We had the good fortune of connecting with Galina Slavova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Galina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
From a young age, risk-taking has been a part of my life. I began playing judo at the age of six and excelled in the sport. In my early twenties, I took a major leap by leaving my home country and have been living independently for the past 25 years. These early experiences laid the foundation for my approach to risk in my career.

Taking risks has been a catalyst for my progress and development. One significant risk I took was producing a documentary film ” Blossoming Beyond” on a subject that was both personally important and socially relevant. This project required a substantial investment of time, resources, and emotional energy with no guaranteed outcome. Despite the uncertainties, I was driven by the potential impact the documentary could have on raising awareness and inspiring change.

I also took a considerable risk by starting a non-profit foundation to support individuals affected by breast cancer. This initiative addressed the issues highlighted in the documentary by providing resources, advocacy, and community support. Launching a non-profit involved navigating uncharted territory, securing funding, and building a dedicated team from the ground up. Although the challenges were substantial, the reward of making a tangible difference in people’s lives was immeasurable.

Overall, taking risks has enabled me to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive positive change. I see risk not as a gamble but as a strategic component of success. By embracing risk with careful consideration and preparedness, I’ve achieved outcomes that have significantly advanced my career and contributed to the organizations I’ve been part of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my commitment to making a meaningful impact through both creativity and compassion. I am most proud of producing a documentary film “Blossoming Beyond” focused on breast cancer, a project that demanded not only creative vision but also emotional resilience. This film aims to raise awareness about an issue close to my heart and inspire positive change. Additionally, starting a non-profit foundation to provide free one-on-one therapy to cancer patients and survivors has been incredibly fulfilling. I am excited about the potential to expand these initiatives and reach even more individuals in need.

My journey has been a blend of determination, learning from setbacks, and seizing opportunities. It was not easy; producing the documentary film required navigating logistical challenges, securing funding, and managing a diverse team. Similarly, launching a non-profit involved overcoming hurdles such as fundraising and establishing partnerships. I approached each challenge with perseverance, seeking mentorship and leveraging my network for support. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and strategic planning.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Every setback has provided an opportunity for growth and innovation. I’ve also learned the power of collaboration and community in driving meaningful change. Building strong partnerships and engaging stakeholders have been crucial to the success of my initiatives. Additionally, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of empathy and understanding in leadership, particularly when working in sensitive areas like healthcare and advocacy.

I want the world to know that my work is driven by a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Whether through filmmaking or philanthropy, my goal is to amplify voices, raise awareness, and provide tangible support to those facing adversity, particularly in the realm of cancer care. My story is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and compassion. I hope to inspire others to take bold steps in pursuit of positive change and to foster a community of support and empowerment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d make sure they experience the best the city has to offer. We’d start with a leisurely breakfast at Blu Jam Café, followed by exploring the vibrant Farmers Market at The Grove and enjoying a relaxed stroll through the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. For dinner, Gjelina in Venice Beach would be our go-to spot for a cozy and delicious meal.

During the week, we’d hike to the Hollywood Sign via Griffith Park to take in breathtaking views of the city, visit the Getty Villa in Malibu for a taste of ancient art and culture, and unwind at Zuma Beach. Exploring downtown LA would include stops at The Broad Museum for contemporary art and Grand Central Market for a diverse culinary experience.

To soak in the glamour of Beverly Hills, we’d brunch at a trendy spot, shop on Rodeo Drive, Our beach day would be spent enjoying Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, and boardwalk, with sunset dinners and drinks by the ocean.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dr. Inger Jensen, a psychologist and dear friend, deserves my heartfelt shoutout. Her unwavering support and encouragement have been invaluable in all my endeavors. Her wisdom and guidance have helped me navigate challenges and achieve my goals. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and mentorship.

Website: https://www.blossomingbeyond.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_gali13/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galina-slavova

Youtube: https://youtu.be/3Fbts7ACHHY

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.