Simona Petrova, Miss Bulgaria 2024
Simona Petrova steps into her new role as Miss Bulgaria 2024 with a calm confidence, strong values, and a rare strategic vision. From the beginning, she understood something essential — that true impact comes not from spreading herself everywhere, but from being selectively present.
Miss Bulgaria Organization chose to protect Simona’s image, keep her exclusive, and position her for an international career. With the global visibility she will soon receive through her participation in an upcoming film project, she embraced the strategy of building rarity, mystery, and long-term value.
But beyond her elegance and discipline, Simona proved herself to be a wonderful Miss with a sincere heart for social causes. During her mandate, she actively supported the humanitarian campaign “Save a Life (Спаси живот)”, helping raise funds to purchase defibrillators for institutions in need — a noble mission that reflects her compassion, responsibility, and desire to create real impact.
Patient, trustful, and deeply aware of her potential, Simona represents a new generation of Miss Bulgaria winners who think beyond the crown — protecting their image, contributing with purpose, and embracing a long-term vision.
With this mindset, she enters the new chapter of her journey. In this interview, Simona shares her reflections, expectations, and the values guiding her path forward.
Where did you grow up, and how has your region shaped who you are today?
I was born and raised in the town of Dimitrovgrad – a small, but for me the most beautiful place in the world.
Every street there reminds me of my childhood, my first dreams, and everything that shaped the person I am today. It is beautiful because it holds my story.
In Dimitrovgrad, time feels slower, and people are sincere, warm, and remarkably united. I grew up surrounded by peace, affection, love, and traditions that gave me stability and a clear sense of direction. That left a deep mark in me and taught me to be grateful, persistent, and always connected to my roots.
What are you currently studying, and what direction do you see for your education?
I am currently a second-year student at the Technical University of Sofia, majoring in Software Engineering. I chose this field because I truly believe that the future belongs to technology and innovation.
Alongside my studies, I work in an international hosting company – a role that is part of my university practice. This practical experience helps me tremendously with my courses, exams and lectures, because I apply what I learn in real work situations every day. It gives me confidence, deeper understanding and a clear sense of how the industry functions in reality.
I believe that success in technology comes through consistency and continuous learning. For me, education isn’t just a stage, but a long-term process that I will keep building through professional courses, projects and hands-on work in the field.
What passions guide you in your daily life, and how do they influence who you are becoming?
Every day I am guided by passions such as curiosity for new knowledge and opportunities, and the desire to grow both professionally and personally.
My connection to the people I love also plays a huge role -they give me energy, inspiration, and direction.
These passions help me stay disciplined, organized, and motivated. They shape me into an ambitious person who believes in consistency and growth. I am someone who always seeks meaning, values kindness, and strives to become a better version of myself, believing that true beauty comes from inner harmony.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Responsible, intelligent, genuine.
Could you elaborate on your decision to take on this beautiful charitable role and establish the “Save a Life (Спаси живот)” foundation?
I believe that every Miss should use this opportunity to do something meaningful for society – to inspire, to help, and to be an example. Beauty has purpose only when it carries kindness and change.
Beautiful words alone are not enough – everyone can intend to do good, but without action, it means nothing.
So driven by something deeply personal, the moment I won the crown I already knew what I wanted to achieve.
At the end of June, I launched the campaign “Save a Life”, focused on equipping Bulgarian schools with automated external defibrillators.
I am convinced that every school in Bulgaria must have one. And since the state is not taking steps toward this – while in Europe it is already standard – I decided to dedicate my efforts and focus to this cause.
In cases of sudden cardiac arrest – a leading cause of death – using a defibrillator within the first 3 to 5 minutes can make the difference between life and death.
This device costs money, but human life is priceless.
The campaign began in my hometown Dimitrovgrad, where in just two initiatives we raised funds for four defibrillators, now installed in four schools, and 48 teachers have already been trained to use them.
I won’t hide that it is difficult. When you start something, you carry big hopes and expectations, and they can collapse quickly. But I am someone who does not give up easily, and I will continue to work with dedication. I count on the fact that along the way I will find new partners and supporters, because nothing meaningful is achieved alone.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Simona, how did you feel in the moment when your name was announced as Miss Bulgaria 2024?
I heard my name and couldn’t believe it. My heart was racing, and my mind was trying to grasp that it was real. Inside me was a whole ocean of emotions.
It is a moment and a feeling that one remembers for a lifetime – excitement, joy, happiness, pride, gratitude -all in one.
I remember trembling from the emotion, and when I met the eyes of my family in the audience, tears filled my eyes.
That was the moment when I realized that my dream had come true, and that all my efforts were not in vain. I am grateful to everyone who believed in me.
