About Me
This may feel personal—because it is. Every step of my journey has shaped the way I coach, ensuring you’ll never have to start over again.
How It Started
My journey to fitness and wellbeing didn’t start with a love for the gym—it began with a desire to take control of my life and find lasting joy.
I wasn’t always fit, lean, or strong. That was far from my reality for most of my life. I grew up as the fat kid, the chubby teenager, and the well-rounded adult. I’ve also experienced being skinny-fat, fragile, and weak during different periods of my life.
At 48, I had a wake-up call: my 70s would depend on my 50s, and it was time to take control. I wanted my approach to be systematic, sustainable, reasonable, and please let it be fun.
The First 20
At 20, I moved to Sofia, Bulgaria, with just two bags of clothes and earned a Master’s in Public Relations four years later. I loved my job—it brought me friends, travel, challenges, and victories. But after two decades, I realised I was stuck in a cycle, doing the same thing over and over, and despite how good I was at my job, the joy was gone. Seeking purpose, I returned to my roots: food.
The Next 10
Coming from a family that cherished food, I grew up tending gardens, orchards, and livestock. My grandparents taught me to cook. Inspired by this, I experimented in the kitchen and even started a cooking blog. In 2016, I opened Daro Bistro, transforming a run-down food shop into one of Sofia’s top-rated brunch spots. Cooking there deepened my understanding of food and sparked my interest in nutrition.
Learning Life Through Experience
One cold December night, the fella on the picture followed me home—and stayed. Taking responsibility for him led me to become a certified dog trainer, deepening my understanding of his needs and behavior. He also became my reason to walk daily, turning morning walks into my favorite cardio and a time for reflection.
With cardio covered, strength training was the next step. Tired of generic programs, I sought a science-based approach and a mentor who understood me. Instead of just following instructions, I wanted to learn the why behind every movement. With time I realised fitness doesn’t require living in the gym. Even now, three short sessions a week are enough to stay strong while enjoying life.
Somewhere along that road, I found out that I have what it takes to help other people become fit.
I knew that I have the empathy and the approach to help them achieve their best.
Want to learn more about my journey? Head to the knowledge section, where you'll also find valuable insights on nutrition, motivation, and reaching your fitness goals.
From Passion to Purpose
My biggest revelation was shifting my mindset and approach to life full of joy.
I used to chase the end result—suffering through 90-day diets or six months of training, believing I’d emerge as a new person. But real change isn’t about a finish line. A workout routine should last a lifetime, and nutrition should be sustainable for 90 years, not just 90 days. I’m not a sculpture to be chiseled once and left—I can be a little bloated after Christmas, leaner for summer, or even stage-ready if I choose.
What matters is knowing how to make those changes. How to build sustainable habits, enjoy great food without guilt, and create a routine that fits real life—job, family, social life, and everything in between.
Most importantly, I’m here to share it all. My knowledge, experience, and the small things that lead to big results. And when I become your trainer and mentor, I’ll be the last one you’ll ever need.
What My Clients Say
Begin Your Journey Today
I’ve been where you are. I know what it feels like to want change but not know where to start. Let’s make sure this time is different—sustainable, enjoyable, and built around you.
Still Wondering?
Book a free online consultation with me.