EPISODE 31 with Miss California International winner Miss Nicoleta Lupu

Welcome to California Life podcast, and today our guest is Miss California International, Miss Nicoletta.

Hello everyone, thank you so much. Thank you, Victor, for inviting me to your podcast. It's a pleasure and I'm very grateful for this opportunity.

Yeah, well, I think that with your victory, the opportunities will keep on coming. But let's begin with how did it feel? You were on the stage, we were announcing the winners, you got 2 wins prior to the main one. How did it feel?

Honestly, I felt... Shocked and surprised because first of all, I didn't expect to win the first 2 wins. So winning the 3rd one was a complete shock. I was speechless. I was in awe. And then once I realized that you said my number, I stepped up to the stage and I received it. But honestly, it took me like 2 days after that to understand that I'm actually the winner of Miss California International.

So it took you two days to come back to senses. Was it because of traditional celebration?

That too. But yeah, I don't know. It's just honestly, after all the support that I received from my Moldovan community, I knew that I had to win for them, for myself, for my parents, for everybody that put their. heart and support into what I was doing, into this project. So I knew that I had to do it for them. And they actually were the ones that humbled me to understand that, yes, this is a great opportunity and keep going and expand your wings, I guess.

Right. So let's dive into that moment when the host is asking me who is the winner. I take my time.

Yeah, you took your time a lot.

Twice. Well, I mean, we want to make it a little bit more spicy, but not too much. And then your number is announced. What was the first feeling that you got?

No way. Like, that was my first thought. No, no way. Because

why not?

Well, there are all of the contestants deserved it, in my opinion.

Okay.

Like, they all tried their best. We all attended our practices. We all met with you to practice for the interview. Like, all of the contestants put their heart and desire and hard work into it. So I knew that it could either be me or it could be any of the other girls. So on that day, I just woke up with this thought that I'm either going to win or something else is coming better to me. So I just knew, and I released this thought that I know I'm capable of it, but I'm not gonna put my whole heart into it and dream of it like it's never gonna happen. So that moment, that's what— that was my first thought, like, no way, it actually, it actually worked, I guess.

Why did you have to have or? I win or something else is gonna— why? Take both.

Well, in that case, it worked for me, but I don't know, I just always think of this. Even my parents, they told me, like, always be grateful for what you have and what you get, but don't put your whole heart into it because you never know what can happen. Like, even though you try your best, there's circumstances that might not go your own way that you want, you know? So you shouldn't, like, Give up hope and I don't know make your whole life go on a downturn. Like you should still be happy, be thankful for what you have, and pursue forward.

Right. Now let's dive backwards. What made you decide to send your application, go through the casting? What did you want to compete for this title?

I actually didn't want to compete for this title. I applied—

Good to

know. I applied because my close friends told me to, and I honestly, I didn't think of it because it wasn't a goal of mine to compete in such a pageant. But after my friends, they actually told me, and a couple of other artists that I worked with in the past, they actually told me like, you should try it, give it a try, just see how it is. Like, and after I applied, I just— the same actually thought that I told you previously, that it— I'm either gonna be one of the finalists or not. Like, I wasn't one of those contestants probably to be like, oh, I actually really want to win. Of course everybody wants to win, especially in such a beauty pageant with all of these contestants and such a prestigious event, but Like I said, you don't know the circumstances or how it's going to turn out. So I applied, and once I got the call that I was one of the 10 finalists, I actually realized, OK, now once I'm accepted, I actually have to put my head towards it and try my best.

OK, so you got your approval. You became one of the 10 finalists. Let's share with your— with the viewers. What did you do? How did the prep process go? How was it for you? Anything you'd like to share?

Yeah, so actually, probably starting from late September to the whole month of October, we practiced every single Saturday and Thursdays as well because we added one more day because we needed a lot of practice. Due to all of the changes that were happening, like, we needed to be as prepared as much, so we practiced every single Saturday, Thursday, other days as well. We also had some practices with you for— to practice our diction and to help us just succeed when answering the interview question. And I guess it's gonna work for me now as well during this podcast too. But it was a lot of practice, training at home as well. Probably all of my family can tell me that they would, they would get tired of me just watching how I was practicing, reading all of the diction exercises. Like, it was a lot of work put in behind the scenes as well, not just during the Saturday and Thursday practices. So it was a lot of hard work. And I guess it— I can see the results now.

Paid off, definitely. Yes. You came to the VIP reception. You had a chance to talk to the judges. What was your experience? That was the first time that you guys and— I mean, the judges and you ladies met. What was your experience?

