My Journey to the Beauty Industry: Embracing Ageless Grace
My path to the beauty industry began later than most. At my age, many women already have a wealth of memories and experiences, while I am just now stepping onto the catwalk. But that’s only half the story.
The real journey began on my birthday, when a little girl was born to a loving family – an engineer and a teacher – and was named Jelena. I grew up surrounded by love and the rich traditions of a close-knit family. Genetics, as they say, play a huge role in shaping who we are. Fortunately, I inherited the best of both worlds. My father taught me to embrace my femininity, while my mother passed on her Eastern beauty and charm.
When I trace my family roots, I discover a legacy of aristocrats, or as some would say, «blue blood.» The women in our family were known for their stunning beauty and impeccable manners, traits passed down through our female lineage from generation to generation. My grandmother, a «steel lady,» instilled in me unshakable confidence and a commitment to personal growth.
Books were a constant presence in our home, and my love for reading came from my father. My mother, on the other hand, introduced me to the world of self-care at the age of 16. Thanks to them, I grew into what many describe as a balanced person, with both inner and outer beauty.
My mother, an icon of style and my eternal muse, has always taught me to embrace the concept of being «ageless.» Two lessons from her stand out vividly in my memory. On the day I gave birth, my mother brought me a makeup bag to the hospital, reminding me that a woman should always look her best. And on another occasion, when I woke up feeling ill and wanted to hide under the covers, she sternly said, «Get yourself together. Remember, men want to see a beautiful woman by their side.» This year, my mother turned 90, and she remains our family’s epitome of beauty and grace.
Everything I learned from the women in my family, I have passed down to my daughter, who is now passing it on to my granddaughter. Our female lineage is strong, and participating in beauty pageants gave me even more confidence and reaffirmed my feminine power. One day, my granddaughter quietly asked if she could try on my crown. As she admired herself, she whispered, «Grandma, I want to be like you. I want to be a Queen too.» And I know she will be —
just like the women in our family before her.
As Coco Chanel famously said, «At 20, nature gives you your face, at 30, life molds it, but at 50, you have to earn it.» I believe I’ve not only earned my beauty but also discovered a purpose: to show women 55+ that we can be more radiant than many younger women, but only if there is harmony between our body and soul.
The mission of the women in my family, our female lineage, has always been to carry beauty through the generations. I am proud to say we have done — and continue to do — this with dignity and grace.
Dreams should be wild and bold. Anything less is just a plan for tomorrow
Life Lessons for Success:
My Quest for Balance and Motivation
Life for me is like a quest. I live at a relentless pace – juggling family, business, and personal hobbies. Each of these requires me to conserve my energy and personal resources. So, what fuels me? What keeps me going, and how do I maximize my time to achieve success? I’d like to share with you a few of my personal motivational principles – because if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:
1. Never let someone waste your time twice. Your time and personal space are precious. Protect them fiercely and use them to propel yourself forward.
2. Work in silence, let your success speak. Keep your plans to yourself until they’re ready to be realized. Success sounds louder when it doesn’t need announcing.
3. Success is a series of small victories. Move toward your goals one step at a time. Don’t rush or push the clock; true success is built on persistence, not speed.
4. Believe in yourself a little more. You’re stronger than you think. Above all, be the heroine of your own life, not the victim. Take ownership of your journey.
5. Failure doesn’t overshadow success. It’s simply part of the process. Don’t fear mistakes—they’re the lessons that make you stronger. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.
6. Charm is a golden key. It can open any door. Learn to respond with grace, even to those who try to hurt you.
Many people believe that finding the right person is the most important thing in life. But few realize that finding yourself is even more essential. I found myself through creativity, and it’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by those who’ve achieved great things in life—those who, despite the odds, have made their dreams a reality.
