Extraordinary stories inspire; personalities fascinate.
Full of energy and passion, ready for new challenges – this describes the first 12 participants in this year's “Flower of Maturity” project, aged 45–55. These women combine professional lives with their passions. They include entrepreneurs, artists, activists and more. Each has a unique story to tell.
MONIKA WILK
52 YEARS OLD, ŁÓDŹ, ŁÓDŹ VOIVODESHIP
Finalist A
I am a woman, mother of an extraordinary child, living an extraordinary life. Every day I support mothers raising children with disabilities, because I am one of them. As ambassador and co-founder of the T point Association, I help women facing life’s challenges. I also actively support the Huśtawka and Centerko foundations in various social initiatives.
My passion is helping women regain confidence. I created an original makeup and styling workshop programme for visually impaired and blind women. For two years I have run these workshops at the Firre and Szansa foundations, where I was nominated for the IDOL 2024 award for supporting blind people.
At the workshops, I help women discover their beauty and smile at their reflection. Their joy is my greatest reward.
KATARZYNA KOCHALSKA
50 YEARS OLD, OPOLE, OPOLE VOIVODESHIP
Finalist B
My greatest passion in life is dance, without which I cannot imagine life. It has been with me since childhood and, although I am a Polish teacher by profession, dance defined my career path. After 19 years in Germany, I returned to Poland after my studies and opened Opole’s first fitness club for children. For years I taught ballet, fitness and Zumba for children, as well as classes for new mothers.
Today I mainly work with older people as a cultural and education instructor at the “Senior in Opole” Centre. My role is to engage older and disabled people. I teach Zumba, Aqua Zumba, Nordic Walking, Healthy Spine and belly dancing. I encourage participants to enjoy dance and physical activity regardless of age, ability or disability.
I also volunteer at various events and social initiatives and assist a disabled person. I organise charity Zumba marathons for people in need and free sports classes for Opole residents.
Privately, I am a mother of three teenage sons – they are my greatest love and inspiration.
SYLWIA RAGAN
53 YEARS OLD, GDAŃSK, POMERANIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist C
I am the creator and co-organiser of the annual Witcher fan gathering, Gdańsk’s UP-HAGEN FEST. With the Between Heaven and Earth Foundation, I create beautiful, moving projects for mothers of terminally ill children.
For years I have created artistic and social photography projects, including my latest, Piękna & Bestia Projekt Akceptacja, for women who do not accept their bodies. My work as a photographer, trainer and Master of Ceremonies is also my great passion, allowing me to discover people’s beauty and stories every day.
I am fulfilled and happy, and above all loved. Thanks to my loved ones’ support, I can help others while pursuing my dreams.
BEATA SALATA
54 YEARS OLD, OLSZTYN, WARMIA-MASURIA VOIVODESHIP
Finalist D
I am an artist passionate about fashion and design, with a master’s degree in art from the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. I founded the Creative Artistic Space L&XV, created to inspire and develop creativity while fostering intergenerational integration through shared creative activities.
As a master makeup artist/stylist, I have professionally created makeup and images for many years. I share my knowledge and experience with young people as a teacher and academic lecturer, and with senior women through regular workshops and fashion shows with the Olsztyn Senior Council and the University of the Third Age.
My mission is bringing women of different generations together through artistic and fashion activities. My motto is “be cheerful, attentive and open to people and everything around us. Go beyond convention and savour everything that helps us grow and improve.” I treat sharing my artistic resources as a mission, because art and passion show that inspiring beauty can be found at any age.
IZABELA MACIUSZEK
50 YEARS OLD, WARSAW, MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist E
I am a television actress, influencer and vlogger. On social media I share my lifestyle. I created “Bez Pauzy” and #popięćdziesiątce, live shows featuring mature women. I run luxury workshops for women, “Rozwiń skrzydła- bądź autentyczna”.
I am full of positive energy and love new experiences, which led me to become a nomad for two years. While travelling, I produce my original programme “Cała prawda o hotelach”, very popular on YouTube. I often support and join projects involving children. For 18 years I have been a friend of the Legnickie Association “Otwórz Serce”.
I am passionate about taking on different acting roles. I am very active online, with thousands of followers. A quote by Coco Chanel is close to my heart: “A woman without perfume is a woman without a future”.
MAŁGORZATA JAROCKA
51 YEARS OLD, STALOWA WOLA, SUBCARPATHIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist F
I am a school counsellor, sensory integration therapist, first-aid instructor and mother of two wonderful adult children. For years I have worked with the “Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity” Foundation as a volunteer and Peace Patrol volunteer leader. I provide first-aid training and help organise WOŚP Finals and Pol'and'Rock Festivals.
I initiated and delivered seven editions of Stalowa Wola’s “Count Yourself with Diabetes” run. I do charity work organising events, picnics and competitions.
For four years, I have fulfilled myself as a theatre and television actress. I run teachers’ theatre “Belfer”, creating shows for school and city children. I love travel, mountains, winter swimming, sport and new challenges. I’ve competed in many running and triathlon events. As a mature woman, I ran two marathons and a 52-km ultramarathon.