It was actually very fun. I couldn't wait to meet with a couple of the judges. So I met Michelle Waters, which I was extremely pleased to meet her. She's very like nice, open-hearted, kind and warming. I don't know, I had a really nice experience talking to her. We kind of bonded because she asked me actually like—

She wants you to be in MMA?

No, no, no, no. I like boxing, but no.

Do you know what is Similar in between, uh, Mongolian people and Moldavian people. Both like drinking and fighting.

Okay.

So why not?

Well, maybe in another life, I don't know.

Okay, so back to the story.

Yeah, uh, she actually asked me like, do you, do you used to like fight with your siblings as well? And I'm like, yes, of course, like all the time, who doesn't? Uh, but thankfully like now we have the best relationship, like with my brother, I love him to death. Then I also met Dr. Marwan. He's very enthusiastic as well. Like, the way he was talking, I was like mesmerized. He's very cool as well. I also met Miss Lucci. She's very nice as well.

Right.

I mean, all of the judges that I talked to and that I approached, I was very kind enough to like talk to them a little bit before the competition started. So it was very great to have this opportunity. I wanted to meet Jack McCauley, but I guess For next time, that will be.

Yeah, who knows? Maybe. You know, we have his documentary film premiere on December the second, and also it's kind of very close to his birthday, so we'll be celebrating.

I can't wait to see it.

Yeah, but he was he was impressed. He was impressed. Okay, so how did the actual event go for you? You began with a. So you had the Barbie dance, and then you had 4 types of programs.

Yes.

How did it go?

Yes, so after the Barbie dance, we had like around, I would say, like 30, 40 minutes to prepare for the first part, which was the introduction. So this is where the judges and all of the audience would meet us. We would have the biography behind the stage. it would be said to the audience so everybody could listen and be introduced. And then each girl, one by one, they would walk on the stage, chosen— they chose a song, so they would walk by it. And that would be the first part. After that, honestly, it was more stressful because we would reach the end, I guess. Really? Honestly, we were so stressed about that day, and it passed by so quickly that we were like at the end thinking like, how come it passed by so quickly? Like, I don't know, I guess it's always like this. You're so stressed about the final part that it passes by so quickly that you're like shocked.

Very true.

The second part was the Euphoria dance, which is a dance that we all practiced, put our whole heart into it, and we hoped that it would be perfect. And we heard a lot of I guess, comments from the audience and from the judges that it was actually very good. So, and our choreographer Dina, she's like, I'm so proud of you. So I guess it worked out.

Yep.

And then the third part was the interview where each of the judges would pick a contestant to ask a question that they would choose. So thankfully Michelle Waters asked me, and I was surprised and pleased that she asked ask me the question. And at the end, of course, we had our final walk, which would be in the long gowns. We would introduce ourselves again and, I guess, be presented with the prizes.

Right.

So it was a long process, but after all, yeah, I could say it passed by too quickly. Like, we wanted to freeze that moment at the end. Yeah.

This is when you learn that it's about the process, it's about the journey, not about the final destination.

Actually, yeah, it's true because the process was so long we couldn't wait till, till it was over and we would like find who the winner is. But at the same time, we just wanted to freeze that moment and enjoy it as much, as much as possible.

Yeah, I could tell. Especially I needed that moment to be frozen because I was calculating and everybody was around trying to rush me. Like, guys, just please walk away. Because I don't want to make a mistake. I'm very precise with the numbers. But it was— I felt like racing and calculating at the same time. And I had to focus on 2 things, so like Julius Caesar. But back to you. You won. And then you had Valerie coming up the next, the second. Then you had the third contestant. So we have 3 winners. Why do you think— what do you think made judges choose you over the 2 other winners?

Great question.

We only have great questions.

Yes, honestly, I would say it's very hard. I mean, the judges, I guess they made the right choice. by choosing me. I'm humble, actually, but I guess all of that—

Humble people don't make much money, so I get it.

Yeah. Honestly, I think my perseverance. I do know that the other 2 contestants that have won, they put a lot of hard work into it, and they actually tried their best. I guess my passion and the unique journey that I brought, I guess my aura that I had, they were mesmerized by it. And maybe I actually— I also think that during the cocktail party when I was being introduced to some of the judges, I made a big impact by introducing myself to them and talking with them, probably made them remember me. much more than the other girls. So I guess that was a huge part of why I made a big impact on the judges that I talked to. Honestly, I guess you just have to— whatever you feel inside, you just have to transmit it and push it towards the judges. And I guess it worked. I don't know, I can't say that All of the girls didn't do their best, but again, I guess I had something that they liked.

