“What can’t I do? I can do everything!” — this is the mindset that guides me through life.
I grew up in a large family where hard work and responsibility were the foundation of everything. As the eldest of six children, I learned early how to be a pillar for others. My father understood my nature well and knew that one profession would never be enough for me.
From a young age, my life was connected with creativity. Theatre school auditions, preparation for the conservatory, choir, orchestra, dance, and music — all of it existed side by side. Television often came to film stories about our family: my mother played the accordion, I sat at the piano, and our family choir and dance group performed together. Our parents were always our greatest example. My mother was a talented seamstress, yet I was fascinated by fur. I sewed my first tiny fur coat for a doll when I was sixteen.
Following my father’s advice, I became a teacher — and he was right. Teaching allowed my abilities to unfold in the fullest way. I have now spent 20 years in education. Even during maternity leave, I continued working. Once I was asked to temporarily replace a teacher in a small village where no one was available to teach the children. I agreed to go for two weeks — and ended up staying for five years. Within a week, I had already moved my piano there.
Alongside teaching, the fur business has always been part of my life. I have been working in this field for 38 years. Today I am a designer and creator of fur garments, and I know this craft deeply. I have always chosen my own path and never worked for anyone else. My studies at a German-Italian design school gave me strong professional confidence. Music still remains my personal way to clear my mind and restore balance.
Beauty pageants, for me, are a form of self-expression, discipline, and movement forward. In teaching I achieved the highest professional category; in sports I have earned gold medals. At first I expressed my creative ideas through my daughters, who walked the runway with me wearing my fur designs. My third daughter became Vice Miss Pskov, and we experienced that journey together. Later I decided it was my turn to step onto the stage. This led to participation in a pageant under the direction of Nikolai Korolev and later to the international title Grand Prix Grandma Planet. Today I proudly hold the title of Ambassador of the “Mrs. Pskov” pageant.
For me, pageants represent a powerful women’s community where beauty, dignity, and character meet. They give women the opportunity to reveal their strength and find a circle of like-minded people. Thanks to Alla Yuryevna Markina, every event becomes a true celebration that unites women across Russia.
My family remains my greatest support. My simple secret of happiness is this: if you want a mother to be happy, allow her to do what she loves. Her happiness will warm everyone around her.
In recent years, sport has become another important part of my life. For the past seven years I have been practicing jumping fitness, I am part of a national team, and I am preparing for upcoming All-Russian competitions.
As long as I keep moving, meeting talented people, and offering a helping hand to those who need it, I truly feel alive. And I know there are still many new heights ahead.
