Mental Health Champions: Why & How Journalist & Author Maria Angelova Is Helping To Champion Mental Wellness

… of my major undertakings is hosting Wellness Retreats. The goal of these retreats is to pull people away from their usual, monotonous routines and immerse them in an environment where the focus is entirely on themselves. We introduce various techniques, such as gentle body movement, mindfulness activities, and guided conversations. These sessions are designed to help participants calm their minds, connect with their hearts, and rejuvenate both body and spirit, all in breathtaking locations. Attendees are strongly advised to set their phones aside and preferably not bring their laptops. For many, this becomes a realization moment. They notice things like their habit of checking their phone constantly and gain a newfound awareness of their behaviors. These retreats offer a unique vantage point, a quieter perspective of life. Many come to understand that they’ve been living life on autopilot, missing out on truly experiencing it. The aim is to help people live more fully and establish habits that encourage a life of thriving, not just existing, in every aspect of their being.

I had the pleasure to talk to Maria Angelova. Maria is a mind-body expert, motivational speaker, and founder of Rebellious Intl, a lifestyle and wellness company based in the United States.

Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the U.S. with her family in 1992 when her father, a scientist, was invited to work at the University of Georgia as an exchange scientist. Maria graduated high school as a salutatorian and went on to earn her BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia, followed by an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, graduating both degrees summa cum laude.

After graduating, Maria spent over 17 years climbing the corporate ladder in the telecommunications, finance and insurance industries, eventually reaching the role of Finance Director.

During this time, fitness was Maria’s passion outside of work. She enjoyed teaching fitness classes as a way to motivate and inspire people. In 2010, she had her daughter, and, in 2012, she discovered Pilates. At first resistant to the slower, more mindful practice, Maria soon realized the deep mind-body connection Pilates facilitated. She began to tap into her intuition during these sessions, prompting her to take a leap of faith in 2016 and resign from her lucrative corporate career to start Rebellious Intl.

Many thought Maria was crazy to leave a successful career in Finance to start a wellness company. The name ‘Rebellious’ resonated with her unconventional journey and symbolized her spirit of pursuing one’s true passions despite society’s expectations.

As a mind-body coach, Maria helps create alignment between body and mind so people can live fuller, more purposeful lives. Her programs integrate intentional movement and mindfulness to empower people to be their best, most authentic selves. In addition to teaching Pilates, Maria works with companies on corporate wellness and executive coaching.

Maria can deeply relate to the struggles professionals face in finding work-life balance and making self-care a priority. Her own burnout and adrenal fatigue as a high-powered finance professional propelled her personal transformation. Now her mission is to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting mindsets around self-care and fitness. She wants to help others prevent the burnout she experienced by establishing lifestyle habits that support overall wellbeing.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maria says her favorite role is being a mom. She enjoys continued learning, coaching, traveling, dancing, working out, and spending time with her tribe.

Maria has been featured in numerous media outlets and publications. She is a contributor and syndicated columnist for Authority Magazine. Her articles and interviews showcase celebrities, thought leaders, and changemakers across industries.

An expressive and inspiring speaker, Maria brings authenticity, passion, and humor to her work motivating audiences in diverse settings. Her credibility and ability to bridge faith and reason allow her to connect with groups ranging from conference attendees and hospital patients to boardrooms and places of worship. Maria’s transformative teaching style has led many clients to say her programs fundamentally shifted their lives.

In just a few short years, Rebellious Intl has expanded beyond Maria’s initial vision of a Pilates studio to offer online programs, mindset coaching, corporate wellness, executive coaching, wellness retreats and energy healing. Maria starting the business on a dream has shown that aligning work with your true passions is possible, even if unconventional. She wants to inspire others to rebel against societal constraints and pursue their dreams authentically.

Maria’s own growth mindset is reflected in Rebellious’ evolution. She continues to listen to her intuition and follow her spirit’s calling to be of service. Whatever new offerings emerge, Maria is committed to helping people holistically interconnect their body, mind and spirit to live fuller, freer, happier lives.

