From the pages of ‘From the Heart of Darkness’ to the Miss Europe Continental stage – ATOUSA

Today, we introduce our finalist Atousa, representing Iran in the next edition of Miss Europe Continental! A journey of resilience, purpose, and empowerment—let’s take a closer look at her story and personality.

1. What motivated you to participate in the Miss Europe Continental pageant?

– What motivated me to participate in the Miss Europe Continental pageant is my belief that true beauty shines from within. Outer beauty is just a reflection — it becomes meaningful when it’s aligned with inner harmony, self-awareness, and confidence. I want to be a role model for women who haven’t yet learned to step into their power and become the best version of themselves. Through this platform, I hope to show that beauty is not about perfection — it’s about authenticity, growth, and embracing both our strengths and our vulnerabilities.

2. What do you expect from the Miss Europe Continental and how do you prepare for the finals?

–  I expect Miss Europe Continental to be a platform where I can share my voice and vision with the world. While I enjoy modelling and aspire to grow in this field, for me, this journey is about more than beauty — it’s about storytelling, purpose, and impact. I recently completed my book From the Heart of Darkness, a powerful memoir reflecting my journey through pain, healing, and inner awakening. Being part of this pageant allows me to represent not only outer beauty but also strength, depth, and resilience. To prepare for the finals, I stay disciplined — physically and mentally. I train regularly, eat clean, and prioritize mindfulness to remain grounded and authentic.

3. Tell us more about you. What do you do in your free time? We also saw you travel a lot — which is your favourite place so far?

–  In my free time, I focus on both physical and mental growth. I work out five days a week and spend time reading, writing, and listening to podcasts on psychology, philosophy, and self-development. I’m inspired by great thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Rumi, Nietzsche, Freud, and Jung — their insights guide me in understanding the human experience.

Travel is another passion of mine. Every few months, I explore a new country to enrich my soul and broaden my perspective. So far, my favourite destinations have been Costa Rica and Sri Lanka for their breathtaking nature and serenity — followed closely by Thailand, Bali, and the Caribbean islands. For me, travel is the only thing you spend money on that makes you richer. It’s not just about seeing new places — it’s about discovering new cultures, new ways of thinking, and connecting with the essence of humanity across the world. Travel feeds both my curiosity and my creativity, and it constantly reminds me how beautiful diversity is.

4. What does fashion represent to you?

– Fashion, to me, is silent self-expression. It’s not only about what we wear — it’s about how we tell our story without words. It reflects identity, culture, emotion, and creativity. Whether bold or subtle, classic or edgy, fashion becomes art when it’s authentic. For me, it’s about confidence, presence, and aligning my outer look with my inner truth.

5. As a certified coach under John Maxwell’s program, how have his leadership principles influenced your coaching approach? How will these skills enhance your performance in this contest?

– As a certified coach under the John Maxwell program, I’ve learned that leadership is influence — and it starts with leading yourself first. His values-based leadership approach shaped how I coach: with authenticity, integrity, and a deep belief in growth. Through Maxwell’s DISC training, I discovered I’m a Persuader (I/D), which reflects my natural ability to inspire, guide, and influence others with heart and purpose. These leadership skills allow me to bring more than outer beauty to this contest — I bring vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to uplift others. I believe true beauty is powerful when it leads, serves, and empowers.

6. What advice would you give to women?

– My advice to women is: Don’t wait for the world to validate your worth — discover it within yourself. We’re often taught to be everything for everyone, but real transformation begins when we choose ourselves. Heal, grow, take up space — and never apologize for shining. I’ve walked through darkness, rebuilt my life, and now coach others to do the same. You already have what it takes. Start where you are, and remember: your story holds power.

7. What goals do you want to achieve? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

– In ten years, I see myself speaking on global stages, sharing my story to inspire others — not for attention, but for transformation. That’s why I wrote my book From the Heart of Darkness — to show that even from pain, light can emerge. I want to become a bestselling author, a world-renowned coach, and a voice of empowerment. I also plan to expand my business in wellness, travel, and personal growth — creating platforms that uplift and set people free. To me, success means using my experiences to serve, to light the way for others, and to turn pain into purpose.

8. How do you manage your time and energy with such a busy schedule — traveling, running a salon, coaching, and staying fit?

–  Everything in my life starts with prioritization, and my number one priority is health. If we don’t feel good in our bodies and minds, we can’t perform in any role — whether it’s in business, as a mother, a partner, or a leader. That’s why I’ve made intentional lifestyle choices: I haven’t had alcohol in six years, I don’t eat processed food, and I cut out sugar two years ago. I train five times a week. Fitness is non-negotiable for me — it’s as essential as food or sleep, and it’s built into my daily routine. Even on workdays, I wake up at 6 AM to move my body. That early time is sacred — it keeps me energized, grounded, and focused. I also believe that fitness is not just physical — it’s mental training. Exercise strengthens the part of the brain responsible for discipline, decision-making, and emotional regulation — and that strength spills over into every other area of life. We all can dedicate 1–2 hours a day to our well-being — and that investment transforms everything else we do.

Thank you for your time Atousa, we will see you soon in Italy!
Let’s follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/atousa_021/