WOMANSTARWORLD

MARTA SAGA

I accept this opportunity with a strong sense of responsibility and dignity.

I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to be featured in your magazine and to share my story.

I truly feel for the woman who was originally meant to represent Russia but was unable to travel to the international pageant. I understand how important this journey was for her, and I hold deep respect for her title and her role.

That is why I accept this opportunity with a strong sense of responsibility and dignity. For me, it is important to step onto the stage not only on my own behalf, but also with respect for all the women who have walked this path before me.

I am very proud to become part of this strong community of queens, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to represent Russia on the international stage.

When you were asked to carry the Russian flag onto the world stage, what did you feel first: pride, pressure, gratitude, or something else entirely?

Honestly, the first thing I felt was shock. That day was very unusual and even a bit chaotic: we were at home, swimming in the pool, when suddenly my mother had a serious issue with her eye and had to be taken to the emergency room. I stayed home with the children, and at that exact moment, I received the message with the offer.

I was literally speechless. I asked for 2 days to think, because I needed time to process it.

But on a deeper level, it was more than just surprise. It felt like I was guided. I felt that this moment was meant to be.

At the same time, I felt the magnitude of it. Deep inside, I had always dreamed of a global stage, but when it becomes real, you understand the level of responsibility. My first thought was: “Will I be able to prepare in such a short time? Am I ready for this?”

For me, Russia is not just a country. It is my roots, my childhood, my family, my inner foundation. And of course, there was concern – especially considering everything happening in the world. It was very important for me to stay true to myself, not to be influenced by external pressures, and to maintain my inner integrity.

When I discussed this with the Mrs. Globe team their perspective deeply resonated with me – the idea of unity, of bringing people together rather than dividing them. That became a decisive moment for me.

There is also a very personal part of this story… a little over a year ago, my father passed away. I had been living in that state of loss for a long time, almost feeling stuck in it. And this invitation felt like it brought me back to life, back to my scale, my energy.

So in the end, it was everything at once: responsibility, excitement, gratitude. But above all, it was a deep feeling that I was meant to do this. And I accepted this role with pride.

You were not walking into a standard pageant path. How did that make this role different for you on a personal level?

I felt that I was here for a reason – because life brought me to this moment in its own way.

For me, it is a chance to show the woman behind it – my story, my strength, my growth, and also my vulnerability.

My path is different, but I think that is what makes it special. Sometimes life does not go according to plan, but still brings you exactly where you are meant to be.

Living in the USA and carrying your Russian roots with you, where do you feel those two worlds meet inside your character?

I feel that these 2 worlds meet very naturally inside me.

From Russia, I brought strong family values, deep respect for my roots, and the traditions I received from my family. I have been married to my husband for 16 years, we have 2 children, and Russian culture is still part of our home – through our language, our traditions, and even the food we cook. I can definitely say that I have a Russian soul.

And from America, I took courage and the belief that it is never too late to dream bigger. At 38, I am still reaching for big goals and allowing myself to go after dreams that once seemed impossible.

So for me, Russia is my depth and my roots. America is my courage and expansion.

What parts of your upbringing still shape the way you speak, choose, dream, and present yourself today?

I think my upbringing gave me a strong foundation. I was raised to respect family, to keep my word, and to never pretend to be someone I am not. Today, I carry that with me. I speak honestly, choose with my heart, and present myself as a woman who is both strong and real.

If someone met you outside the pageant world, what would surprise them most about who you really are?

I think people are often surprised by how real and simple I am. Over the years, I realized that I can be many things at the same time. I am a mother, a wife, but I am also a model, an influencer, a UGC content creator, a women’s coach, and now I am preparing to step into music as a singer.

I love life deeply. I love meeting new people!
What surprises people the most is how big my heart is and how much love I have for people. In today’s world, that can almost feel unexpected. But this is who I am.

What kind of woman do you hope people see when they look past the sash and title?

I hope people see a woman who is alive, honest, and deeply human. Not just a title, not just a beautiful dress, but a woman who has lived, loved, lost, grown, and still chooses to dream bigger. I want people to see my heart, my soul, my kindness, and my courage to be myself – not perfect, but real.

Was there a moment in your life when you had to represent yourself, your family, or your values with courage? Tell us about it.

Yes, I have had many moments like that in my life.

One of the biggest was moving to the United States. I had to start my life all over again. I worked as a cashier, waitress, slept on a mattress, and faced situations where I was not taken seriously because I didn’t speak English well. I remember a moment when we were not even put on a waiting list for housing and I had to stand up for myself and insist on fairness. That experience made me stronger.

Another very personal moment was losing my father. It was one of the hardest pains of my life. But I understood that I could not disappear in that pain forever. I knew I had to come back to life, to my purpose. I even went live for women for 30 days straight, sharing my experience and supporting others – it was part of my healing and my calling.

And becoming an influencer also a big step for me. When I started blogging and sharing my thoughts, people judged me. I had fear, doubts, and moments when I wanted to hide. Even now, starting music at 38, I know not everyone will understand it. But I choose myself, my values, my family, and my dreams. Every difficult moment taught me to stand stronger and trust who I am.

