Marina Voevodina is a successful nutritionist, mother of three, and a modern Kazakh kelin who skillfully balances her career, family responsibilities, and personal interests. In this interview, she shares how traditions shape her path, why it’s essential to teach children the basics of healthy eating from an early age. And how participating in the Mrs. Globe contest helps her discover new facets of her personality.
Marina, you combine the roles of a family nutritionist, mother of three, and Kazakh kelin. How do your personal values and family traditions influence your professional journey?
When you think about it, every day is a balancing act between various roles. My upbringing, family traditions, and the culture I grew up in are crucial in my journey. In the East, women are considered the keepers of the hearth, caring for their families, supporting their husbands, and raising children. However, the modern world also demands professional fulfillment from us.
For me, it’s vital to follow traditions and adapt them to current realities. I believe that a woman can be successful in her career while staying true to her roots. Everything I apply in my professional practice first goes through my personal experience. For instance, if I recommend something to my clients, I’ve already tried it with my family.
I prefer to lead by example, showing that it’s possible to juggle multiple responsibilities without losing yourself. It’s not easy, but I’m proud that over almost 20 years, I’ve managed to find harmony between my career and family life. It’s essential to remember that our traditions don’t limit us; instead, they provide us with a unique foundation for growth.
Your project “Nutrition Basics for Kids” is not just about healthy eating but also about raising awareness among the younger generation. What are the key principles of this initiative, and how do you see its long-term impact?
“Nutrition Basics for Kids” is a project born from my belief that nutrition is a fundamental skill, as important as learning to read or write. Today’s children are tomorrow’s adults, and how they care for their health will depend on the knowledge they gain in childhood.
We often underestimate the power of education in nutrition. How often do you think about what’s on your plate? Yet, we eat several times a day, and what we consume affects our well-being, mood, and even life expectancy. My goal is to teach children from a young age to understand which foods are beneficial, how to combine them correctly, and why it’s essential to avoid certain eating habits.
In the long term, I’m confident that this knowledge will help reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases in the future. Imagine a generation of people who know how to care for their bodies from a young age. They will be healthier, more energetic, and, most importantly, more mindful of their choices.
As the Chief Nutritionist of Bioniq in Kazakhstan, you actively promote a personalized approach to nutrition. How do you think people’s attitudes towards their health are changing, and what obstacles do they face on their path to a conscious lifestyle?
I believe we’re living in an extraordinary time when people are beginning to realize that health is not a luxury but a necessity. In the past, many sought quick fixes, but now more and more of my clients understand that there are no miracles. They are willing to work on themselves, adopt healthy habits, and monitor their nutrition.
However, despite growing interest, certain obstacles remain. One of them is laziness, of course. Let’s be honest, many people don’t want to step out of their comfort zones. The second is a lack of knowledge. People often don’t know where to start and are afraid of doing something wrong.
That’s where I come in—to show that a conscious lifestyle doesn’t necessarily require drastic changes. Small but consistent steps can gradually lead to significant transformations. When people see the first results, they start believing in themselves, and that’s already half the battle.
You regularly emphasize the importance of balancing career and personal life. What strategies help you maintain this balance?
Balance is an art that requires constant effort. I have a few key principles that help me maintain harmony. First, clear planning. Time management is my best friend. I try to schedule my day to dedicate time to all important areas: work, family, and myself.
Second, I always remember the importance of rest. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget about yourself, but breaks are essential to recharge and move forward with renewed energy. For example, I try to spend at least half an hour daily meditating or walking outdoors.
Finally, family support is crucial. I’m grateful to my husband and children for their understanding and help. We strive to work as a team, making our lives more balanced.
In April 2025, you will represent Kazakhstan at the Mrs. Globe contest in China. How are you preparing for this event?
Preparing for Mrs. Globe is an exciting yet challenging journey. For me, this contest is not just an opportunity to represent my country but also a chance to show that a woman can be multifaceted: successful in her career, a caring mother, and a confident individual.
I’m taking a comprehensive approach to my preparation. It’s not just about choosing dresses and training. I’m working on myself in every aspect: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m doing sports and dancing, regularly undergoing beauty treatments, and meditating.
Moreover, I’ve launched a preparation marathon on my Instagram to inspire other women. I want to show that participating in such a contest is a story of constant growth and self-improvement.
As an amateur athlete, you participate in marathons and dance competitions. What do these challenges symbolize for you?
Marathons symbolize inner strength and resilience for me. Every time I participate in a race, I challenge myself. Preparation requires discipline, and the race itself demands endurance and perseverance. But it’s in these challenges that I find inspiration and motivation.
A marathon is not just about physical training. It’s about the importance of setting goals and moving towards them step by step, even when it seems like you have no strength left. These lessons carry over into everyday life, helping me stay focused and persevere, even when facing difficulties.
You participated in the First Women’s Forum of Central Asia. Which ideas inspired you the most?
This forum was a true celebration of female strength and unity. Women from various fields gathered on one platform: homemakers, entrepreneurs, and creative personalities. It was incredibly inspiring to see how each of them brought something unique.
I was amazed by how openly and sincerely the participants shared their experiences. The forum raised important topics: supporting women in business, fighting gender stereotypes, and issues of health and self-development.
The most valuable takeaway for me was realizing that we are not alone. We have a community of women ready to support, inspire, and move forward together.
