We were lucky to catch up with Stefania Albanova recently and have shared our conversation below.
Stefania , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
“The Art of Becoming Whole: A Journey with Stefania Albanova”
“What if being your true self was the very thing killing you?”
That’s what a doctor told me at my lowest point. But here’s the thing:
I didn’t die.
Instead, I unraveled, rebuilt, and became someone I never expected: me.
My name is Stefania Albanova. (That’s not the name I was born with it’s the one I chose. Albanova means New Dawn, and it felt right, like an alignment with my essence. Yes, you can really do that reclaim your name, your story, your life.)
If you asked me what I do, I’d tell you this: I create.
Not just art, but spaces, connections, possibilities. My life has been a continuous transformation a journey stitched together with threads of creativity, heartbreak, resilience, and healing.
Across continents, through cultures, through breakdowns and breakthroughs, every chapter led me here to Flow Glow Mojo Dojo: my wellness brand, my rebellion, my purpose. But it wasn’t always my truth.
Flowing Beyond Borders: From the Netherlands to the World
I was born and raised in the Netherlands a country rich in history, structure, and expectations. From the beginning, I felt like a spring storm trapped in a jar: bright, intense, overflowing with ideas too wild for the neat lines drawn around me.
But that spark within me refused to dim. It whispered:
“You’re not meant to fit in. You’re meant to flow.”
Before everything changed, I was a special teacher in humanism and art. Long hours, extra courses, juggling a startup, commuting between schools exhausted but determined. I held a bachelor’s degree in humanism and was on the brink of “success,” developing a wellness curriculum for Dutch schools to help students connect with themselves in an increasingly disconnected world.
But just as that door was about to open, life offered me another: motherhood.
Becoming a mother shattered everything I thought I wanted. I realized I didn’t want my child growing up surrounded by the noise the emotional, environmental, and energetic pollution of fast-paced urban life. I craved simplicity, authenticity, nature’s embrace.
So, I left the familiar streets of the Netherlands and moved to the rugged mountains of southern Spain, seeking sanctuary in the Sierra Nevada. Off-grid, powered by solar energy, nourished by mountain springs that’s where my next transformation began.
The Break: Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding the Spark
What I didn’t expect was that leaving behind the structure of Dutch society 30 years of pushing, striving, fitting into boxes wouldn’t bring peace.
It cracked me open.
Nature’s serenity created space, but instead of peace, it unearthed everything I’d buried. My body betrayed me a virus triggered severe autoimmune diseases, shaking the foundation of my health. I had to leave the mountains and return to the city, closer to hospitals.
Ironically, the more I sought healing, the sicker I became. Endless medical appointments, sterile walls, a body unraveling. A cardiologist warned me:
“If you keep living with such passion, you won’t make it to 50.”
So, I stopped.
I became someone else or tried to.
Bedridden, heavily medicated, dependent on others for basic care. I needed a wheelchair. I felt like a ghost in my own life.
But rock bottom has a peculiar way of offering clarity. In the silence, a whisper:
“My inner fire isn’t gone. It’s suffocating. It needs oxygen.”
And for me, creativity was oxygen.
Not productivity.
Not perfection.
Just the raw, messy act of creating for its own sake.
At first, it felt absurd. How could creativity matter when I couldn’t walk, read, or even bear the touch of a hug? But that whisper grew louder. It wasn’t about making masterpieces. It was about survival.
I started small crocheting. Just a hook, some yarn, and my breath. As volunteers helped with daily tasks, I crocheted little gifts for them beanies, scarves, small dolls. Pieces of me, stitched together as I tried to find myself again.
When they returned to their countries, they took my creations with them. My spirit traveled to New Zealand, Canada, South America. I asked them to send photos wearing my work, framed by landscapes I’d never seen. Through those images, I felt connected to the world again.
Crocheting led back to painting. Painting led to mindfulness, coaching, hypnotherapy, art therapy. Step by step, I stitched myself back together not just physically, but spiritually.