Well, obviously.

Yeah, I don't know.

That is very true. So you got the title. Actually, you got 3 titles, you got 3 presents, got a lot of attention. Now, what do you plan to do with the title that you have?

Yeah, so, uh, I actually had a couple of days to think about what I'm gonna do afterwards. I was thinking to actually start my own organization, as I was saying, like, during the interview questions, uh, to actually pursue and help others, other business entrepreneurs, to, like, open their online businesses or selling their products and services because that's my passion, that's what I know what to do, and I think that I can actually use my skills, my knowledge, my experience to help those that actually need it. And there's no better way to do that than start an organization or a community that actually wants to do that because I think there's no better quote to describe this than Show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are. Because a community not only inspires you, motivates, and pushes you to go forward, but it also puts you around the right network. And probably everybody knows, your network is your net worth. You can get a lot of great opportunities just by being in the same room with the right person.

Now let's dive into these words. So you are creating an organization or getting people who want to open an online business or business in general. Every business needs something online. So, and let's say 60% of them or more are broke. People who are around you are your worth or net worth, and they're broke.

How can you go into like another?

No, it's like you, you then you're broke, right? At the same time, yes, you create a community, you do networking. Some people could inspire and push, but a lot of people are also sucking the energy out.

Yes.

And they're broke. I'm not saying that they are, but just an example, right? We always try to be ready for the worst. And then we aim for the best. So they're broke, they're sucking your energy out. In a month, you're telling your mom and dad, you know what,

it's not—

I don't want to do that anymore. Yeah. Hmm. How do you plan to juggle with this situation? That happens,

of course. Um, I guess you never know what to expect. There's always going to be people around you that drain your energy, use you for your opportunities, your knowledge, your experience. What I can say from my experience is that in the beginning of your journey, of your career, you do need to suck it up. You do need to work hard. You do need to Actually, like, put in long hours of work to go and find that community that's gonna, I don't know, inspire and motivate you. With those people around you that are draining your energy, how harsh it's gonna sound, the only thing that I could say and think of is to eliminate them because What's the point of keeping them in your life if they're just gonna disappoint you, use you? Honestly, they're just not the right person for you, so why should you waste your time with them being around you? Yes, it's harsh, but life is harsh too. So it's either you or them, and since it's your life, you want to live the life of your dreams. So why not be surrounded by people that actually, like, inspire you to wake up every single day and work hard.

Very well said. So you are working towards having this organization, creating a community, and you mentioned that you are deeply involved in online business. What is that exactly that you do?

Yes, so what I'm actually involved with is e-commerce. So that would be, I guess everybody knows Amazon. That's an e-commerce platform as well. They sell, I mean, anywhere from, I don't know, shoes to furniture. Who knows, maybe cars in the future. But it would be online shopping. So that would be what I actually do is create online websites. And depending on the client, and actually with my online business as well, I either promote their services or products. And it could be branded or general products, and so on and so on.

Okay, you mentioned you have your own.

Yes.

What do you do? What is your business about?

Yes, so I have a website as well where I sell, I could say, general products.

For example?

Yes, so that would be beauty products like microblading device, or it could be, um, let's say like a dog bed. So it's kind of like Amazon, but it's on my platform. Yes, so the reason I sell on the platform that I sell and not on Amazon, because Amazon is, I guess, you have to pay for pay-per-click, which is PPC. And the difference with the website that I use is that I am in charge of the customers. I have access to their customer data. I have access to their emails. I have access to practically everything that allows me to sell, manipulate in a good way, and do whatever I can to sell them good products. And I started in 2019. I did have a small pause just so I could finish university, but after that, after finishing Sacramento State University in May, I decided to return back to that because, I don't know, I'm passionate about it. I know so much information, and honestly, I think technology and online, online universe, it's, it's the future. Because everybody knows after COVID, brick-and-mortar stores, they kind of are not the same as they used to be.

That is very true. I know every case, every business is different. And obviously, if someone needs a consultation, they can reach out to you. We'll leave your information in this video. But if you take something basic and general, what is your recipe to start and run a non-failure online business?