Yitzi: It’s a delight and an honor to interview you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share with them a story of your childhood and how you grew up?

Maria: Thank you for having me. I am originally from Eastern Europe, and you can probably detect that from my accent. I grew up in a family deeply rooted in academia. It was always about studying hard, earning good grades, and excelling in school. While I was proficient in sports, it wasn’t a priority for me then because my focus was on academics. In 1992, we moved to the United States after my dad was invited to work as an exchange scientist at the University of Georgia. I graduated from high school as a salutatorian in just three years. I then pursued and finished my BBA degree in finance with the highest honors. After working for a few years, I obtained my MBA in finance and spent over 17 years climbing the corporate ladder.

On the side, fitness was my passion. I enjoyed teaching fitness classes; there’s something about motivating people that brings me joy. In 2010, I had my baby girl, and by 2012, I was introduced to Pilates. At first, I wasn’t a fan since it was so different from the high-impact workouts I was accustomed to. But those Pilates sessions evolved into therapeutic moments for me. They offered an hour of deep connection between my mind and body, and this allowed me to tap into my intuition. By 2016, I took a leap of faith, resigning from my position as a finance director to start my own company named Rebellious. The name resonated with my journey, especially since many thought I was crazy for taking that path. It symbolizes my spirit of staying true to oneself and pursuing one’s passions. That, in essence, is who I am.

Yitzi: It’s amazing how diverse your background is. Between your corporate job and your Pilates career, you must have some fascinating experiences. Can you share with our readers one or two interesting stories that reflect your life and career?

Maria: Certainly. It might seem odd, but I see many parallels between Finance and Pilates. While my finance experience was related to data analysis and process improvement, I’ve found that many of these analytical skills apply directly to understanding movement, the way muscles interact, and how different body parts coordinate. I remember talking to a mentor about anatomy once, and I told him I couldn’t just memorize things; I had to understand them. He knew I had to approach it analytically, and he was right. I truly believe the best teachers are those who don’t just mimic movements but deeply understand and analyze why each movement occurs the way it does. So that’s one connection between the two fields. Another interesting overlap is in entrepreneurship. With Rebellious, I’ve been creating online programs. And often, other entrepreneurs ask me, “How do you know how to do his?” It’s because my corporate background equipped me with skills that I’ve been able to repurpose in this new setting. It’s always enlightening to see how past experiences can enrich and inform the present.

Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from it?

Maria: Absolutely! When I was taking my advanced Pilates exam, I had to teach a student in front of the evaluators. Unfortunately, I didn’t position my student correctly. As he was doing the exercise, I could see he was about to tumble. He shouted, “I’m about to fall!” and all I could think was, “Oh, crap. I’ve failed my test.” Some of the instructors later admitted that they had noticed he was about to fall. It wasn’t going to be a dangerous tumble, but my evaluators let it happen so I could learn from it. From that day on, I became extremely meticulous about properly positioning my clients. That memorable mistake taught me to ensure my client’s safety when setting them up for any exercise.

Yitzi: That’s a great story. So aside from your immediate family, such as your parents or your spouse, is there a person who made a profound impact on your journey? If so, could you please share a story about that person?

Maria: I must mention that my parents have been incredibly instrumental in my life. Even though they encouraged me to pursue a path that wasn’t truly me, I understand they always wanted the best for me. They were familiar with academics and therefore encouraged me in that direction. A big shout out to my parents for their unwavering support. On another note, I’m reminded of a mentor who has been immensely nurturing and encouraging. He’s taught me to view the body from a multi-dimensional perspective. He possesses a depth of knowledge that I fear is becoming rare, as many professionals these days tend to hyper-specialize rather than viewing the body as a holistic system. I want to give him a massive shout-out and express my gratitude.

Yitzi: Beautiful. Let’s shift our focus toward our main topic. You’re an expert in the wellness industry, specifically in proactive wellness. If you were the queen of the wellness industry, what changes have pleased you over the past few years? And as the queen, what would you want to change moving forward?

