By Julia Blanche Hristova
Relentless Magazines’ Julia Blanche Hristova proudly introduces Zara Atanasova, a distinguished expert in the realm of interpersonal relationships. With an impressive portfolio as a fully qualified Life Coach, Business Coach, and practitioner of NLP, Hypnosis, and Theta Healing, Zara also brings a wealth of knowledge as a Numerologist and Deste card reader. Her expertise has shaped a thriving international career that spans over a decade, with her practice reaching the corners of Greece, Italy, Turkey, Dubai, South Africa, and Bulgaria.
Zara’s journey is a testament to resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. In 2019, she was honored with the prestigious Life Coach of the Year award at the Life Awards in Bulgaria—a crowning achievement that reflects her unwavering commitment to transforming lives.
Her extraordinary biography is woven with tales of overcoming challenges, navigating hardships, and celebrating the triumphs of life’s most enriching adventures. Through it all, Zara Atanasova remains a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path to personal and professional growth for countless individuals worldwide.
You are an incredible, God-given support for women. What initially made you choose the path to help women both in their struggles and, above all, their personal growth?
I believe that every woman who has gone through numerous hardships has gained unique experiences and strength. These experiences make her a true gift to other women, as she can serve as an example and help them avoid the same obstacles. I often hear that we shouldn’t spare anyone any lessons, and that everyone must come to their own realizations through their own mistakes. But do we really have to risk losing valuable years of our lives struggling instead of learning from the experiences of others?
My motivation for choosing the path of helping women comes from my deep empathy for their struggles and my desire to witness their successes. I have seen how many women suffer and fight against their circumstances, trying to find their way out of challenges on their own. For me, these challenges were already familiar territory, as I have faced them myself. I gained a lot of experience and knowledge through my personal battles and training. I wanted to live happily, free from fears, with confidence and love, enjoying every moment of my life.
When I achieved this, I realized that I could pass on my knowledge and experience to other women so that they too could experience true happiness. We don’t need to fight against life; we need to learn how to live it fully. The first step is the most important: a woman must want to change, she must want to live, and then everything becomes possible.
For me, choosing this path meant being a support, a motivator, and a mentor. I firmly believe that when a woman is happy, she radiates love and light. This positive energy can change not only her world but also the world around her, making it a more beautiful and loving place.
My mission is to help women discover their inner strengths, confront their fears, and learn to love themselves. I believe that through support, inspiration, and sharing experiences, we can transform their lives and help them achieve true happiness and fulfilment.
Recently, you published a book titled You Can Do It Too, Girl! What inspired you to write the book, and why did you choose this particular title?
When I started writing You Can Do It Too, Girl!, my inspiration came from my personal experiences and the experiences of many women I’ve encountered over the years. In today’s world, it is essential to remind girls that they have the strength and ability to dream and realize those dreams, regardless of the challenges and circumstances they face.
It is important to emphasize that no matter what we have gone through in the past or what family we come from, this does not define who we are today. What matters is where we are right now and the choices we make. Our decisions today lay the foundation for our future. Every person has the opportunity to make choices that shape their path forward, and this control is key to personal development.
The choice of the title You Can Do It Too, Girl! highlights this aspect of empowerment to inspire girls to understand that they have the power to define their own destiny. I believe that even when we encounter challenges, we can choose how to respond to them and how to move forward. With this book, I wanted to show that our current actions and attitudes can be transformative. Instead of focusing on the past, we can find inspiration in the present and work towards the future we desire. I hope that my experience will encourage readers to follow their dreams and build their own future, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Your gift extends even further—you can read the near future using tarot cards, right? Please tell us a bit about it, as your method is like no other: it is Greek and unique.
For as long as I can remember, reading cards has not only been a tradition in my family but also a deep part of my identity. My grandmother and great-grandmother also read cards, and I grew up in an atmosphere where this was something completely normal and enchanting. I even have a photo of myself at two years old, gently holding the cards; they were a part of me, my faithful companions on the path of discovery. I remember how my grandmothers would tenderly instruct me: “Shuffle them, place your hands on top, open your eyes, breathe slowly, concentrate, and tell me what you see.” This ritual was not just a game; it was a way to connect with our subconscious. These cards, wrapped in black velvet, are some of the oldest divination tools, holding the wisdom of generations.
