Vitaliia Kozlan with a heart full of love, steps onto the international stage not just to compete, but to share her story — one of resilience, self-discovery, and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
Hi, I’m Vitaliia, and I represent Greece. I’m originally from Ukraine, but now I live on a beautiful Greek island where my husband and I run a small apartment business. I’m a woman, a mother, and a dreamer who turned a new country into a new beginning. As a little girl, I dreamed of being on stage — but never dared to believe it was possible. In my free time, I enjoy the sea, creativity, and meaningful moments with my loved ones.
1. Vitaliia, you were born in Ukraine but have been living in Greece for over a decade. How has this journey shaped the woman you are today?
For four years I’ve been living in Greece. Before that, I spent four seasons here, then four years away. These years have been full of everything — challenges, betrayals, emigration, burnout, losses… but also growth, self-discovery, and learning to stand stronger than ever.
2. You’ve said that when you first arrived in Greece, you felt like you were home. What is it about Greece that made you feel this deep connection?
I just felt it. The moment I landed and stepped out of the airport for the first time, something inside me said: ‘You’re home.’ I didn’t even speak English at the time — but it didn’t matter. I felt safe, connected, and exactly where I was meant to be.
3. You’re a dedicated mother and wife. How has motherhood changed your perspective on strength, purpose, and identity?
My daughter is the best that ever happened to me — but becoming a mother was also a real challenge. Before her, I only knew how to work, travel, and focus on myself. I was afraid of this new role, especially living in a place where I didn’t have support or help. Life as it used to be was no longer possible. And yet, motherhood pushed me to rediscover parts of myself I had forgotten — the things I loved as a child, the dreams I once had.
And you know what they say: when one door closes, another one opens.
4. What values do you hope to pass on to your daughter as she watches you live out your dream?
I want my daughter to grow up knowing her voice matters.
That she never has to shrink herself to make others comfortable.
That kindness is not weakness, and strength doesn’t mean hardness.
I want her to see that even when life challenges you, you can rise.
That you can choose your own path, follow your dreams, and still be deeply loving.
Most of all, I want her to understand that she is enough — exactly as she is.
5. What advice would you give to other women who dream of starting something new, but are afraid to take the first step?
If you have a chance to try something new — take it.
If you feel a calling in your heart to do something big or small for yourself – do it.
If you want to dance right now — dance.
Life loves the brave.
No one can tell you who you are or who you should be. That choice is only yours.
Don’t put yourself off “for later.”
Don’t sacrifice your dreams for those who may one day not even remember.
Don’t wait for gratitude from those for whom your self-sacrifice will be just background noise.
Remember: choosing yourself doesn’t make you selfish.
It makes you someone who values their soul, their time, and their life.
Wherever you are right now, whatever you feel — this is not your final stop,
but the beginning of something new.
Behind every success there’s a road of struggle and growth, failures and rises, joy and sorrow.
It’s a beautiful mix that eventually becomes your result.
6. What does it mean to you personally to represent Greece in an international competition as Miss Europe Continental?
Representing Greece in Miss Europe Continental is a great honor and responsibility. This is the place that became my home, and I want to do it with dignity. It’s also about showing that no matter where you come from, you can create a life and a story that inspire others.
7. You wrote: “My goal isn’t the crown — it’s to inspire other women to choose themselves.” What does it mean, in your words, to “choose yourself”?
Choosing yourself is not selfishness — it’s the bravest act of love.
Once, I gave away one of my own opportunity to a group of women because I didn’t want to take away their dream and believed in them. Instead of gratitude, I faced aggression — and realized that kindness without boundaries destroys you.
Choosing yourself means no longer disappearing for someone else’s comfort. It’s living fully now and allowing yourself to be you, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Because when a woman truly chooses herself, everything falls into place.
8. If you could say something to the younger version of yourself — the little girl who once dreamed of being on stage — what would you tell her now?
I would tell her: You can achieve anything — when you learn to honor your own priorities, when you become the master of your mind, and when you live in wholeness and harmony with yourself.
9. If you could showcase one cultural aspect of Greece to the world, what would it be and why?
If I could showcase one cultural aspect of Greece to the world, it would be filoxenia — the spirit of hospitality. It’s what first brought me to Greece for an internship in a hotel, while I was studying hospitality and restaurant management in Poland. This culture of warmth and care deeply inspired me, and today I continue it with my husband — through our apartments, where every guest feels truly welcome.
10. What’s your biggest dream for the future?
My biggest dream is to live fully and honestly — doing what I love, inspiring others through creativity, fashion, television, or simply my story.
I want to be free, real, and strong — not perfect, just true to myself.
And at the same time, I want to remain a caring mother and partner, showing my daughter that it’s possible to follow your dreams and stay grounded in who you are.
One day, I hope we reach a time when everyone learns to value themselves and respect others — when people follow their own dreams instead of someone else’s, when they choose to be themselves rather than a copy of someone else. Because each person is unique. Everyone has their own vision. But we should all be united by respect and the desire for something better.
We can’t wait to see her shine at Miss Europe Continental 2025! Follow her journey on social media and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our incredible contestants.
Follow her on Instagram: @vitaliakozlan
