Catherine Domankova's Alphabet: Beauty Will Save the World

Catherine Domankova: A Modern Woman of Many Talents

In today’s interview, our guest is a woman of many talents. A renowned model, mother of three, businesswoman, and founder of the beauty, health, and motherhood portal Beautyhack.ru, Catherine Domankova is also an inspiring Instagram blogger. She decided to engage with her followers by inviting them to ask her questions via Instagram stories. I took this opportunity and sincerely wrote, “I want to do an interview with you.” A week later, we were sitting together over a cup of coffee. Join us as we discuss beauty secrets, career challenges, and family life with this remarkable woman.

D – Domankova

My last name is quite rare, so I occasionally get to meet distant relatives through social media. I’m glad I have brothers who will continue our family name. In school, I was called “Domanya”! Now, if someone calls me that, I know it’s someone from my school or summer camp days.

E – If Only…

I dislike the phrase “if only” and making excuses. I prefer not to dwell on missed opportunities but rather focus on what I have accomplished and remain silent about future plans. There’s no point in blaming others if something doesn’t work out. You should move on and try again.

I’ve had different paths in life and started my career from scratch. I was 14 when my mom and I went to my first photoshoot. We had to pay $50, which was a lot of money for us at the time. I remember we cried and wondered if it was worth it. Despite winning a modeling competition in New York in 2006, my career didn’t take off as quickly as the agency predicted. There was a period when I gained weight and didn’t meet the market’s requirements. But I didn’t think, “If only the market wanted me the way I am…” I understood that there are rules everyone plays by. It’s not about “unfairness,” it’s just the way things are. If you accept these rules and adapt to them without losing your essence and principles, your chances of success are high.

Yo – Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition in our family. I’m happy that my children share this sense of magic. Every year, we add new colors and details to our tree. We always choose a live tree. My eco-conscious friend approves of our choice, as plastic trees are harmful to the environment, both in production and disposal. The trees we buy are specially grown for the holidays. And the magical scent of a live Christmas tree… Nothing can replace it!

I wish all readers wonderful holidays! I also advise you and your family to make the process of decorating the Christmas tree a good tradition that is passed down from generation to generation and is associated with the most pleasant moments from childhood.

K – Beauty

People often ask me, “Who is a beautiful person to you?” At different stages of my life, I’ve defined this concept differently. At one point, it was someone who catches your eye. Then, it became someone who combines many interesting qualities, an erudite and intelligent person. Now, having met many beautiful people, I understand that external beauty without inner content is meaningless. Today, we see an endless stream of beauty on Instagram, but the inner content doesn’t always meet expectations. Beauty of the soul, heart, and thoughts will save the world; beauty that provides the right motivation and faith.

Do I have any beauty secrets? First, I have good genes. To that, I add three secrets: respect for my body, a good cosmetologist, and positive thoughts. I believe in the power of creams, injectable and laser procedures. The main thing is to find a skilled professional who will respect your appearance and support your beauty, not try to “fix” it according to a “fashionable” template. Nutrition is also crucial. No matter how expensive your cream is, if you eat sweets before bed, it won’t work!

Speaking of external beauty, one of my biggest icons of female beauty is Christy Turlington. Her beauty endures with age, which means she’s doing everything right in life and has a kind heart. We are all like Dorian Gray’s portraits, and if a person lives with wrong thoughts and goals, it will reflect on their face over the years.

M – Fashion

Fashion doesn’t occupy much space in my life. I love shopping but don’t understand fashion in its broad sense and trends because it’s not identical to the concept of style. Style is your signature. When you wear something kitschy or trendy, it’s not about you but about the person who created and brought it to the masses. I have a calm, balanced, and classic wardrobe. My clothes are things I can wear in 5-10 years.

I’m not particularly interested in following fleeting, short-lived trends. I’m for consistency and self-confidence. Of course, like any girl, I have favorite brands. For example, the Russian brand RASARIO. When you put on an evening dress from this brand, you understand that it was created to make a woman even more feminine. I also love Celine and Valentino.

People often ask me if I attend fashion shows or follow trends and new collections. I don’t like fashion shows because I don’t see them as a beautiful picture. I see torn-out hair from styling, tired eyes… I see the hard work that the model has done.

N – Novelty

Interest in the new is the engine of life. It’s important to try to learn something new every day: learn a new word, read an interesting article, delve into an unfamiliar technique in your field. I’m subscribed to many interesting Telegram channels and watch lectures on TED. I love to read; now I’m more into popular science literature. By the way, I didn’t read at all until I was 18! But when I went to America, I needed Russian-language “support,” and I found it in books.

Top 5 Telegram Channels by Catherine Domankova

Polka @polka_academy
Notes of a Pediatrician @drbutriy
Psychologist Larisa Surkova @larangsovet
Established Artists Discuss Good Art @uvazhayu
Wet Mantoux @namochimanturu

O – Lifestyle

My resource Beautyhack.ru is dedicated to women’s lifestyle: beauty, health, and motherhood. I’m very pleased with the current promotion of a healthy lifestyle. This includes not only proper nutrition and sports but also psychological aspects: refusing toxic relationships and anything that causes psychological discomfort.

I actively promote a healthy lifestyle. My main motto is “Do no harm.” I respect my body, so I won’t eat food that harms it. The same goes for thoughts: I try to practice positive thinking. This, first of all, makes life easier for myself. I’m a big fan of sports. If I had free time, I would go wakeboarding, hiking, swimming, and running! Now I go to the gym three times a week and love Pilates.

I also instill a love for sports in my children. I believe that you shouldn’t overdo it; it’s enough to start with walks in the fresh air and active games. On weekends, a general physical training coach comes to the older children: in an entertaining way, they do push-ups and squats. The main thing for children is that everything happens in a playful way. Plus, they see that their mother is involved in sports, and it’s interesting for them.