What part of the competition challenged you the most, and how did you overcome it?
Every stage of the competition was a challenge. Perhaps the interview with the judges was the most difficult, because it required quick and sincere answers while adrenaline and excitement were taking over.
But I am the kind of person who manages to gather myself and stay calm and composed – and that makes all the difference in such moments.
You are often described as naturally elegant. What does elegance mean to you?
Thank you for that opinion.
For me, the most important thing is for a person to possess inner beauty, kindness, and love, and to express them in every moment of their life. Natural elegance means that this inner beauty radiates on the outside – through the smile, the movement, and the way you treat others.
To be naturally yourself, as I like to say, means to be authentic – with calmness, confidence, and dignity.
Do you exercise regularly, and what does your fitness routine look like?
Yes, I work out regularly and it is an important part of my life. As the saying goes, a healthy mind in a healthy body. Sport teaches discipline; for me physical activity reduces stress and trains the mind to stay calm and focused in difficult moments.
My fitness routine includes a combination of cardio, strength exercises – mostly body weight – and flexibility workouts. Right now I train twice a week because I combine work and university, but whenever I have free time I love to go for walks in nature.
What beauty or wellness tips would you give to young women who look up to you?
I would tell young girls to take care of themselves inside and out.
Beauty begins with health – regular exercise, nutritious and varied food, sweets in moderation, no smoking or alcohol, enough sleep, and care for mental wellbeing.
But the most important thing is to love yourself and develop inner beauty – kindness, confidence, respect, and love toward others.
You will soon appear in international projects. How do you see this opportunity shaping your career beyond Miss Bulgaria?
Even though I study Software Engineering, I also have an artistic side that longs to be developed.
Participating in international projects is a great honor and an incredible opportunity – a chance to develop skills like communication, teamwork, and presenting myself to the world.
I see it as a way to grow as a person and to meet new cultures and career paths that complement my dreams and inspire me to evolve in various directions.
What do you think about the new direction of Miss Bulgaria, which now focuses on becoming a leader on social media and modern digital culture?
This is a natural step in the era we live in, because social media is a massive part of communication today.
I believe the new direction of Miss Bulgaria is relevant and inspiring.
By emphasizing leadership in social media and digital culture, the competition gives young women the opportunity to use their voice, make a positive impact, and develop personally.
It transforms the pageant from simply a beauty contest into a platform for social influence and modern leadership.
Social media now plays a major role in the life of every public figure. How do you approach your online presence, and what kind of image do you want to build for your audience?
I approach my online presence with responsibility and sincerity.
I want my audience to see the real person behind the profile – positive, motivating, and consistent.
I aim to build the image of a young woman who inspires others through kindness, hard work, and authenticity.
Miss Bulgaria will soon launch a new show on social media where Gaël visits each miss in her own region to explore her daily life, activities, passions, and challenges. What do you think about this new format, and what should audiences expect from your episode and your world?
I think it’s an amazing idea – congratulations!
It will show each Miss not just as a contestant, but as a real person – with her daily life, dreams, and challenges. It brings the audience closer to us and allows them to see who we truly are.
For me the most important thing is to be authentic. I don’t want to put on a mask or create an image just to be liked.
In my episode, viewers will see exactly that: authenticity and positive energy.
We will also show behind-the-scenes moments – the effort, the balance between studying, working, training, and personal life. I hope people will feel my energy, ambition, and the message that every dream is reachable when you believe in yourself, work hard, and do everything with love and dedication.
How do you feel about the creation of the Miss Bulgaria Academy — a program designed to help the misses manage their exposure, gain business insights, and receive meaningful rewards for their influence and work?
Miss Bulgaria Academy is a very important step forward.
It shows that the work and influence of contestants is valued, and provides us with knowledge and support to grow professionally. I am happy that there is a structure that teaches us how to manage our public image, develop business skills, and use our voice in a meaningful and responsible way.
When you look ahead, what kind of future do you envision for yourself, both personally and professionally?
On a personal level, I want to become wiser, more patient, calmer, and kinder to myself and the people around me.
Professionally, I dream of developing in the field of Software Engineering, because it is the path I have chosen with dedication.
But I also believe that life sometimes opens new doors, so I don’t rule out the possibility of growing in a completely different direction. I am open to projects that inspire me and allow me to express myself in new ways.
What message would you like to send to young girls who dream of wearing the crown one day?
To all the girls who dream of the crown, I want to say:
Follow your dreams with effort and faith, but never lose yourself.
Do not fear challenges, because they are what make us stronger. Be kind, positive, and inspiring.
The crown is beautiful, but even more valuable are the effort, the values, and the person behind it.
