GABY GUHA: Each culture has contributed something distinct to how I see the world

Born in France to Bulgarian descent and now based in Dubai, how have these diverse backgrounds shaped your worldview and career?

Being born in France to Bulgarian parents and now living in Dubai has deeply shaped both my worldview and my career in unique ways. Each culture has contributed something distinct to how I see the world and how I operate professionally.From France, I inherited a strong appreciation for art, philosophy, and structure. The French emphasis on critical thinking, debate, and individual rights helped me develop a voice early on.My Bulgarian roots instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, adaptability, and humility.Dubai, on the other hand, has opened my eyes to possibility on a global scale.

You began modeling at 17 in the South of France. What was that first agency experience like, and how did it prepare you for international work?

Starting my modeling career at 17 in the South of France was both exciting and overwhelming. I was young, full of ambition, but also quite naive about the realities of the fashion industry. My first agency was small but passionate, and they really took a chance on me. They weren’t just looking for a face—they were willing to invest in my growth, which made a big difference.That early experience taught me discipline and professionalism fast. I had to learn how to carry myself in castings, take direction well, and handle rejection without taking it personally.

What did you learn about yourself during the Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2019 (2nd runner-up) and winning Miss Europe 2020?

Competing in Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2019, where I placed as 2nd runner-up, was a turning point. It was my first major international pageant, and I walked in thinking it was just about looks and stage presence. But what I discovered was so much deeper—it tested my resilience, my ability to connect across cultures, and how I handled pressure. I learned that I had a strong inner voice and the ability to lead with both grace and conviction. Standing on that stage with women from all over the world, I realized that confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity.

Then, winning Miss Europe 2020 was surreal. It felt like the culmination of years of personal evolution. What I took away from that experience was confidence: clarifty about what I stand for, how I want to represent my background, and how I can use my platform to empower others. It taught me that being seen comes with responsibility—to speak up, to support causes I care about, and to stay grounded.

Above all, both competitions showed me that success isn’t just about talent or beauty—it's about presence, purpose, and persistence. I left those experiences more self-aware, more driven, and more connected to the person I truly am.

How did the journey unfold that led you to be appointed Miss Universe Bulgaria 2025, and what does representing Bulgaria mean to you?

The journey to being appointed Miss Universe Bulgaria 2025 has been anything but linear—and that’s what makes it so powerful. It wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was built over years of experience, growth, and representing both my individuality and my roots with pride. From starting in modeling at 17, to competing internationally, and earning titles like 2nd runner-up at Miss Supermodel Worldwide and Miss Europe 2020, every step added a layer of preparation—emotionally, professionally, and spiritually.

When the opportunity for Miss Universe Bulgaria came, I felt ready—not just in terms of stage presence, but in terms of purpose. I’ve come to understand who I am, what I stand for, and the kind of message I want to carry—not just for myself, but for an entire generation of young women who are bold, multifaceted, and globally minded.

Representing Bulgaria is incredibly personal to me. Though I was born in France, my heritage runs deep—through the language, the traditions, and the values passed down by my family. Being chosen to represent Bulgaria on the Miss Universe stage is a profound honor. It means bringing the strength, resilience, and beauty of my culture to a global audience. It’s about rewriting the narrative—showing that modern Bulgarian identity is both rooted and evolving, and that women from our country can lead, inspire, and break boundaries.

With Miss Universe Thailand scheduled for November 21, 2025, what are the most important aspects you're focusing on in your preparation?

With Miss Universe Thailand 2025 set for November 21st, my preparation is in full focus—physically, mentally, and emotionally. This isn’t just about walking on stage; it’s about showing up as the best, most authentic version of myself—and representing Bulgaria with pride and purpose.

Right now, I’m focusing on three key areas:

Purpose-driven presence: I believe the crown today is about substance, not just style. I’m refining my personal advocacy and how I communicate it clearly and impactfully. I want people to not just see me, but to feel what I stand for.

Mental and emotional strength: The competition is intense—not just externally but internally. I’m working with coaches on mindset, confidence, and composure. Meditation, journaling, and staying connected to my roots have all been part of the process. When you’re grounded in who you are, you can stand strong anywhere in the world.

Polishing performance and communication: From walking to interview prep, public speaking to styling—every detail matters. But more than just technical skills, I’m focusing on connection. Whether it’s with the judges, the audience, or fellow contestants, I want to build bridges, not just impressions.

You’ve walked runways and appeared on covers for top brands—how do you balance a demanding modeling career with pageant responsibilities?

Balancing a high-paced modeling career with the responsibilities of being a pageant titleholder is definitely a challenge—but it’s also a privilege. What’s helped me is seeing both roles as complementary, not conflicting. Modeling has given me the discipline, adaptability, and confidence to perform under pressure. Pageantry, on the other hand, adds purpose, voice, and a deeper message behind the image.

The key is time management and clarity. I prioritize based on impact—whether it’s a campaign shoot or a charity event, I ask: What aligns with my values and my role as Miss Universe Bulgaria? I’ve also learned to say no when needed, to protect my energy and stay focused on the bigger vision.

As a fashion influencer represented globally, how do you approach brand partnerships and maintain authenticity online?

