The Latest on Galina Salvova founder of Gitana Dreams
From overcoming extraordinary challenges to building brands with purpose, Galina Slavova is proving that one story can spark many new beginnings. With her deeply personal memoir The Wrong Side of Freedom arriving this August, the launch of Gitana Dreams Publishing & Production, an inspiring new children’s book series, and the continued growth of the Blossoming Beyond Foundation, Galina is turning resilience into action across publishing, media, and philanthropy. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares the inspiration behind her latest ventures, her passion for empowering others through storytelling, and the exciting vision driving everything she creates. To learn more, visit the official websites below!
Galina, you recently shared exciting news about several new ventures. Can you tell us about the book coming out in August and what readers can expect from it?
Galina Slavova: My memoir, The Wrong Side of Freedom, will be released on August 27, 2026. It is the story of my journey from growing up behind the Iron Curtain in communist Bulgaria to becoming an athlete, immigrant, actress, entrepreneur, and breast cancer survivor in the United States. The book is about resilience, reinvention, and finding strength through life’s most difficult challenges. Readers can expect an honest, inspiring, and deeply personal story that reminds them that no matter where they come from or what they face, they are stronger than they realize.
You recently launched Gitana Dreams Publishing & Production. What inspired you to create the company, and what services does it provide?
Galina Slavova: Gitana Dreams was born from my own creative journey. Over the past few years, I have been writing books, developing children’s content, creating animations, producing videos, and building brands from the ground up. Throughout that process, I quickly realized how much work, coordination, and expertise are required behind the scenes to bring a creative vision to life.
As I worked on my own projects, I spent countless hours searching for talented illustrators, designers, editors, animators, and other creative professionals. Along the way, I gained valuable experience and developed a strong understanding of the publishing process. I also discovered that many aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and content creators face the same challenges and often don’t know where to begin.
That experience inspired me to create Gitana Dreams as a publishing company dedicated to helping others bring their stories and ideas to life. Over time, the vision continued to grow. Earlier this year, my partner joined the company and helped expand Gitana Dreams into a full publishing and production firm. His background in television, media, and content production brought a new dimension to the company and allowed us to broaden the services we offer.
Today, Gitana Dreams Publishing & Production provides support in book publishing, editing, formatting, cover design, branding, content creation, video production, creative development, and media projects. Together, our goal is to provide the expertise, resources, and creative support needed to transform ideas into meaningful stories, brands, and productions.
What inspired you to start your new children’s book series, and what message do you hope young readers will take away from it?
Galina Slavova: The Gigi Judo series was inspired by my own childhood experiences in judo. I began training at six years old, and the lessons I learned on the mat shaped the person I became. Through Gigi Judo, I want children to learn confidence, kindness, perseverance, respect, and resilience. The stories are fun and engaging, but each one teaches valuable life lessons that help children believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and treat others with compassion.
You are also developing a merchandise franchise. How does the merch connect with the vision and storytelling behind Gitana Dreams?
Galina Slavova: The merchandise franchise is a natural extension of the stories and brands we are creating through Gitana Dreams. My goal has never been to simply publish books—it has always been about building meaningful experiences that inspire, educate, and empower people.
For example, Gigi Judo is more than a children’s book series. It is a growing brand centered around confidence, kindness, resilience, respect, and perseverance. Through books, educational content, animation, merchandise, and future licensing opportunities, children can continue engaging with the characters and lessons beyond the pages of a book.
Every product we create is designed with purpose. Whether it’s apparel, educational materials, toys, or other family-friendly products, the goal is to reinforce positive values and create meaningful connections with children and families. We want our stories to become part of everyday life and help inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and their potential.
Your foundation is an important part of your work. Can you share its mission and the impact you hope to make through its programs and initiatives?
Galina Slavova: Blossoming Beyond Foundation was created after my own breast cancer journey. Following my diagnosis in 2023 and becoming cancer-free in 2024, I experienced firsthand the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that come with cancer. I also learned how important support, community, and hope can be during difficult times.
The foundation’s mission is simple: to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. We provide emotional support, connect patients and survivors with valuable resources, share survivor stories, and work to reduce the stigma surrounding cancer. Cancer affects not only the patient but also entire families, and many people feel isolated during treatment and recovery.
Through our programs, partnerships, and growing community, we strive to create a compassionate space where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered. My hope is that anyone facing cancer knows they do not have to walk that journey alone.
How do your books, foundation, and business ventures work together to support your overall purpose and long-term vision?
Galina Slavova: Although these projects may appear different on the surface, they are all connected by the same purpose: helping people overcome challenges, discover their strength, and realize their potential.
My memoir shares a real-life story of resilience and perseverance. Gigi Judo teaches children important life values through storytelling. Blossoming Beyond Foundation provides hope and support to those facing cancer. Gitana Dreams helps creators bring their own stories and ideas to life.
Together, these initiatives create a platform dedicated to empowerment, education, personal growth, and positive impact across generations.
Besides the upcoming book, children’s series, and merchandise franchise, what other projects are you currently working on that you’re most excited about?
Galina Slavova: It’s difficult to choose just one because each project represents a different part of my purpose. Right now, I’m preparing for the launch of my memoir, The WrongSide of Freedom, while also continuing to grow theBlossoming Beyond Foundation and developing our documentary, Blossoming Beyond, which explores the emotional, physical, and mental challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors.I’m also expanding Gitana Dreams Publishing &Production to help aspiring authors navigate the publishing process and bring their stories to life. In addition, we’re developing animation, educational content, digital media, and licensing opportunities for the Gigi Judo brand, with the goal of inspiring children and families around the world.Each of these projects is driven by the same mission—to educate, empower, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for Gitana Dreams over the next few years, and what legacy would you like to create?
Galina Slavova: My vision is to grow Gitana Dreams into a company that inspires and empowers people through storytelling, education, media, and meaningful experiences. I hope to expand Gigi Judo into books, animation, educational programs, merchandise, and family-focused products that reach children around the world.
Through my memoir, publishing company, children’s brands, and foundation, I want to create a legacy that reminds people that resilience, kindness, courage, and hope can transform lives. If someone feels less alone, more confident, or more inspired because of something we created, then I will consider that a success.
FOLLOW GALINA ON OFFICIAL SITE LINKS
- www.galinaslavova.com
- www.gitanadreams.com
- www.blossomingbeyond.org
- www.gigijudo.com
- Goodreads page for The Wrong Side of Freedom https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247652779-the-wrong-side-of-freedom
- Amazon book link
- YouTube: @gigijudo
- Instagram: @galinaslavovaofficial
