Ilona Novikova: "The path to yourself begins with a decision"

Today, Ilona Novikovа is flourishing on the pages of BOMOND VIP fashion. Mrs. 1st Runner Up European Nations Petite 2025, Voice & Soul Artist, a lady who confidently combines the competitive scene and music, creating her own trajectory between strength, creativity and inner discipline. This conversation is about support and light, about the backstage and faith, about the ability to be yourself and the creativity created by the heart. "For me, the crown is a symbol of the fact that everything is possible," says Mrs. Ilona. This interview is about a woman who bravely works with her abilities, who confidently walks on the podium of life, does not adapt to standards and allows feelings, title and creativity to shine brightly at the same height.

Ms. Ilona, I am very happy with our interview today. On behalf of the editorial staff of BOMOND VIP magazine, I sincerely congratulate you once again on obtaining such a wonderful title of Mrs. European Nations Petit 2025. You came on stage not just as a contestant ... but as a woman who already knows the price of light. Tell me, please, what was behind the scenes of this story?

For me, it all started with a friend who also participated in this competition. I helped her prepare for Mrs. European Nations – and I was fascinated by it. I was inspired by the excitement with which she prepared, how sincerely she burned with this process. Then I talked to her and Iryna Zhemchugova, my director and winner of the 2024 competition, and after this conversation I decided to try.

At first, I perceived the participation simply as something new, interesting. But day after day I began to change - externally and internally. I didn't expect the contest to affect me so much. It was difficult, because it was my first experience, and I didn't know what exactly was waiting for me. But there were always girls around who helped, supported, advised - from choosing dresses to psychological training. And this support was invaluable.

Victory is always the moment when time, as in a fairy tale, stops. However, the feelings that are born in silence after loud applause remain unchanged. What is the meaning of the crown for you personally? What is the portrait of the queen of modernity in your eyes?

For me, the crown is not just a decoration, it is a symbol that everything is possible. It's proof that I can - regardless of height, age or any standards.

I'm short, and I was once told that I “have no place” on the podium. But this contest showed that there is room for every woman. For me, the true queen of our time is a strong woman who knows what she wants, but at the same time remains kind, wise, compassionate. She does not judge, does not compete, does not strive to be better than others - she just shines and inspires.

In 2025, you wrote your own song, without a producer, without such usual support for creativity in a sustainable sense. It looks like an act of inner freedom. What was this experience for you? Introduce us to this facet of your creativity.

I started writing songs after a very interesting and deep stage in my life. The first was "Fiery Wings" - a song about the strength of a woman, about the fact that you need to go to your goal, no matter what. It's about the fact that even when it's hard, you can still spread your wings.

After her was born "Rise from the Ashes" - a story about invincibility and inner rebirth. That even if it seems as if everything is burned or destroyed, your light does not disappear anywhere - it is just waiting for the moment to shine again. The idea for the third song Rise of a Queen was born in preparation for the contest. The song is dedicated to all women and queens - even those who have never appeared on stage. Her message is that each of us already has a light inside, it's just that sometimes it needs to be lit.

I wrote and recorded it in just a week — it's a record for me, because it usually takes months to create a song. But this story was born easily, sincerely, with an open heart. I want women, listening to it, to find themselves in words, because it is written from real feelings - mine and those that other girls shared with me.

The beauty contest and the recording studio are different planets. But you move between them as if it were one orbit. What is the philosophy of art in your performance? What definition of art would you give?

Throughout my life, I combine what at first glance seems incompatible. This can be traced in my education, in my professional experience, and even in my creativity. For me, art is an opportunity to share something very personal, but through music or beauty. It is a manifestation of inner freedom, when things that are difficult to express in words can be conveyed through melody, movement or emotion.

Art is the language of the soul, my way of speaking to the world. It is through him that I feel harmony, gratitude and true self.

I would like you and I to imagine today that every woman on the planet will hear your speech. What words would you like to leave?

My speech is about believing in myself.

I want every woman on this planet to remember: she is enough. She already has everything to be happy, fulfilled and strong. Don't be afraid to manifest yourself. Don't be afraid to be different. Don't be afraid to be yourself.

Each of us is light. Sometimes it fades from fear, doubts or other people's words, but it never goes out. Just let yourself shine.

Remember: the path to yourself begins with a decision. From the moment you say yes to your dream. That's when the universe starts working with you.

We are all different in age, height, stories, but every woman has her own crown. You don't have to win it, you have to accept it.

So go boldly. Believe in yourself. Love yourself. And let the world see the miracle that you already are.

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