Antonia Varbanova
Antonia Varbanova is an optimist and a perpetual learner.
She tells us that, “I am a coffee lover. I believe that change is possible at any time and at any age. Change is the reason I am so many things. I am a lawyer. I am an artist. I am a life coach. I am a mother. I am a wife. I am an expatriate.
My purpose is to help others reignite their zest for life and find purpose. I work with midlifers to help them build the life they want to have, not the one they got.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up behind the Iron Curtain in a communist country. It was safe but restrictive, offering limited opportunities for development and exploration. We weren’t allowed to travel and didn’t have access to different cultures.
I am a creative person; art has always been an integral part of my life. As a child, I aspired to become a toy designer. Simultaneously, I held a deep fascination for human behavior and the workings of the mind. In 2010, I started a handmade arts business where I crafted custom wire art. However, in 2021, I transitioned to pursuing my other passion and became a life coach. My family had a significant influence on me as I grew up. Both my great-grandmother and grandmother taught me resilience and the importance of living by one’s own values. I’d like to share something I wrote for the women in my life. Although I intended to share it with my grandmother, I hadn’t published it before her passing. Hence, you will be the first to read it. My hope is that it inspires you and contributes to your strength.
“Dedicated to the strong women in my family who shaped me: As children, we seldom consider how those around us influence who we become. It’s only when we become parents and witness our kids mirroring not just our strengths but also our flaws that we recognize the significant impact of those around us on our identity. This influence doesn’t cease with physical growth. The onset of COVID provided me with the time to revisit my roots. Now, I often find myself reflecting on my childhood, contemplating, revisiting, and reassessing past events. Time and again, I perceive a mirrored reflection of my great-grandmother, grandmothers, mother, and sister within me. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I began pondering what shaped them. They are individuals of strength and resilience. They’ve weathered challenging times and emerged each time a bit stronger and wiser. Like them, I’ve faced suffering, pain, and self-doubt. Yet, none of them surrendered to self-pity, or depression, or played the victim’s role. Each time, they progressed with hope for brighter days ahead. From them, I’ve gleaned a few valuable lessons: Life rarely follows your plans. Despite the surrounding circumstances, give your best with what you have. No one owes you anything. Avoid comparing yourself to others; it only brings in negative feelings.
If you work hard and stay focused, you can achieve your dreams.
Live by your principles; a person’s worth lies in their self-respect and the respect of their loved ones.
Be true to yourself; don’t change to meet others’ expectations.
Embrace modesty.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
My current business began during the first COVID lockdown. My family and close friends were struggling with the uncertainties ahead. Some faced high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. That’s when I delved into motivational reading and wellness. While exploring these areas, I discovered the role of a life coach, and I felt it was the missing piece for me. I wanted to help individuals in reconstructing their lives, finding purpose, and achieving personal contentment. So, I returned to school and became a certified transformational life coach. My focus is on midlife clients seeking purposeful living. I assist them in aligning their values with their lives. Some make small adjustments, while others transition careers or change their lifestyle. I accompany them every step of the way, serving as their support system and partner in their journey. Alongside life coaching, I offer supplementary resources such as job interview skills and confidence-building exercises to support my clients when needed.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
My career in life coaching began due to the impact of COVID. The pandemic brought about immense difficulty and hardship for nearly everyone. On a personal level, it was an incredibly challenging period for me. My family resides in Asia, while our extended families are in Europe. Throughout COVID, travel restrictions meant we couldn’t visit them for over two years. During this time, I tragically lost my grandmother, and I couldn’t return home to bid her farewell. She was my inspiration, encouraging me to live unapologetically and pursue my dreams. Professionally, COVID turned out to be a hidden blessing. The pandemic forced the closure of my art business. However, this compelled me to slow down and introspect. I reignited my passion for understanding human behavior, which guided me to my present career. Reconnecting with my core values, I unearthed my newfound purpose. So, who truly knows what is good or bad? This notion evokes the story of the runaway horse. You can read it here: https://leaderkind.com/who-knows-what-is-good-and-what-is-bad-taoist-parable/
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
The response I receive is nothing but appreciation for the work I do. Every time I engage with someone in their midlife, I encounter a consistent message. Individuals express feelings lost in this new phase of life. Many desire change but struggle with where to begin and how to initiate it. When they work with me, they have someone who is on their side and fully supports them. My sense of accomplishment arises when I witness yet another life pivot towards growth and positivity.
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
Oh, that’s an excellent question. If you had met me five years ago, you would have encountered a very different version of myself. My journey in life coaching has been transformational, not just for my clients but for me as well. As an introvert, I used to feel uncomfortable even speaking to a small group of five people. However, in the past couple of years, I’ve evolved into a public speaker. I had to discover my voice to connect with my community. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to meet diverse individuals and build incredible relationships with people from all walks of life. My clients are spread across five continents. Interacting with them enriches me and contributes significantly to my personal growth.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
My biggest support comes from my family. Despite having three kids and a husband with a demanding job, they’ve provided me with the space to pursue my new career and chase my dreams. Additionally, I draw strength and support from my faith.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
I’d love to share one of the last things my grandmother told me before she passed away with the women reading this message. Her life wasn’t easy, but she lived it according to her principles.
In one of our final conversations, when my grandmother, aged 93, and I discussed regrets, I asked if she had any. After a moment of reflection, she said, ‘Regrets? No. I wish some things in my life had happened differently. Yet, if I have to consider something as a regret, it would be the times I hesitated to act based on what people might say or to avoid upsetting someone. Live YOUR life! Do what is important to you. Chase your dreams. So, when you reach the end of your life, you won’t have to say, “I wish I had done something.” Standing at the end of my life, I can assure you that people’s opinions don’t matter. People will judge you, and then they will forget what you did anyway. Live true to yourself. That’s what matters.’
Get in touch with her.
https://connectingfragments.com/ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/connecting-fragments/ , https://www.instagram.com/connecting.fragments/