We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Bonev recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents’ journey and the values they instilled in me have profoundly shaped my life and career. Their story begins with immense bravery and determination: moving to Canada from Eastern Europe without knowing a word of English or having any support. They faced the daunting challenge of starting a new life in a foreign country, yet their resilience, consistency, and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the life I have today.

Growing up as an only child, my parents were not just my biggest supporters—they were my best friends. Their unwavering love and encouragement were constants in my life. From an early age, they taught me that my dreams were worth chasing and that I should never compromise my happiness for the expectations or opinions of others. This belief in me gave me the confidence to navigate life with courage and stay true to myself.

One of the most significant impacts of my upbringing was the emphasis my parents placed on self-love and confidence. They nurtured this through daily affirmations and by showing me how to manifest the reality I wanted. These lessons in self-belief have been game-changers in my personal and professional journey, empowering me to take risks and embrace challenges without hesitation.

Traveling from a young age also played a crucial role in shaping my worldview and personal growth. By the time I reached adulthood, I had visited 26 countries and spent time with my family in Bulgaria every summer since I was 6 months old. A huge part of my childhood was spent in Eastern Europe, and I am incredibly thankful for it. These experiences enriched my understanding of different cultures and gave me a deep appreciation for diversity and global perspectives. Traveling fostered my independence, open-mindedness, and adaptability, instilling valuable life skills that have served me well in all areas of life.
The opportunities my parents created allowed me to step into the world with a sense of freedom and adventure. Their example of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to their values has inspired me to live with intention and purpose. Their legacy is not just the life they built for me, but the way they taught me to build my own—with confidence, integrity, and love.
I am thankful beyond words for the sacrifices, love, and lessons my parents have given me. They have truly shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me the courage to pursue my dreams and the belief that with passion and resilience, anything is possible.

My parents knew they had to break generational cycles to give me the life they dreamed of, and this understanding shaped everything they did. Their support was boundless and unconditional—a true blessing that I can never take for granted. Knowing I can count on them no matter what gave me the resilience and drive to follow my passions. They have done everything in their willpower to create a better life for me, and I am thankful to have gotten the opportunity to witness all of their hard work and dedication. They are continuing to grow as individuals day by day, achieving their goals and dreams but still managing to be the most supportive people in my life. A huge shoutout to all immigrant parents who came here with nothing but made sure to give their children everything, they deserve endless appreciation for their sacrifices.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Stephanie, and I’m 23 years old. I was born in Mississauga, Canada, but much of my upbringing was shaped by my roots in Eastern Europe, as I am both Bulgarian and Turkish. My experiences growing up in different cultures and traveling to 26 countries have given me a unique, global perspective on life. I speak six languages, which has enriched my worldview and deepened my connections with diverse communities around the world.

Currently, I live in Austin, Texas with my husband, Wesley. We share a mutual love for animals, travel, and embracing new adventures together. I work as a technical analyst and freelance model, merging my analytical skills with my creative passions. My journey into my fields has been guided by my dedication to continuous growth and a desire to create meaningful connections.

My academic background includes an Honours degree in Public Affairs and Global and International Studies from Carleton University, with a specialization in Europe and Russia in the World. During my time as a student, I gained significant experience working as a fundraiser for various non-profits and serving as a social impact consultant for Amazon Forever. My involvement with these initiatives not only strengthened my professional skill set but also fueled my passion for creating lasting positive change. As a result of my work, I earned a certificate from the UN-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE).

In addition to my professional pursuits, I am proud to have authored and published a children’s coloring book, *Color Me Around the World*, available on Amazon. This book encourages young readers to explore different cultures by teaching them how to say “hello” in 28 languages and showcasing unique aspects of various countries. The project reflects my commitment to education and fostering cultural curiosity from an early age.

One of my most exciting ventures is the upcoming launch of my nonprofit organization, Peace With Animals. This initiative is dedicated to supporting animal welfare locally and globally. Through Peace With Animals, we fund essential services for animals in need, such as medical care, food, and safe shelter, through partnerships with carefully selected animal sanctuaries and shelters worldwide. Our mission is to foster a compassionate world where animals are respected, protected, and valued. By providing meaningful support through donations and raising public awareness, Peace With Animals connects people with the urgent needs of animals in their communities and beyond. Our site allows donors to choose between supporting local shelters or contributing to international sanctuaries, making a tangible impact on animal welfare. Visitors will also find resources to learn more about animal care practices, the impact of their donations, and opportunities to get involved with us in making a difference.

With my background in the non-profit and NGO sectors, launching Peace With Animals has been a dream realized—one where I can combine my experience, passion for animal welfare, and commitment to making the world a better place. I will be sharing our website with more details on my social media in the upcoming months!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my most exciting ventures is the upcoming launch of my nonprofit organization, Peace With Animals. This initiative is deeply driven by my passion for animal welfare and my desire to make a meaningful impact on both local and global levels.

This journey has truly been a dream of mine since I was a child. I’ve always had a deep passion for animals and have felt a spiritual connection to them. Growing up, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals, which is why launching Peace With Animals is such a fulfilling step for me. For the past five years, I’ve been living a vegan lifestyle, which aligns with my belief in peace for all animals and the importance of living in harmony with them.

There are countless animals around the world in need of help, whether they are facing neglect, homelessness, or abuse. Existing sanctuaries and shelters often operate with limited resources, making it challenging for them to provide the full scope of care that animals deserve. With the support, awareness, and fundraising that Peace With Animals aims to provide, these vital organizations can better sustain their efforts and expand their reach.

The goal behind this organization is to help people understand that animals have their own agency—they deserve respect, care, and the right to live freely, just as we do. We share this world together, and I believe in the power of coexisting with animals, fostering a compassionate environment where they are protected and valued. Through Peace With Animals, I aim to create a tangible impact by raising awareness and offering ways for people to contribute to animal welfare, whether locally or globally. Animals truly share with us the privilege of having a soul. This mission has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited to share it with the world!

Stay tuned for more information regarding Peace With Animals in a few months on my social media.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’ve been active on social media since around 2012-2013, starting by sharing my travel experiences and personal adventures. Over time, I transitioned into freelance modeling and content creation as a hobby, while also balancing my studies for my Bachelor’s degree and starting my professional career. As I shared more about my life, my audience grew organically.

My advice for anyone just starting to build their social media presence is simple: Be yourself, stay true to who you are, and be consistent. Social media is an amazing platform for self-expression and creativity. When you’re authentic, the right people—your ideal audience—will be drawn to you. It’s all about sharing what feels genuine and real, and embracing what makes you unique. Consistency is key—posting regularly and engaging with your audience helps you stay visible and connected. Keep creating, stay true to your voice, and your audience will grow with you!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebonev/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093K5J1MZ/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_QW3DC2F7TN3N75PS72RY?linkCode=ml1&tag=stephanie00c0-20