Yes, the best thing that I would give to somebody, like, as you said, right now the steps that I do when finding like a general product or service, you have to brand it. Branding is everything, honestly, because everybody knows Starbucks. The regular, like, white cup of coffee, it doesn't do anything. It could be— it could cost like $1.50 or $2 max. But because of their logo, they branded it to $7 cup of coffee. That's the same thing with a product or service. So you need to brand it the right way to your target market, to your avatar as well, because if you don't, you're not going to find the right audience and you're not going to have customers at all. So branding is the first step. The second step is, of course, testing. Testing would be your audience. You can test using different platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, like all of the social media platforms, even on like LinkedIn. You can test there. Testing, you have to see if you branded your product the right way as well, because if you are testing and it's not working, that means again, somewhere you missed a step in the first part, the branding. So it goes branding, testing, and then the third part I would say is once you see that the first steps work, you just continue what's working. Repeat, repeat, repeat, because if you found a good product, you branded it the right way, you tested it, and you found your audience, and you're making like very good sales, or you found your— if you're selling like services and you found your audience, then you know that you're on the right path. And the only thing that's left for you is to just repeat, repeat, repeat. Because I mean, that's how business works. When you— once you find something that works for you, repeat it. And with time, you're gonna know like where you have to change something to improve on some parts of your business. It's just— it's easier to understand. But the hardest thing is to start, but once you start, it's easier to, I don't know, reach $10,000 per month or reach as much as 1,000 clients for your services. So the hardest part is to start, but once you do, it's like melting butter.

Well, that sounds promising. How much time roughly, in general, obviously each case is different, but Let's say if I would start an online business and I would follow these steps with branding, with testing and everything, how much time do you advise people to keep working on the business so it actually does work? For example, in marketing, in PR, it needs at least 6 months. If it's less, it's something, but it's not really—

Yeah.

Yeah. What about this? Segment?

A tricky question. The reason why is because somebody could start in first month and they can already have like very, very good like results. It's— I guess I could say it's luck, but if you don't know what you're doing, then it's not luck. So if you are using the right steps and for example We have 2 different people, like, starting. The first, Person A, is going to start. They can have results in the first month, doing like $10K per month, finding like an actually really good product. They can create a whole store around it. They can later on have a good, a really good exit from that business. Person B, they could even try, I don't know, as much as 6 months to a year and still don't find— like, still can't find those actual results. That's what actually happened to me. Like, when I started in 2019, I gave myself a year to actually try and see how it's gonna work. I would say after the second month, I found really good results, but I probably was lucky because I started before the Q4. season, which is right now as well. So I guess it just somehow clicked everything and it worked. But after Q4 passed, again, like, the sales were going down, so I wasn't seeing those results as I wanted. So again, that actually made me to learn more, start testing again. And yeah, to respond back to your question, it depends. It's all as much testing, as much luck goes into it. You just have to know what you actually have to do and repeat, because once you know the structure of the business and how it works, it's just easy to repeat back and, back and forth until you find that thing that works for you.

Well, that sounds amazing. I believe that everyone would definitely reach out if they're interested in having their own business. The last question, your 3 tips for success or 3 pieces of advice for the future contestants of Miss California International.

Yes, first I would say, maybe it's gonna be a wrong thing to say, but I would say that Come to this competition knowing that you're gonna win, but don't be disappointed that you're not gonna be like the first or second winner of the pageant. Because yes, it's an important part of your life, and if you're gonna win, you're gonna be extremely excited, like above 9 feet of clouds. But, uh, Try your best, but don't put like your wholehearted like life into it, because life after that doesn't stop. It just keeps going on. Just be happy that you took part in this competition. You had the amazing pleasure to talk to amazing judges and work with Russian-American media and with Victor Migalchan, because everybody's amazing. Um, The second thing that I would recommend is, even though it might, I don't know, go against the first point, but do put a lot of hard work because you have to put— come to all of the practices. Come to all of the practices.

Practice at home.

Yes, at home. Diction exercises.

Be smart with the questions.

Yes. I actually watched a lot of YouTube videos as well, like how to answer the right way during interviews. Like, I don't know, do as much research, put as much, I guess, time and heart into it because it will pay off, but don't give your hopes up if you're not gonna win. And the last one is, I would just say be thankful and grateful for every single day, because if you are optimistic, if you are happy, if you are enthusiastic, then you do attract good things to your life. Because if you are negative, you, you have like negative self-talk then it's gonna be no surprise if you're not gonna win. But if you do surround yourself with, like, positive people, your family supports you, and I don't know, you, you're just around the right people, then it's no surprise that you're gonna win and you're gonna be at the top.

Well said.

Yes.

Thank you, Nicoleta. Thank you very much. It was a pleasure having you. I'm sure that you will inspire a lot of people. They will follow your example. They will come to learn about business, about how to be the winner, and we look forward to have you on our next episodes.

Thank you so much, Victor.