The method of reading, passed down from grandmother to granddaughter, is not just a family tradition; it is a sacred ritual that preserves secrets, seeking and discovering the light of the future. I always watched my grandmothers with great curiosity and admiration. I wanted to learn to do the same, to open the door to the unseen and pass on the wisdom to the next generation. Some might call it a gift; for me, it is a calling that connects me to my roots and gives me the strength to inspire others.
You are also a certified yoga teacher. Tell us about your trip to India and Bali and how your own life has changed since then.
My journey to India and Bali was one of the most transformative moments of my life. Before I left, I appreciated the comfort of my home and the conveniences around me, but I took for granted the things I had and didn’t notice them as much as I did after my travels. When I arrived in India, I realized I was in a completely different world. I had no washing machine, no dryer, and every day I underwent an intensive program with a lot of physical activity and practices that challenged my body to perform exercises I had never experienced before.
This change was significant in itself, but the most exciting part for me came when I was introduced to Kundalini yoga. For the first time, I felt the energy flowing through my body. I learned proper breathing techniques and how to manage my mind, spirit, and emotions. These three aspects—spirit, soul, and body—began to balance in a way I had never imagined.
After my training in India and Bali, my entire life changed. When I returned, I was a new person. I began to experience true joy in everything, and I was grateful for every moment, even when I could do laundry in a washing machine instead of by hand. Each morning, I wake up with a smile, ease, and gratitude for life. This new perspective allowed me to live mindfully and find joy in even the smallest moments.
You visited South Africa for educational purposes three years ago. What touched your heart the most?
During my time in Africa, many things inspired me, but what touched my heart the most was the deep and sincere sense of community and connection among the people. I loved exploring the culture and traditions of different African countries and learning how valuable family and traditions are in their lives.
Despite the challenges they face, the locals demonstrate incredible resilience and joy for life. My encounters with them and the opportunity to partake in their daily activities showed me how important simple things like communication and sharing are.
I discovered that education is not only measured by knowledge but also by the wisdom passed down from generation to generation and the way people care for one another. The emotions I felt when I saw children with smiles on their faces, learning and playing, and how the elders are engaged in their community truly moved me.
These experiences reminded me of the value of belonging and mutual support, and they inspired me to pass these lessons on to those around me.
As a relationship coach, tell us: what are the most common mistakes women make when it comes to relationships?
Firstly, many women make the mistake of trusting too quickly. In the modern world of chats and online dating, it’s easy to fall in love with the image we see in messages or photos without truly getting to know the person. I often ask my clients the important question: “Have you met him in person?” This negligence can lead to serious disappointments. In the beginning, everyone shows their best side, which makes everything seem perfect. But over time, people reveal their true selves. Trust the process of getting to know each other—real relationships require time and patience.
Another common mistake is financial dependency. Many women forget that it’s important to be independent and able to rely on themselves. Financial dependence on a partner can lead to feelings of insecurity and fear. It’s crucial to have your own career, realize your potential, and build your own worth. When a woman is confident and stable, she is not only more at ease about her future, but she also earns the respect of her partner.
The third mistake many women make is striving for perfection in their partners. Instead of actively working on developing the relationship, they easily give up when things aren’t perfect. It’s important to understand that relationships are a process, not a one-time deal. All partners have their flaws and challenges. A true relationship requires effort, and diligent efforts lead to a deep connection.
Another common mistake is sacrificing too much for the sake of the relationship. Many women start to sacrifice excessively, doing countless things just so they won’t lose their partner. But this fear can lead to major problems. When a man senses that a woman is filled with fear, he may begin to manipulate her, even unknowingly. A woman who is truly valued should not be afraid to be herself. If a man wants to be with you, he will be. If he isn’t, then he’s not the right one for you. Never let fear make you change or overextend yourself.
A woman should stand in her full light and shine. I always use the example of the sun: it simply stands and shines, while the planets revolve around it. The sun doesn’t go begging the planets to orbit it; they need its light to survive. In the same way, women must recognize their worth and be confident in themselves.
