Kristiyana Yordanova: Empowering Women, Redefining Strength

From Philanthropy to Pageantry, a Story of Transformation

Kristiyana Yordanova is a woman of dynamic interests, combining a passion for empowering others with a keen sense of style and grace. As an aspiring psychologist and philanthropist, Kristiyana’s power lies in her dedication to uplifting women and youth through education, support, and advocacy. Her international foundation, Woman Squared, is a platform where she delivers impactful lectures and provides educational tools to address destructive relationships, low self-esteem, and the critical importance of boundary setting.

Kristiyana’s mission is clear: to spread awareness of toxic relationships and inspire others to find strength in self-worth. Her book, Forbidden Words, serves as a beacon of hope for young women experiencing difficult relationships, shedding light on the importance of walking away and never looking back. Through her foundation and her writing, she has become a voice for change, encouraging a new generation of women to take control of their lives and embrace their power.

Yet Kristiyana’s talents don’t end with philanthropy. Her journey into the world of fashion and pageantry began just three years ago, but her rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After attending the prestigious Coco Rocha Model Camp in New York, she laid the foundation for a modeling career that would soon soar. This passion led her to compete in pageants, starting with Miss World British Columbia and Miss World Canada.

Returning to her homeland of Bulgaria, Kristiyana took on the challenge of Miss World Bulgaria 2022, where her hard work and dedication paid off as she won the title. Now, in 2024, she’s set to represent Bulgaria at Miss International in Japan this October, proudly showcasing her roots and her journey of transformation.

Kristiyana often reflects on the transformation she’s undergone in the past three years, noting that stepping out of her comfort zone, working on herself, and setting clear goals have been key to her success. Her approach to life mirrors her approach to fashion: bold, intentional, and full of purpose. She believes in the power of creating your own path and embracing the challenges along the way.

One of her guiding philosophies is encapsulated in a quote by Peter Marshall: “When we long for life without difficulties we must remind ourselves that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are built under pressure.” For Kristiyana, this quote symbolizes the inner strength we all possess. “This quote reminds me that no matter the circumstances, we must always carry on to create our visions and achieve our dreams. We all have it within us to strive for greatness, we just have to listen to our hearts and find our purpose,” she explains.

With her striking beauty and profound wisdom, Kristiyana Yordanova is a young woman on a mission. Her unique blend of fashion, philanthropy, and psychology makes her an inspiring figure for women everywhere. As she prepares to step onto the international stage at Miss International, she carries with her not only the pride of her Bulgarian heritage but also a message of hope, resilience, and empowerment. In a world where fashion and purpose can often seem at odds, Kristiyana effortlessly blends the two, showing that true beauty comes from within, and that strength, grace, and ambition are the ultimate fashion statements.

This article is part of Grazia Philippines’ special issue, celebrating women of influence in the world of fashion and beyond.