By: Alva Ree
The Journey of Iryna Kovalova Back to Herself — and Supporting Other Women
Every woman encounters pivotal moments in life. But not everyone chooses to transform those experiences into a foundation for reflection, renewal, and the desire to help others grow.
Iryna Kovalova is among those who have done so. A psychologist, certified coach, motivational speaker, mother, and participant in the Ms. World America competition — she is, above all, someone who found her way back to a more aligned version of herself. Today, she supports other women in exploring their own path to reconnection.
Hard Times Are Not the End — They Can Mark a Beginning
Iryna shares a perspective: every challenge faced by a woman can hold the potential for introspection and change. Divorce, relocation, isolation, starting over — while often painful, these experiences may also open the door to self-discovery.
“Sometimes it feels like everything is falling apart,” she says, “but maybe — it’s life making room for what truly matters.”
In one of her own turning points, she asked herself a question that reshaped her direction: What do I truly need and want right now?
Small Steps That Open the Door to Meaningful Change
A simple suggestion from her therapist began to shift things:
Make one small decision each day — just for yourself.
Not to fit in. Not to meet someone else’s needs. But as an act of self-compassion.
“At one point, I couldn’t even decide what I wanted to eat,” she says. “I felt numb, disconnected. But gradually, that began to shift. With each small ‘yes’ to myself, I felt more alive.”
What followed wasn’t instant transformation — but small, consistent steps that gradually led to clarity and a deeper sense of self.
Feminine Energy as a Subtle but Powerful Influence
Iryna emphasizes that her approach is not about creating new versions of women, but about helping them reconnect with qualities that may have been overlooked or silenced — strength, softness, empathy, and intuition.
Her mission is to gently support women as they tap into their own resources, rather than trying to become someone else.
“When a woman remembers what’s already within her,” Iryna says, “she often begins to make choices that are more aligned with her values and worth.”
Coaching That Begins With Listening — Not Telling
In her coaching work, Iryna avoids rigid formulas or one-size-fits-all systems. Instead, she focuses on presence, empathy, and open-ended questions that encourage exploration.
“What do you really want?” is one she returns to often.
This approach fosters a space where women can show up fully — with uncertainty, with hope, with their whole selves.
In Iryna’s sessions, there’s space to feel without judgment. There’s no pressure to be “fixed” or “perfect.” There’s simply room to be real.
Strength as the Willingness to Feel and Move Forward
Iryna invites women to reconsider the conventional idea that strength means pushing through or hiding pain.
“Real strength,” she shares, “might not be about never falling — but about learning to feel what’s real and take one step at a time.”
She encourages women to let go of the pressure to appear invulnerable. “We don’t need to be flawless. We need to be honest with ourselves. That’s where growth begins.”
A Women’s Community That Prioritizes Connection Over Competition
One of the central elements of Iryna’s work is her community — a space created for women to connect without comparison or judgment.
Here, women celebrate each other’s efforts and shifts, not just outcomes.
This isn’t a space where anyone is expected to have all the answers. It’s where showing up as you are is not only accepted — it’s honored.
Through collective support, many find strength in simply not being alone in their journey.
A Beauty Pageant as a Personal Milestone, Not a Trophy
Today, Iryna is preparing for Ms. World America. But for her, it’s less about appearance and more about intention.
To her, participating is a reminder — that visibility, confidence, and self-worth are not limited by age, past experience, or social standards.
“I want women to know,” she says, “you don’t need to fit a mold to be seen or valued. You can show up — as you are — and that’s enough to begin.”
A Story That Embraces Complexity — Not Perfection
Iryna’s path hasn’t been linear or easy — and she doesn’t claim otherwise. It includes moments of burnout, uncertainty, self-doubt, and slow recovery.
That’s exactly why her story resonates. Not because she’s done it all, but because she continues to choose herself, with awareness and care, each time life presents a challenge.
Her message isn’t about reaching a final destination — it’s about staying connected to what matters most.
Her Core Invitation: Choose Yourself, One Moment at a Time
There’s a phrase Iryna often returns to — a quiet but powerful guide for tough times:
When life is hard — choose yourself.
When fear shows up — choose yourself.
When the world pulls you in every direction — come back to yourself.
Because, she says, what you’re searching for may already live within you. You just need a safe moment to remember.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for general informational and inspirational purposes only. It reflects personal experiences and perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. While Iryna Kovalova is a certified coach and holds qualifications in psychology, her services are not a replacement for clinical mental health care or licensed medical treatment. Readers experiencing significant emotional distress or mental health challenges are encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare provider. Outcomes described may vary based on individual circumstances.