Winning, Celebrities, and Celebrating: What This Award Really Meant to Me

Winning, Celebrities, and Celebrating: What This Award Really Meant to Me

Winning is never just about holding a trophy. Winning is a moment, a mirror, a revelation. It is the instant when every version of you—the child, the dreamer, the fighter, the doubter, the woman who kept going—meets the woman you have become.

And a few nights ago, in the glittering heart of Sofia, surrounded by lights, cameras, and the who-is-who of Bulgarian culture, politics, and celebrity life, I stepped into one of those defining moments. I was honoured with the title Businesswoman of the Year – Platinum Category, recognised for my work as an international jewellery and diamond expert.

I have been fortunate to receive many awards in different countries, from different organisations. But this one felt different. Being recognised in my own country—Bulgaria, the place where little Yulia Dimitrova once dreamed of a life she could not yet imagine—moved me in a way no other award has. It touched the little girl inside me. It touched the mother inside me. And it touched the woman who has worked tirelessly for every inch of visibility, credibility, and success.

It was a celebrity-studded event—actors, singers, media personalities, cultural icons, public figures. And here is what I realised as I stood among them: celebrities are not mythical creatures. They are humans like you and me, but with one key distinction—visibility. Courage to be seen. Courage to speak. Courage to climb to heights where the air is thinner and the critics are louder.

And that is why surrounding yourself with successful, visible people is the place of power. Winning rubs off. Success rubs off. Being in a room of people who have risen elevates your own horizon.

Being celebrated that night reminded me that visibility is never free. The higher you climb, the more you will be loved, admired, criticised, misunderstood. That is part of the journey. You cannot shine and stay hidden. You cannot rise and still hope to please everyone.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was having my mother with me. She has always been my greatest teacher, in the most complex and beautiful ways. I dedicated the award to her. Because despite everything I have built—international business, awards, recognition—part of me still seeks her approval. Part of me longs for her to see the woman I have become, not the child she sometimes still imagines.

But that night, something shifted.

Standing on that stage, receiving the award from Andrei and Ivan—two leading names in the Bulgarian TV world—being introduced so beautifully by Evgeni Minchev, filmed for national television, surrounded by power, beauty, culture, and influence, I realised something profound:

I no longer need external approval to validate who I am. I have proven to myself that I can do anything I choose. And now I guide others to do the same. Some I teach how to achieve more. Others I teach how to stop achieving for the wrong reasons, especially for approval that will never come.

Winning is not about applause.

Winning is alignment.

Winning is maturity, identity, visibility, courage, and self-ownership.

This award symbolised far more than business success. It was a celebration of transformation, resilience, authenticity, and destiny.

Little Yulia from Bulgaria became Julia Castelli—international jewellery and diamond expert, speaker, coach, author, entrepreneur, mother, woman—and someone who continues to rise.

And this is just the beginning.

I am currently working on my new four-week Visibility Course. If you want to step into your own power and become more visible in your life and business, comment “VISIBILITY”, and I will send you the details.

There comes a moment when you realise that hiding your brilliance costs more than showing it.

Visibility isn’t about noise — it’s about presence. It’s about walking into a room and owning your story, your expertise, and your light.

I’m opening a four‑week live Visibility Course to help you step into that presence with confidence and clarity.