As a fashion influencer with global representation, authenticity is everything. In an industry that moves fast and is often saturated with trends, I always ask myself: Does this brand align with who I am—not just visually, but ethically and emotionally? I approach every partnership with intention.

Before saying yes, I look at:

The brand’s values—Do they support sustainability, inclusivity, or female empowerment?

The message—Is it aligned with my audience and the identity I’ve built?

The long-term relationship—I’m more interested in meaningful, ongoing collaborations than one-time promotions.

Social media might feel curated, but for me, it’s still a reflection of real life. I don’t just post to impress—I post to connect. That means showing the behind-the-scenes, being open about challenges, and celebrating growth, not just glamour. People resonate with real energy, and I think that’s why my community has stayed strong.

In 2022 you launched Gaby Beauty in the UAE and sold it in 2024—what inspired that venture, and what did you learn from the experience?

Launching Gaby Beauty in the UAE in 2022 was one of the most personal and ambitious steps I’ve taken in my career. I created it because I saw a gap in the market—especially in the Middle East—for beauty products that celebrated authentic, diverse, and empowered femininity. I didn’t just want to follow trends; I wanted to create something that stood for confidence, self-expression, and inclusivity.

The inspiration came from my own experience in front of the camera. Working with global beauty brands, I realized that what makes a woman truly radiant isn’t just the product—it’s how she feels when she uses it. Gaby Beauty was built on that idea: beauty as a form of inner power, not just aesthetics.

Selling the company in 2024 was a bittersweet but strategic decision. It taught me so much about building a brand from scratch, managing a team, navigating supply chains, and making decisions that impact people’s lives. But the biggest lesson? Knowing when to let go so something can grow beyond you.

That experience gave me a deeper respect for entrepreneurship and showed me that I’m not just a model or a titleholder—I’m a creator, a businesswoman, and someone who’s capable of turning a vision into a real, lasting brand. It was a chapter that prepared me for even bigger things to come.

How do you stay mentally strong and physically fit amid rejection, travel demands, and body standards in modeling?

Staying mentally strong and physically fit in the modeling industry—where rejection is constant, travel is intense, and body standards are often unrealistic—takes intention, not just routine.

Mentally, I’ve learned to separate self-worth from external validation. Rejection is part of the job, but it doesn’t define me. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with people who know me beyond the surface—family, close friends, mentors. I journal, meditate, and regularly disconnect from social media to reconnect with myself. Mental health isn’t a luxury in this industry—it’s a necessity.

Physically, I treat my body as my partner, not a project. I train consistently—not for a certain look, but for strength, energy, and endurance. Whether it’s Pilates, strength training, or just walking outside, I listen to what my body needs. Nutrition is key, but so is flexibility. I don’t believe in punishing routines—I believe in balance.

You’ve emphasized girl‑child protection and empowerment. How do you plan to champion these causes as Miss Universe Bulgaria?

Girl-child protection and empowerment have always been close to my heart—because I know how different my life could have been without the right support, opportunities, and safety growing up. As Miss Universe Bulgaria, I see this title not just as a crown, but as a platform—to amplify voices that are often unheard and to open doors for girls who deserve more than just survival; they deserve a future.

My plan begins with awareness and access. I want to partner with local and international NGOs focused on education, mental health, and gender-based violence prevention. In Bulgaria and across Eastern Europe, there are still gaps in access to safe spaces, resources, and mentorship for young girls—especially in underserved communities. I want to help fill those gaps.

Beyond Miss Universe, what are your career aspirations—cover stories for Vogue, launching a designer line, or other dreams?

Beyond Miss Universe, I see my career as a multi-dimensional journey where creativity, impact, and entrepreneurship intersect.

Of course, walking the runways and landing cover stories for iconic magazines like Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar remains a thrilling goal—it’s a dream to use fashion as a form of storytelling and cultural expression on that scale.

But I’m also deeply passionate about building my investment company G Global— It's an investment company focused into building residential projects in South of France that upgrade the condition of living of the local communities and create more work opportunities for everybody.

I’m inspired by women who have built empires from a blend of artistry and business savvy, and I want to follow that path—using everything I’ve learned to create something uniquely mine that every customer would love.

As a bilingual, multifaceted figure, how do you hope to inspire young women in France, Bulgaria, Dubai, and beyond?

Being bilingual and having roots in France and Bulgaria, while living and working in Dubai, gives me a unique bridge between cultures—and that’s exactly how I want to inspire young women everywhere.

I hope to show them that identity is not about fitting into one box, but about embracing all the parts that make you you. Whether you come from a small town or a big city, whether your background is diverse or singular, your story is powerful.

To young women, I want to say: dream boldly, speak your truth, and honor your heritage. Use your multicultural background as a strength, not a limitation. Whether that means learning new languages, breaking cultural norms, or simply standing tall in who you are—every step is a step forward.

I also want to emphasize the importance of community and support—lifting each other up, sharing knowledge, and creating spaces where every voice is valued.

Ultimately, I want to be a reminder that we are all connected—across borders and backgrounds—and that young women have the power to create change, inspire confidence, and redefine what success looks like on their own terms.

Model: GABY GUHA @gabyguha