I like helping others and gain immense joy from it. My principle is “Don’t look for a reason; look for a way.”
ELŻBIETA GOZDECKA
51 YEARS OLD, WARSAW, MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist G
Seeking my life’s calling, I studied medicine, law and psychobiology. I co-created Rosamed Clinic of aesthetic medicine, where I combine care for outer beauty with inner development.
After years at Poland’s largest medical corporation, where I achieved professional success, I experienced a serious illness. This turning point showed me that true fulfilment lies in helping others. At our clinic we offer aesthetic treatments and free workshops on personal development, trauma work and rebuilding self-belief. My own experience taught me that illness can begin a transformation. As a psychobiology graduate, I help people discover deep causes of problems and find the strength to change.
My goal is to support others in building self-worth and self-love. I believe everyone can overcome difficulties and find happiness. Despite a painful childhood and losing my parents and siblings, I feel life has fully rewarded me. With the support of wonderful people, I learned humility, friendship with my ego and self-love. Today I repay that debt by helping others find themselves.
GRAŻYNA WĘGIEŁEK
50 YEARS OLD, WARSAW, MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist H
Sensitivity has always accompanied me and shaped my life. From childhood I was especially sensitive to others’ needs, which led me to become a teacher. As founder and coordinator of the Little Volunteer and school volunteer programmes, I instil empathy and selfless help in young people. Thanks to my students’ commitment, we won many awards, including District and Warsaw Laureate titles in the 20th edition of the “Eight Wonderful” competition.
My social sensitivity drives my support for local initiatives and foundations. I am passionate about art and developing in acting, photo modelling and dance. Fashion interests me; I completed a course for stylists and designers. I want to create an image of the mature woman, aware of her strengths.
I also support people struggling with depression. I believe each of us can positively influence the world, so I share my passion and experience with others.
BEATA JANKOWSKA
53 YEARS OLD, POZNAŃ/GDAŃSK
Finalist I
I am a fulfilled woman who inspires optimism and delights in every day. My passion is motivating mature women to break free from limiting beliefs and love themselves. With the soul of a mentor and activist, I run health-prevention workshops for people over 50, meetings for perimenopausal women and activities for seniors.
As an Ayurveda and yoga therapist and healthy-lifestyle practitioner for 20 years, I use Ayurveda’s holistic approach to dispel stigmatising beliefs about maturity and old age, associated with illness and a lack of enthusiasm.
I love sport, music, nature, which gives me strength, and travel, especially to India, where I explore the potential of the human body and mind.
ANNA AWŁASEWICZ-MADEJSKA
54 YEARS OLD, DĄBROWA GÓRNICZA, SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP
Finalist J
For 18 years, I have been an artist and art therapist with the Dąbrowskie Association for People with Disabilities “Open Hearts”, providing painting and drawing therapy to people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum conditions. I successfully promote outsider art by organising competitions and exhibitions for non-professional artists.
For many years, I worked as a community probation officer and now serve as a lay judge. Through projects, I engage socially excluded adults and children from families at risk of marginalization. Despite challenges, I shape my life in good relationships with myself and others, focusing on positive thinking.
I love nature, travel, long walks, literature and world cinema. I promote movement that stimulates the mind and body. My goal is to create a space outside the city where, especially in retirement, I can continue artistic and therapeutic work. Today I can proudly say: I have an artistic soul, a community-minded heart, and a passion for art and helping others.
ALINA KAŹMIERCZAK
48, WRONKI, GREATER POLAND VOIV.
Finalist: K
I am called the Wingmaker because my mission is to support women in discovering their potential. I believe every woman has the strength and courage to achieve her goals. For years, I have led training, coaching and workshops, helping women build confidence, develop skills and achieve work-life balance.
My work includes varied formats, from short motivational YouTube videos (3-minute boosts) to long-term development programs. I also train teachers and principals, combining my passion for education with the latest personal development trends.
As an expert in mental strength and resilience, I use methods such as Points of You® and MTQ 48/PLUS®, helping clients better understand themselves and their emotions.
My 25 years of experience in formal and informal education allow me to combine theory with practical skills. This enables me to effectively support women in achieving their goals.
PRODUCTION
Thank you to all involved in preparing and conducting the session.
• Project organizer: Arche Hotel Krakowska
• Hotel director: Małgorzata Gipsiak
• Executive project manager: Anna Kurządkowska-Kosińska
• Project coordinator: Julia Bąk
• Cooperation: Tomasz Wójcik, Michał Roch
• Session venue: Arche Hotel Krakowska
•Session photog.: Paweł Wądołowski
•Support: Karolina Rafałowska
•Backstage: Marcin Kossakowska
•Camera: Arche TV
• Participants' styling: Julia Tomaszewska
• Jewelry: Colibra
• MUA: Centrum Tworzenia Wizerunku Wariacje Piękna by Sylwia Piwowarczyk.
• Makeup artists: Ewa Rybka, Monika Andryskowska, Małgorzata Gutowska, Marta Kantor.
• Hair: Studio Fryzur i Kosmetyki „Amelia”.