Love, Loss, and Finding Home
Through art therapy, I explored not just healing, but wholeness. I even experimented with singing as a form of cathartic expression. That’s how I met Dustin a simple duet on a singing app turned into hours of daily connection.
I hadn’t planned for love. My marriage hadn’t survived my illness, and I’d built a comfortable life with my son and dog in Spain. But comfort can be its own kind of trap. If I’d clung to it, I would’ve lost something far greater: growth.
After a year of long-distance connection, I visited Dustin in Tennessee. The moment I landed in Nashville, I felt it a magnetic pull, a deep knowing:
“This is where I belong.”
Not because it was easy because it was real.
The Birth of Flow Glow Mojo Dojo
Now, I live humbly in America.
No infinity pool. No pretenses. Just trees, family, and the freedom to create with purpose.
From this simplicity, Flow Glow Mojo Dojo was born.
It’s not just a brand. It’s a movement. A philosophy. A rebellion.
Flow Glow Mojo Dojo isn’t about perfection. It’s about the raw, vital force of creativity. It’s resilience. It’s healing. It’s a space where you don’t have to be “fixed” to be worthy. Where you don’t need to be “healed” to create. Where you don’t have to be perfect to belong.
I create. That’s enough.
Through creation, I connect.
Through connection, I grow.
And through growth, I am fulfilled.
What’s Offered And Why It Matters
Flow Glow Mojo Dojo is a living, breathing ecosystem where creativity, mindfulness, and authentic expression meet. Everything we offer was born from my own journey of falling apart and finding myself again:
Wellness Decks & Practice Materials: Companions for self-discovery, reflection, and mindfulness.
Art & Craft Sets for Wellness: Tools to inspire joy, reduce stress, and promote healing through creative play.
Courses & Workshops: Experiences blending creativity, mindfulness, and personal growth online and in person.
Exclusive Coaching: Deep, transformative work for those ready to reclaim their authenticity.
Corporate Wellness: Programs that bring mindfulness and creativity into the workplace.
Retreats in Nature: Soul-nourishing experiences to unplug, reconnect, and grow.
Writing & Storytelling: Books, blogs, and reflections that explore the art of living fully.
An Invitation
Flow Glow Mojo Dojo isn’t a brand with neat edges it’s a living narrative, written in real time with ink made from growth, mistakes, joy, and raw truth.
If any part of this resonates with you, consider it an invitation:
To reconnect with your creativity.
To rediscover your resilience.
To remember who you’ve always been beneath the noise.
I’m here ready to create, connect, and remind you what it feels like to be wildly, unapologetically alive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Spreading the Word About Flow Glow Mojo Dojo
I’m Stefania Albanova, and my work is an ever-evolving tapestry of art, wellness, and creative expression woven together under my brand, Flow Glow Mojo Dojo. Through this platform, I aim to inspire people to reconnect with their inner selves, embrace their natural flow, and find empowerment through creative and mindful practices.
At its core, Flow Glow Mojo Dojo stands for authenticity, creative freedom, and personal empowerment.
Flow represents the natural rhythm of life the effortless state where you feel aligned with your purpose and connected to your inner wisdom.
Glow is the radiant energy that shines from within when you live authentically, unapologetically embracing who you are.
Mojo is your personal spark your unique essence, the bold, untamed energy that fuels your passions.
Dojo signifies a sacred space for practice and growth a place where transformation, self-discovery, and creative exploration happen.
What I do is a fusion of my life experiences art, writing, wellness and transformational coaching, and spiritual exploration.
From vibrant, emotion-driven art pieces to my ethereal wellness oracle deck, everything I create is designed to spark reflection, growth, and joy. My art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about capturing emotions, stories, and energies, allowing people to see parts of themselves reflected in the colors, textures, sounds and forms.