Maria: One change we’ve noticed, especially since the advent of COVID, is the growing emphasis on proactive wellness and mental health. The foundational pillars of wellness — movement, nutrition, sleep, and hydration — are now recognized more than ever. However, there’s still a significant opportunity for growth.

In Western society, we often seek immediate results. For instance, if someone starts a fitness program today, they might wonder how much weight they’ll lose by tomorrow. Many view fitness merely as a means to lose weight. I prefer to call ‘exercise’ “movement” because it’s about so much more. Movement benefits our mental health and our bodies. A strong, flexible, and balanced body ages differently than one that isn’t. So, we need a shift in our perception of fitness. We should view it as holistic wellness instead of a short-term program meant for rapid weight loss.

Additionally, many are still in search of shortcuts, like creams and supplements that promise instant results. As I told a client this morning, the real secret lies in consistency — consistent movement, nourishment, and proper sleep. Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s quite basic, but it requires commitment and action. I’ve observed some concerning trends in the wellness industry, particularly the shortcuts people take which, in my opinion, aren’t beneficial. There also needs to be a mindset shift around the prioritization of self-care. The most common excuse I hear is, “I don’t have time,” but the reality is, we make time for what we prioritize.

Yitzi: You mentioned shortcuts to wellness. Can you give a few examples of what you mean?

Maria: Sure. When I talk about shortcuts to wellness, I refer to things like a two-day detox or a 30-day detox, followed by returning to a regular habits, such as eating fast food and pizza. Or, a 30-day boot camp, lose some weight or perhaps even get injured, and then revert to old routine of not exercising at all.

Nowadays, with all the advanced desks, ways to sit and stand, and the plethora of gym equipment available, there’s still lack of movement.

There are countless new supplements promising heightened energy, focus, weight loss, and relief from joint pain. Yet, many still uphold a detrimental lifestyle alongside these supplements, which isn’t sustainable.

There are even weight loss drugs claiming you won’t need to change your lifestyle to see results. It is essential to realize that our bodies are designed to move; there’s no real shortcut. Moreover, it’s crucial how we perceive our bodies. Our body is a treasure, and so is our mobility. Unfortunately, many don’t truly appreciate this until they lose it, or it’s compromised.

Yitzi: So you’re currently leading an initiative that’s helping to promote mental wellness. Can you share with our readers more about what you’re addressing and how we can get involved?

Maria: Absolutely. One of my major undertakings is hosting Wellness Retreats. The goal of these retreats is to pull people away from their usual, monotonous routines and immerse them in an environment where the focus is entirely on themselves. We introduce various techniques, such as gentle body movement, mindfulness activities, and guided conversations. These sessions are designed to help participants calm their minds, connect with their hearts, and rejuvenate both body and spirit, all in breathtaking locations. Attendees are strongly advised to set their phones aside and preferably not bring their laptops. For many, this becomes a realization moment. They notice things like their habit of checking their phone constantly and gain a newfound awareness of their behaviors. These retreats offer a unique vantage point, a quieter perspective of life. Many come to understand that they’ve been living life on autopilot, missing out on truly experiencing it. The aim is to help people live more fully and establish habits that encourage a life of thriving, not just existing, in every aspect of their being.

Yitzi: Could you share with our readers one or two anecdotes about how a client of yours was transformed by the experience?

Maria: Certainly. One of my favorite experiences is when I begin with the physical work, especially because it’s a shift from the typical fitness mindset. Most people think of fitness in terms of heart rate, calories burned, intensity, and sweat. And then here I am, asking, “Do you feel where your toe is? Which foot is carrying most of your weight?” At first, people are baffled. They wonder if that’s all we’re going to focus on. But once I get them to stand in proper alignment, they’re astounded at how challenging it is. I often warn them about what they’re about to feel, but it’s something you truly have to experience to understand. Sometimes, onlookers will comment on someone demonstrating a posture, assuming it’s easy. But when they try it themselves, they realize it’s more challenging than it appears. The key is the connection to one’s body. I’ve observed many who exercise in a disconnected manner, treating it as just another task. They might be cycling while reading the news, for instance, instead of truly being present in the movement. What I advocate for is intentional movement — immersing yourself in the moment and being acutely aware of how you engage your muscles. This approach not only shifts one’s perspective on physical awareness but also affects their broader understanding of the mind-body connection. One sentiment I often hear is, “How come nobody teaches us this?” It’s a valid question, and it points to a broader discussion about our educational system’s missed opportunities.

