Iryna Konovalova — Official Participant of The Continental Pageants Europe® 2025

My name is Irina, and I am 57 years old. I have a degree in civil engineering. However, my professional journey has led me to the field of accounting, where I currently work and continually enhance my qualifications by attending specialised courses. I take pride in being the mother of two wonderful children who have become my pillar and source of inspiration.

At a certain point in life, everyone faces important decisions and responsibilities. Currently, caring for my elderly parents has become my main priority. It is not only a duty to those who gave me life but also an expression of gratitude for their hard work, love, and dedication that I have felt throughout my life.

Beyond physical help, my parents need emotional care. After all, elderly people often feel lonely or useless. And my primary goal is to restore their confidence and show them that they are important and loved.

Of course, there are difficult days when fatigue sets in. But in those moments, I remember how much strength and love they poured into me. Their support once helped me through tough times, and now I see it as my duty to be there for them.

I understand that this is a temporary yet very significant part of my life, and I am confident that these moments will become precious memories that I will cherish forever.

My life motto is to help where I can. Even small steps can make the world a slightly better place. For five consecutive years, I have participated in the volunteer project “Let’s Do It Together!” (“Teeme ära!”), which unites tens of thousands of people across Estonia. Together, we clean up urban areas to make our environment cleaner and cosier. This is not only a contribution to ecology but also an opportunity to feel the power of unity and teamwork.

Despite my family responsibilities, I make time for creativity. My personal mantra is: ‘Age is no barrier to dreams and new achievements!’ At 56, I took part in fashion shows for the first time, including VIP FASHION WEEK ESTONIA, PARIS FASHION WEEK, and BUDAPEST FASHION WEEK. I have also participated in several photoshoots for design projects and advertisements for the Estonian modelling agency Staarikool. I believe that the world of fashion and photoshoots teaches confidence and the ability to showcase one’s individuality.

After all, every woman, at any age, deserves to be seen and heard.  However, it is important to remember that true beauty cannot be measured by society’s imposed standards. True beauty begins from within – from harmony with oneself and acceptance of one’s abilities. My motivation and desire to share my experience with other women are especially strong when I see many women doubting themselves, comparing themselves to others, or fearing to be who they truly are. I tell them: Don’t be afraid; believe in yourself! Appearance is merely the outer shell, but real beauty lives within our souls. It is the soul that truly makes us beautiful. A woman’s soul is her uniqueness, her story.

It manifests in kindness, compassion, wisdom, and the ability to provide comfort even when things are difficult for herself. The soul creates the world around us, brings warmth to loved ones, and helps overcome any challenge.

Believe in yourself and your soul. This is our greatest resource – our inner light – and no one can dim it unless we allow them to. And always remember: You deserve the best simply because you are you!