So, my advice to all women is: always take the time to truly get to know your partner, be independent and confident in yourselves, observe his actions, and actively work on the relationship. Remember that healthy relationships are built with patience, understanding, and mutual support. Do not allow hasty decisions or dependencies to hinder you from building a happy life for yourself and your family.
What can women do initially (at the very beginning) to improve their lives and their relationships?
Women can improve their lives and relationships by investing in themselves, and this may be the best investment they can make. It is very important to take care of one’s health, engage in sports, and eat healthily. If you don’t love sports, you can always enjoy dancing. Physical activity and healthy eating not only provide energy but also boost self-esteem. When you feel good in your body, life appears brighter and more interesting. It is important for a woman to always look good, regardless of her age. This means radiating beauty, finesse, and elegance. Being a woman carries a unique strength and charm. She must be able to play different roles being a mother, a wife, and a professional smoothly transitioning from one role to another.
Equally significant are behavior and manners. How you communicate with people is essential. Learning etiquette and good manners is part of building successful relationships. Appropriate communication is key to establishing deep and meaningful connections. Investing in personal development is also important. Continuous learning and improvement expand one’s outlook and increase self-confidence. Finding new interests and hobbies can bring a lot of joy. A good social environment is crucial. Interacting with positive and inspiring people who support your growth is important for your personal happiness. Mutual support and kindness in relationships can change your life. By combining these aspects, women can make their lives more enriching and fulfilling, building not only better relationships but also a better life.
We can’t talk about relationships without mentioning men, can we? (smiling:) As society has drifted so much from traditional roles of men and women, it seems that everything gets a bit confusing. What do men really want today, Zara?
Nowadays, it’s a common belief that men don’t want serious relationships and prefer something casual, but the reality is more complex. In fact, men have started to demand much more, especially because women also have higher expectations in relationships.
Just as women expect men to take care of them and be supportive, men seek partners who not only look good but also have a solid personality—women who are accomplished and independent. It’s important to men that they feel attracted not only to physical appearance but also to the depth of their partner’s character and behavior. They want women who offer more than just traditional roles related to motherhood.
In modern relationships, mutual respect and support are also essential. Both men and women seek emotional connection and want to feel understood and appreciated. When two partners communicate openly and honestly, it creates a foundation for deep and meaningful connections.
Furthermore, men need space to express vulnerability and emotions as well, which is not a sign of weakness but rather an important aspect of healthy relationship development. When a man and woman support each other, it leads to satisfaction and happiness for both.
Men today want genuine relationships based on emotional connection and mutual support. Establishing such partnerships is key to building successful and lasting relationships.
You are one of the bravest women I know. What is the next adventure for Zara?
My next adventure is related to martial arts. I have attended many training sessions during my travels and had the incredible opportunity to learn multi-functional yoga in Bali and Kundalini yoga in India. In Africa, I studied their rituals and traditions, which contributed to my personal growth.
I travel around the world for belly dance festivals. However, I have always dreamed of practicing Kung Fu and Tai Chi from a young age. My dream is to visit Shaolin, where I can immerse myself in the depths of martial arts.
I want to combine the flexibility of belly dance and Kundalini yoga to create a balance in martial arts. On one hand, this may seem strange because it unites two extremes: total femininity and total masculine energy. But I believe that every woman carries both energies within herself, and it is important to balance them.
I work a lot on my feminine energy through flexible dancing, but I also realize that a woman needs to balance her masculine side as well. Only when we are in balance do we feel complete. I believe that martial arts possess their own beauty and help us manage our anger and connect more deeply with ourselves.
What are your hopes, dreams, and wishes?
First and foremost, I dream of traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I believe that every journey enriches the soul and broadens horizons.
Secondly, I desire to continue my personal and professional development. It’s important to me to learn new things and improve my skills so that I can contribute to society.
One of my biggest dreams is for my books to become internationally recognized bestsellers. I want my stories to come to life on screen, so they can be adapted into films or series. I am deeply intrigued by everything related to the film industry. I can proudly say that I have started writing my first TV series in Turkey.
In addition, I hope to inspire and help others follow their dreams. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve great things, and it brings me joy to see people grow and overcome challenges.
Finally, I dream of harmony and balance in my life, as well as creating deep and meaningful connections with those around me. I believe that love and kindness can change the world for the better.
