If a book were written about your life, what genre would it be? Science fiction, fantasy, adventure, or romantic dramedy?
It would definitely be an adventure novel. I’m not afraid of new experiences—quite the opposite, they are a source of excitement and joy for me.
You’re 48. How has your life changed over the past few years, and who or what helped those changes?
I was born in the USSR, developed as a person in Ukraine, moved a lot, and now live with my husband and two teenage children in Spain. Those are some significant changes! My family is from a small town called Pyriatyn in the Poltava region. I’ve moved several times and lived in countries where winter lasts half the year, and the sun is a rare sight. Today, I live in Tenerife, where there’s sunshine, the ocean, and breathtaking nature year-round. There’s also a huge contrast in mentality and culture.
What helped these changes?
My determination and concrete, proactive steps. I am a self-made woman. In my childhood, seeing a woman behind the wheel was a rare occurrence, but I dreamed of driving. Right after school, I got my driver’s license and became the first in my family to drive. Another dream of mine was to travel the world freely, though the «Iron Curtain» made that impossible. I also wanted to live by the sea or the ocean, and the moment I found an opportunity, I moved to the Canary Islands. It was a big risk and complete uncertainty, but my life changed dramatically: I now live by the ocean, I’m remarried, and I run two businesses—a real estate agency in Tenerife and online coaching. I work with clients worldwide, and my children are grateful for the move and the opportunities it’s given them. I’m absolutely happy.
But I have more dreams. I want to travel the world, gain recognition, and use that recognition to help people. My goal is to become a Goodwill Ambassador and support children in difficult situations, as I’ve done before through charity marathons and volunteering as a psychologist for refugees. But my biggest dream is peace in Ukraine. My participation in the European National Globe competition is also aimed at drawing attention to the fact that Ukraine still needs support—the war, unfortunately, isn’t over yet.
What do you think beauty and beauty pageants can offer the world today?
I won a beauty pageant in Ukraine, and now, as «Mrs. Ukraine,» I’m representing my country at the European National Globe in the Classic category. Frankly, I don’t need to prove to anyone that I’m beautiful. But I’m excited to take part in a grand show, to meet other contestants from different countries. Each one of them is an interesting individual—they all have their own projects, businesses, families, children, and ambitions. It’s serious international networking, which opens up huge opportunities.
It’s important to note that any woman, regardless of her country, nationality, financial status, or social position, can participate in the pageant. There’s no requirement for a perfect figure or height. With a little effort, any woman can be beautiful at any age, discover new facets of herself, win the competition, and become well-known. It’s a gateway to new horizons and fantastic opportunities for all of us.
By the way, participating in the competition has been a catalyst for many changes I had been putting off. Just by entering, I’m already glad I made the decision. And my life continues to evolve; I’m thrilled with how quickly things are progressing.
What qualities does a woman of the 21st century embody, and what values are important to you?
Modern women are multifaceted. In the civilized world, women have long since stopped being mere service providers in families. Nowadays, cross-cultural families are common. For example, my husband is Dutch. In such families, it’s important to negotiate, to approach everyday issues with flexibility, and to support one another. My husband and I also support each other’s businesses, and we can switch roles—he can cook dinner or serve breakfast in bed, and I can do the same.
We live by shared values, respecting each other’s work, hobbies, and goals.
My core value is freedom, and I live in harmony with it. Health, beauty, innovation, speed, development, and independence are also important to me. I resonate with democratic values, and I’m a firm believer in freedom and growth.
What song best reflects your life?
It’s «Happy» by Pharrell Williams. I love dancing and working out to it. That song is me, my life, and my motto: *Happiness is a Choice.*
My Dreams
I know how to dream, and I love turning my dreams into reality. It’s my simple formula: I transform my dream into a goal, break that goal into actionable steps, create a detailed plan, and then take consistent action until I achieve what I desire. I see the goal, and I see no obstacles. This principle guides my life, and through my own example, I show others that anything is possible. This is why women come to me for coaching and mentorship.
My Tattoo
I have only one tattoo, and it carries my life’s mantra: *Happiness is a choice*. I got it to remind myself that happiness is a conscious decision, not a stroke of luck. It’s easier to fall into the victim mindset, but happiness requires courage, awareness, and effort.
My Coaching
Coaching, to me, is a mission. I help women who want to break free from routine, start their own businesses, move to another country, build a happy personal life, or develop self-confidence. Balancing all areas of life is essential for a true sense of happiness, and that’s what I work on with my clients.
My Business
I run a real estate business on the Canary Islands, where my company, *Elena PROperties*, collaborates with many investors and families to help them buy or sell property in Tenerife. Making someone’s dream of owning a home come true also brings them happiness. I do my best to reduce the stress involved in the process by using all my professional skills, knowledge, and network of valuable contacts.
My Rules
I create my own rules and push the boundaries of what’s possible. I consciously choose not to live by stereotypes, and I encourage other women to abandon perfectionism, which often stifles growth and progress. Life is far from perfect, but that’s precisely where its beauty lies.
My Pleasure
I am a goal-oriented, optimistic, and active person. I believe that achieving success can be done with joy and ease, not just through exhausting work—although hard work is indeed the foundation. This discovery changed my life many years ago, and now I teach others this very art: how to succeed with pleasure, pursue what you love, and choose yourself in the process.
My Choice
Living in Spain, particularly on the Canary Islands, has been the embodiment of harmony and joy for me. The warm climate, outdoor sports, and access to fresh fruits and vegetables year-round help me and my family lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Moving to Spain five years ago was a risky decision, but it has paid off in every way. It’s hard to imagine making a better choice.
So, One Thing I Know is this:
A happy life is a reality we create ourselves. Happiness doesn’t come by chance—it’s something we need to work on. My mission as a coach is to help people learn how to be happy, because happiness is a skill, just like any other. Change your mindset, take action, and choose happiness!
