Meet Iliyana Apostolova

We were lucky to catch up with Iliyana Apostolova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Iliyana, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’m no stranger to the struggle with confidence and self esteem. I used to look at the world and think, there are so many talented people, how could I ever stand out? I have a bit of perfectionism in me, believing that if I couldn’t be the best at something, maybe there was no point in doing it at all. But as I started focusing on what I truly love, comedy and acting, I realized something important: ten different people can perform the exact same monologue, and each one will bring something completely unique to it. All ten can be amazing and we can all win. It’s not a competition, it’s about not being afraid to show who you are on the inside, regardless of the outcome.

When I began posting on social media, my goal wasn’t to look perfect, it was to be me, have fun, be silly, and make people laugh. The more I embraced my own style, the more my confidence grew. The more success it brought me. There’s a special kind of peace that comes from knowing the people who support you are connecting with who you truly are, not with somebody you’re pretending to be.

We live in a world where everyone strives to look perfect. That’s why so many people end up doing the same things, getting the same procedures, trying to fit the same image. And ironically, the person who stands out is often the one who looks real, natural, and is comfortable embracing their individuality. Real is rare. I think it’s so important that we start embracing and loving who we are. Remember that God created each of us with something special that no one else can replicate.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an actor, influencer and comedic content creator who’s always had a passion for making people laugh. My comedy skits blend voice overs, dry humor, and satire which has led me to build a strong online community through relatable skits and character driven content.
I’d love to expand even further into film acting, especially comedy and character-based projects. One of my dreams would be to create something like a MADTV or Key & Peele–style show, where I can bring a variety of characters to life.
Comedy has been so toned down, and can be challenging in today’s world because people are often afraid of offending or are easily being offended. But I believe laughter is healing. It’s a way to process the serious things in life. I think it’s important to remind people that it’s okay to laugh, even at the hard stuff because many times humor is what helps us get through it and I’m going to fight to keep that alive.

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?

There are so many qualities that have shaped me but here are three I find to be very important.

Authenticity: It’s so important to know who you are and to truly embrace it and believe in yourself. When you try to fit in, you become like everyone else and you lose what makes you stand out.

Consistency: Commit to what you love and show up for it, even on the days you don’t feel like it. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but showing up with passion and persistence eventually builds something powerful.

Rest & Inspiration: I’ve struggled with burnout, and it’s not fun. It taught me that rest is not a reward, it’s a necessity. Stepping away, spending time with God, family, and remembering that life exists beyond work is just as important as the work itself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t be creative if you’re not inspired and we can’t get inspired if we forget how to live.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I give all the credit and glory to God. My relationship with Jesus is what empowers me, helps me overcome challenges, and has brought me true success. I’m not talking about religion, rituals, or following a set of rules to be successful. I’m talking about something much more powerful, a relationship with my Creator. It’s the only thing that truly transforms you from the inside out. It keeps you humble, keeps your heart and mind focused on what matters, strengthens you through hardship, gives you discernment to make the right choices, and brings peace in the middle of chaos.

I’ve battled anxiety, grief, heartbreak, depression and more. Every single time, Jesus was the answer. Not partying or traveling, not money or notoriety, not distractions, not relationships – just Him. I’ve done all those things, and none of them fill the God-shaped hole we have in our hearts. Only when I spend time praying and surrendering, do I feel truly at peace, complete, re-energized, centered, and focused – which are all necessary when you want to be successful.

We all chase success because we think that’s where some new level of happiness and fulfillment lie, but once you achieve it, you quickly realize your heart still craves something deeper. That’s why so many ‘successful’ people are depressed and unfortunately, many even take their own life.
What so many don’t know is that you can have that ‘something’, that wholeness & fulfillment, long before success ever arrives. I’m beyond grateful I found it, that’s why it makes me want to inspire others to find it too.

Now, success and the joys of this world are secondary to the peace and joy found in Jesus. It’s important to remember not to idolize success, because it can be here today and gone tomorrow, but the love you receive from your Savior is eternal.

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