Yitzi: Amazing. This is our signature question that we ask in all of our interviews. Can you share with our readers the five strategies you use to promote your own well-being and mental wellness? And could you also share an example for each?

Maria: Absolutely.

1. Movement tops my list because that’s my passion. I emphasize intentional movement. This means disconnecting from everything happening around me, focusing on my body, my alignment and recognizing any compensations that may be kicking in. It’s akin to a meditation state, where I’m deeply concentrated on movement for an entire hour. That’s definitely my first strategy.
2. Second, I lean towards mindfulness activities. This includes meditation, journaling, and reading inspirational books or quotes. I’m an avid reader and mostly delve into material that stimulates the mind or aids personal growth.
3. Third, and these are not in order, I truly believe in spending quality time with your tribe. These are individuals who nurture, inspire, and elevate you. They’re the ones who, when times are tough, motivate you to rise up and keep going. Especially in today’s world, connecting with like-minded individuals is crucial.
4. Fourth, and this might surprise some who know me, is sleep. I once had poor sleep habits, but now I prioritize rest and listen to my body when it feels tired, instead of always pushing myself.
5. Finally, the overarching strategy is genuinely listening to how my body feels. It might mean taking it easy one day and ramping up the intensity the next. Previously, I was somewhat of a control freak and a perfectionist, always pushing myself. However, I’ve learned that there’s immense power and beauty in flowing with life. I’m passionate about teaching others this approach because, often, society encourages us to keep pushing instead of flowing.

Yitzi: Can you share with our readers your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a mental health champion?

Maria: Oh, there are so many. I have a stack of books. I don’t read just one book at a time. Instead, I have multiple books, and I choose based on my mood.

One book I recently read is called “Bending Reality,” though I can’t recall the author’s name. Another favorite of mine is “Trust.” There’s also “The Biology of Belief” which is powerful, and “Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life” by Bob Proctor.

As for podcasts, one influential coach in my life has been David Neagle. I frequently listen to his podcast, which offers mindset training. I’m a big fan David. And of course, I can’t forget the “Mind Body” podcast, my own show, where we feature brilliant minds and leaders sharing their stories with genuine passion and energy.

Yitzi: Maria, given the platform you’ve built and your impactful work, you hold significant influence, and many people value your words. If you could spark an idea or initiate a movement to benefit the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know the ripple effects of your ideas.

Maria: I’d dub it the “Rebellious Revolution”. It’s a movement where we learn to prioritize ourselves, where we’re guided to connect with our intuition and embrace it, even when others may disagree. It’s about standing strong physically and remaining adaptable mentally. It’s about truly living rather than running endlessly on life’s hamster wheel. It’s a transformative concept.

Yitzi: This is what we call our matchmaker question, and sometimes it works. We’re fortunate that prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you’d love to have lunch with, share a coffee, or collaborate? Because we can tag them on social media, and perhaps we can connect you.

Maria: There are so many inspirational people, incredible leaders who create movements. I have a special fondness for rebellious females. I’d love to connect with someone like J-Lo or Angelina Jolie and create a rebellious movement with them.

Yitzi: How can readers continue to follow your work online? How can they learn more about your retreat and possibly sign up for it? How can they connect with you?

Maria: You can check out my website where there is a contact form — you can reach out to me. You can also find me on social media. LinkedIn is the platform where I’m most active. I truly cherish building a community of like-minded individuals. I’m always eager to connect with anyone I can support in any capacity.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariamangelova

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebelliousintl/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/maria.angelova.39750

Website: https://www.rebellious-studio.com/

Yitzi: Thank you for this enlightening conversation. It’s been a delight learning more about your story. I’m excited to share this interview with the world and look forward to working with you.

Maria: I appreciate your time. Thank you so much.