We were lucky to catch up with Dilafruz Sodikova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dilafruz, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

One of the most impactful things my parents did right was never putting limits on what I could dream of or achieve — even when the world around us quietly suggested otherwise.

Growing up in Uzbekistan, where traditional expectations often guide women’s roles, my parents taught me something different. They gave me books before toys. They encouraged questions more than quiet obedience. And most importantly, they raised me to believe that being a girl was not a limitation — it was a strength.

My father, a quiet but deeply principled man, used to tell me, “The world belongs to those who prepare for it.” He believed in education not just as a path to success, but as a way to protect your independence, especially as a woman. My mother, on the other hand, was the heartbeat of courage in our home. She balanced warmth and grit effortlessly — managing a household while still nurturing dreams of her own. Watching her taught me resilience in action.

Another thing they did that changed my life was giving me the freedom to explore everything. Whether it was piano classes, painting, learning foreign languages, choreographing dances, mastering vocals, or diving deep into mathematics — they never said no to a single course I showed interest in. They sent me to try anything that sparked my curiosity. That freedom to explore multiple disciplines helped me discover not only what I loved, but what I was meant to do. Even though I eventually chose a path in international economics, those early experiences in the arts, performance, and expression helped me grow into a creative thinker and confident speaker — skills that still shape my academic and entrepreneurial journey today.

I remember when I got my first international opportunity — a scholarship that would allow me to study abroad. I was nervous. Friends and relatives questioned it. But my parents didn’t hesitate for a moment. My mother packed my bags, and my father looked me in the eye and said, “Go. Make something bigger than all of us.”

That moment changed me. It gave me permission to go beyond borders — mentally and geographically. Today, as a researcher, educator, and digital entrepreneur, everything I do — from building e-learning platforms to mentoring young women — is rooted in the belief system my parents built for me.

They didn’t just raise a daughter. They raised a believer — in herself, and in the power of lifting others.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Dilafruz Sodikova, a teacher at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. PhD researcher in international economics, and founder of Prostudy Dilafruz — an educational platform and personal brand that empowers learners, especially women and youth, to thrive in a smart, self-directed, and digitally connected world.

My journey started in a small town in Uzbekistan, where I was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued learning over labels. My curiosity was nurtured early on through exposure to art, music, and science. As I grew older, this evolved into a deep interest in global development, education, and digital transformation. I chose to pursue a degree in international economics and am currently completing my PhD on “E-Commerce and its Impact on Economic Development.” But more importantly, I chose to share what I was learning along the way.

That’s how Prostudy was born. Initially, it was a study blog where I shared tips on how to study smarter, not harder. Over time, it evolved into a full ecosystem that includes online courses, personal development programs, scholarship guidance, study productivity techniques, and motivational content. Today, I have almost 40,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on Telegram, and I’m proud that my content has helped hundreds of students get into international universities, win scholarships, and launch their own freelance or e-commerce careers.

What sets my platform apart is the blend of academic rigor and emotional connection. I don’t just teach skills — I build confidence. I don’t just talk about productivity — I talk about purpose. Every post, every course, every story is created with a deep understanding of the learner’s inner world, especially young women who are trying to break ceilings while managing expectations.

One of the things I’m most proud of is creating the E-Commerce Academy — a certified, practical training hub that introduces students and aspiring entrepreneurs to the digital marketplace. It’s not just about teaching them how to sell online — it’s about teaching them how to think globally and act locally with impact.

I want people to know that Prostudy Dilafruz is more than just a page — it’s a movement. A movement that believes in education with soul, digital growth with heart, and success that includes rest, self-love, and kindness.

If you’re someone who wants to grow, create, learn, or lead — especially in the digital space — then you’ll find a home in this community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was in the middle of my graduate studies, juggling part-time teaching, working on academic publications, and trying to help my family stay safe and financially stable. Like many, I found myself in a whirlwind of fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. But unlike many, I had students relying on me — and that made giving up not an option.

The shift to online learning in Uzbekistan exposed a massive gap in digital literacy and access. Many of my students — especially young women from rural regions — didn’t know how to navigate online platforms. Some didn’t even have laptops or stable Wi-Fi. That’s when I realized that if I didn’t step up, a whole generation of learners could be left behind.

I started small. I created Telegram groups, recorded short educational videos, and sent free PDF lessons with voice explanations. I opened my virtual door to anyone who needed help, whether or not they were my student. My phone barely left my hand, and I often stayed up until 2 or 3 a.m. responding to questions, sending encouragement, or checking homework. I wasn’t sleeping much, but I felt alive — because I knew I was doing something meaningful.

This grassroots effort evolved into my brand Prostudy Dilafruz. I didn’t wait for perfect tools or ideal timing. I simply started where I was, with what I had — and I kept going even when I was unsure of the outcome.

That experience didn’t just test my resilience — it built it. I learned how to lead during chaos, how to build trust across a screen, and how to turn a personal mission into a public movement. That season taught me that resilience is not about having all the answers — it’s about staying in the room when everything feels uncertain and showing up anyway.

And to this day, whenever I face setbacks — whether it’s a rejected publication, a delayed project, or a creative block — I return to that version of myself: tired, worried, but unstoppable.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation was built not just on what I teach, but on how I teach and why I show up. In a world where digital content is everywhere, what truly stands out is authenticity, consistency, and deep care for the people you serve. From the very beginning, I’ve treated every post, every course, and every reply in the comments or DMs as an opportunity to make someone feel seen and supported.

One key factor that helped me grow my reputation is my ability to simplify complex things — whether it’s study techniques, e-commerce concepts, or scholarship applications — and explain them in a way that feels personal, not preachy. I built trust by giving free value consistently, even before launching any paid courses. Many of my most loyal followers have been with me since the days I was sharing handwritten notes, recording lessons at midnight, and offering one-on-one advice just to help someone succeed.

I also think my academic credibility combined with relatable storytelling played a big role. I’m not just someone who talks about education — I live it every day as a PhD researcher, university lecturer, and someone who’s gone through international scholarship programs myself. But I always bring those insights down to earth, so my audience — especially young women — can see that someone like them can also achieve big things.

A big part of my mission has also been helping young women and girls believe in their potential, claim their voice in digital spaces, and access opportunities they once thought were out of reach. I’ve made it a point to show that success and softness can coexist, and that ambition is a beautiful thing for a woman to own.

Lastly, I’ve built my reputation by staying true to my mission even when trends changed. I didn’t try to be everything for everyone. I focused on creating content that helps people study smarter, think bigger, and grow with purpose in the digital age. That clarity, combined with the genuine relationships I’ve built with my community, is what I believe sets my work apart and keeps it trusted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prostudy_dilafruz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dilafruz.gafurova.370
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilafruz-sadikova-a3656721b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProStudyDilafruz
• Other: Telegram: https://t.me/pro_study_uz

Image Credits

Image Credits:
Dilafruz Sodiqova
Prostudy Dilafruz Team
Abdugafurov Muhammadqodir (photographer)
University of World Economy and Diplomacy