What does the word “homeland” mean to you now, after building life far from where you were born?

For me, homeland is not only a place on the map anymore. Even though I built my life far from Russia, Russia still lives inside me, in every part of my soul. It comes alive through my voice, my language, my family traditions, my memories, and my blood. I feel deeply connected to Russia – through my roots, my heritage, and my destiny.

And with a little smile, I can say: life is unpredictable, and none of us really knows where we will live tomorrow or which corner of the world will become home next.

This story began with an unexpected turn. Have unexpected turns in your life often opened doors that a perfect plan never could?

Yes, this is exactly how many important things happened to me. This is how I came to USA, how I became a singer, how I received one of my biggest brand deals, and how I ended up at New York Fashion Week.

Most of the biggest doors in my life did not open through a perfect plan. They opened through unexpected turns and moments when I simply felt: “I have to say yes.” So now, when life brings me something unexpected but powerful, I take it as a sign that I am on the right path.

Which trait in yourself became most visible only after you accepted this role?

I think my courage became the most visible. Not the kind of courage where you are not afraid, but the kind where you feel fear and still say yes.

After I accepted this role, that courage gave me a new level of energy and discipline. I made a promise to myself, became more focused on my body, my health, and my preparation. Since April 1st, I stopped eating sugar and carbs, and I don’t drink alcohol at all.

This role also pushed me to show up more. I have already led 5 women’s groups, working with deep personal transformations in purpose, money, health, and self-realization. I also started appearing more online for both English-speaking and Russian-speaking audiences.

So I would say this role showed me my courage, but also my discipline, my responsibility, and my ability to rise even when I feel fear.

What is one thing about Russian women that you wish the world understood more deeply?

I think the world often sees the beauty of Russian women first. There is even a funny trend now where girls from all over the world stop focusing so much on skin care and start eating mackerel, sprats, kholodets, and caviar, hoping to look like Russian women.

But the real secret is not in the fish or the caviar.

The real beauty of Russian women comes from that we can survive difficult times, carry responsibility, protect families, and keep going no matter what. But behind that strength, there is a lot of heart and soul. We feel deeply, love deeply, and when we believe in something, we give all of ourselves.

That is the beauty I wish the world understood more deeply.

Do you feel you are carrying only a flag, or also a certain mood, memory, culture, and feminine spirit onto that stage?

I feel that I am carrying much more than a flag.

I am carrying my roots, my heritage, my language, my memories, and the feminine spirit of Russian women: strong, deep, beautiful, and full of soul. For me, the flag carries history, family, culture, and the invisible connection to every woman who feels proud to be Russian.

What part of your life in America has strengthened you most as a woman?

America taught me to be brave, to speak up for myself, to dream bigger, and to take action even when I am afraid. It gave me freedom, confidence, and a new understanding that I can create myself again at any age.

What part of your Russian identity have you protected most carefully, no matter where life took you?

My passport. But seriously, it is my soul, my values, and my connection to family. No matter where I live, I stay very Russian inside – in the way I love and care.

Have you ever had to step into a place you did not expect to occupy, and how did that experience prepare you for this one?

Yes, I have had moments like that. I remember when I was offered to stay longer in New York and continue participating in Fashion Week, and I also had an opportunity to go to the Cannes Film Festival as a model. At that moment, I chose to go back to my family and said no.

Later, I saw the success of the girls who stayed: their billboards, their campaigns and I realized that I had missed something important. I regretted that decision.

But that experience taught me a lot. It showed me how important it is to trust opportunities when they come. Now I choose differently. When life opens a door like this, I don’t step back, I step in.

Beyond gowns and appearances, what do you think makes a woman unforgettable in an international arena?

One of my favorite quotes says: “To be elegant is not to stand out, but to be remembered.”

And I really believe that. Beyond gowns and appearances, a woman becomes unforgettable when she is truly herself. When she doesn’t try to copy anyone, compete with anyone, or prove that she deserves to be there.

Every woman on that stage is already worthy of being a queen. The most powerful thing she can do is be herself and then everything will unfold exactly as it is meant to.

What responsibility do you feel when you know people from your country will watch you and say, “She is walking there for us”?

For me, it is a great responsibility. I want people who watch me to feel proud and to say, “She is representing our country with dignity!!!”

From my heart, I promise to do everything I can and give my very best!!! And I truly ask for your support on this journey.

When this whole experience is over, what do you hope remains: in your memory, in the hearts of the audience, and in the story of Russia at Mrs. Globe?

When this experience is over, I hope people remember one thing: it is never too late to walk through your fear and follow your dream.

For me, Russia is my homeland that lives inside me. It comes alive in every cell of my soul – through my voice, my performance, and the way I carry myself on stage.

I also hope to unite women around the world, no matter their country, culture, language, or background.

Yes, we all have different territories, flags, and stories. But we all breathe the same air. We all live under one sky, under one moon – just like the title of my song.

And through my music, I want to remind people that we were not created to suffer. We were created to rise, to celebrate, to elevate, and to walk one path toward the light.

FIND ME HERE