Moving to another country means beginning a new life. But not everyone has the courage to completely change the world they know, leave the past behind, and allow themselves to start with a clean slate. The story of Nataliia Ostryk is precisely about that kind of courage. After moving to the United States, she went through a difficult personal period, but it became the starting point for a new chapter in her life. From a woman who had devoted many years primarily to her family, Nataliia transformed into a professional model, began appearing on international runways, earned prestigious titles, and today dreams of creating a space that will help other women regain their confidence after difficult life changes. In an interview with GOSSIP magazine, Nataliia spoke about the strength it takes to start over, the courage to rewrite your own life story, and the mission that was born from her personal experience.
Дизайнер сукні: Скибіна Катерина,
Palm Beach Fashion Week
The Mar-a-Lago Club
Nataliia, moving to the United States marked the beginning of a new life for you. What kind of woman were you when you first arrived in America, and how have you changed over the years?
The woman who arrived in America had spent many years living primarily for her family. I was a wife, a mother, a homemaker, and I believed that this was what the rest of my life would look like. Honestly, at that time, I hardly thought about my own dreams or desires because I was used to putting myself second. Moving to the United States became the beginning of a profound inner transformation. Today, I am much braver, more confident, and no longer afraid to take responsibility for my own life. I have learned to listen to myself, make difficult decisions, and stop putting my dreams off until “later.” The most important thing I have realized over these years is that it is never too late to start over when your heart tells you that it is time for a change.
Moving to another country is already a tremendous challenge, but almost at the same time, you also went through a divorce. How transformative was that period in your life?
It was probably the most difficult period of my life. At one point, I found myself without the familiar environment I had known, without the life I had spent many years building, and I had to literally learn how to live again. There were moments when I felt that I had no strength left, but that was precisely when I realized that I had a choice: either allow my circumstances to break me or decide for myself what my new story would look like. Sport helped me enormously because it gave me discipline and a sense of inner stability. The people I met in America also played a major role through their support and genuine kindness. But most of all, I was saved by the belief that even after the most painful experiences, life does not end. Today, I am grateful for that period because it made me the woman I am now.
Before moving to the United States, you were a homemaker, and today you walk runways, work as a model, and participate in beauty pageants. How did this decision come about? Could you ever have imagined that modeling would become part of your new life?
If someone had told me about this a few years ago, I would have simply laughed. I had never dreamed of a modeling career and never imagined that I would one day walk a runway. It all began completely unexpectedly with an invitation to participate in a photoshoot. Kateryna Skibina played a very important role at that stage. She encouraged me to try myself on the runway and believe that I could actually do it. Then came my first shows, new connections, beauty pageants, and gradually I began discovering qualities within myself that I had never noticed before. With every new step, my confidence grew. Today, modeling means much more to me than beautiful dresses or photographs. It is proof that life can give you a new profession and a new dream when you least expect it.
You have already earned several titles and appeared on international runways. What do these victories mean to you?
For me, every title is first and foremost a reminder of the journey I have taken. People see a beautiful dress, a crown, or photographs, but behind all of that are countless hours of work on yourself, doubts, and moments when you wanted to give up. Of course, external recognition is rewarding because it is an acknowledgment of your work, but it has never been my ultimate goal. The greatest victory is overcoming your own fears, insecurities, and inner limitations. Every time I step onto a stage, I am reminded of how far I have come from the woman who once was afraid to begin a new life. That is what holds the greatest value for me.
Today, you are actively involved in sports, travel extensively, and lead a very active lifestyle. How important have physical fitness and self-care become to your inner recovery after all the changes in your life?
For me, they have become the true foundation of my new life. In the past, I often took care of everyone around me but rarely found time for myself. Today, I understand very well that self-care is not selfishness; it is a necessity. Sport helped me not only get into physical shape but also recover emotionally. Every workout gave me the feeling that I was becoming stronger not only physically but also in character. Traveling has also given me a new perspective on life and shown me just how big the world around us really is.
Nataliia, you have spoken more than once about wanting to create your own company that would help women navigate difficult periods in their lives. How did this idea come about? Why has this mission become so personal to you?
This idea did not come about by chance. It grew directly out of my own life. I know what it means to lose your familiar support system, go through a divorce, move to another country, and start almost from scratch. During such moments, you desperately want someone beside you who has already walked this path and can say, “You will get through this.” That was when I realized how important support truly is. Today, I want not only to share my experience but also to create a place where women feel heard and understood. A place where they can recover, find the strength to move forward, and believe in themselves again. For me, this is not simply a future business; it is something with a deep personal meaning.
Photographer Stanislav Kozub
Hair stylist Viktoriia Povodenko
Makeup artist Anastasia Shakhova
Designer Skybina Kateryna
And what do you envision this future space looking like? What kind of support will women who come to you be able to receive?
I dream of creating a space where a woman can come not only for advice but also for the feeling that she is no longer alone. I want it to be a place where psychologists, beauty professionals, stylists, coaches, and other specialists can work together to provide comprehensive support for women recovering from difficult life experiences. Our inner and outer well-being are often closely connected. When a woman begins to feel good about herself again, she gradually regains her confidence and her desire to move forward. I want to create an atmosphere free of judgment, comparison, or criticism. Only support, respect, and a genuine desire to help. I believe that this is the kind of environment where the most important transformations can begin.
The American Dream means something different to everyone. What does it mean to you personally today?
Today, the American Dream means freedom to be myself above all else. The freedom not to be afraid of changing my life, trying something new, and bringing my ideas to life regardless of my age or past. Of course, professional fulfillment is important to me, but it has never been an end in itself. More than anything, I want my experience to become a source of support for other women who are going through difficult periods in their lives. If my story helps someone believe in herself, take the first step, or stop being afraid to start over, that will be the greatest reward for me. This is where I see the true meaning of my journey today. And perhaps this is what my personal American Dream looks like.
Red Dress on the Model:
instagram.com/queenofversailles
Location:
Trump National Golf Club Bedminster
The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida
