life, to be fair, and of course – to help others, to inspire, to motivate so people wished to change their life based on your example! But, at the other hand still to remain a woman – soft, feminine, charm and kind!