What’s most exciting to me is how diverse my work has become. I love that I’m not confined to one medium or message I get to play, experiment, and share it all. Recently, I launched my Flow Glow Mojo Dojo workshops, where I guide participants through relaxation techniques and creative expression, helping them release mental clutter and tap into their core energy. These workshops aren’t about creating “perfect” art they’re about the process, the flow, and the freedom that comes with it.
On the Horizon, I’m Preparing for Some Exciting New Offerings:
The release of my Wellness Oracle Deck, complete with a heartfelt guidebook designed to support people through life’s complexities, from personal growth to healing and transformation.
Creative Retreats and Art Therapy Experiences that combine mindfulness, nature, and artistic expression.
An inspiring multimedia platform that blends storytelling, art, and self-development, offering a space for reflection, creativity, and personal growth.
At the heart of it all, my work is about authenticity, connection, and transformation. Whether someone is holding one of my oracle cards, attending a workshop, or experiencing my art in their space, I want them to feel seen, inspired, and empowered.
If there’s one thing I’d like people to know about my brand, it’s this: Flow Glow Mojo Dojo isn’t just a business it’s a bridge to your inner core energy. It’s about reclaiming your natural flow, igniting your inner glow, and finding your mojo in ways that feel true to you and the joy of practicing new experiences and skills in your own Dojo.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
Resilience and Adaptability
Impact: Life is unpredictable, and my ability to bounce back from setbacks while adjusting to new circumstances has been crucial. Whether facing personal challenges or professional shifts, resilience helped me stay grounded, and adaptability allowed me to grow from each experience.
Advice: Cultivate resilience by embracing discomfort as a learning opportunity. Reflect on difficult experiences to understand how they shaped you. Practice adaptability by being open to change, try new things, even if they feel unfamiliar or challenging.
Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
Impact: Understanding my emotions, triggers, and reactions helped me navigate relationships, both personal and professional. Emotional intelligence enabled me to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, fostering deeper connections and clarity in decision making.
Advice: Spend time in reflection journaling, mindfulness practices, or transformation therapy can help. Seek feedback from trusted people and be open to growth. Learn to recognize patterns in your behavior, and practice (self) empathy to understand others’ perspectives.
Creative Expression and Communication
Impact: My creative outlets, whether through art, writing, or storytelling, have been not just therapeutic but also a way to connect with others on a meaningful level. Strong communication, both written and verbal, has allowed me to share ideas effectively and inspire others.
Advice: Don’t be afraid to express yourself, even if it feels imperfect at first. Practice regularly whether it’s writing, speaking, or creating art. Read widely, engage with diverse perspectives, and find your authentic voice. The more you practice, the clearer and more powerful your expression will become.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Who Is Our Ideal Client?
Our ideal client is someone who feels a deep pull toward self-discovery, personal growth, and authentic expression. They’re not necessarily “spiritual” in the traditional sense they’re curious, open-hearted, and ready to explore what it means to live fully and intentionally. They might be navigating a life transition, feeling creatively stuck, seeking emotional resilience, or simply craving more connection with themselves, others, and their inner purpose.
Maybe they are just Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired like is was when i hit Rock-bottom
They value authenticity over perfection, growth over quick fixes, and are willing to engage with practices that spark reflection, creativity, and transformation. Whether they’re picking up an art set, attending a retreat, or diving into one of our courses, they’re ready to show up as they are messy, brilliant, evolving and that’s exactly who Flow Glow Mojo Dojo is for.
Our community is for the seekers, the creators, the quietly courageous souls who are done with surface-level living and ready to tap into their unique flow, glow, and mojo.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flowglowmojobyalba.wixsite.com/mysite/
- Instagram: 2albanova
- Facebook: Flow Glow Mojo Dojo Welness
- Other: tiktok = 2albanova
smule = 2albanova
Image Credits
Stefania Albanova = Flow Glow Mojo Dojo Wellness and DuStefArtz
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
