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Maria Galabova is the founder of Keto Kartel, a wellness and longevity lifestyle brand based in Dubai that aims to redefine the relationship between health, indulgence, and balance.
Born in Bulgaria, Maria’s career began in diplomacy and international business before entrepreneurship took centre stage. Drawn to the UAE for its energy and opportunity, she built Keto Kartel from the ground up – driven by a personal conviction that healthy living can be both luxurious and emotionally fulfilling. With a family background in medicine and a passion for prevention and longevity, she is on a mission to change the way people think about wellness. Here, she tells GRAZIA about the journey so far.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
Someone independent, curious, and able to create a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
My favourite subject at school was…
Subjects related to sociology, human behaviour, and international relations, understanding people always fascinated me. I wanted to be a journalist
My first job was…
Working within environments connected to diplomacy and international relations and businesses between Bulgaria and Belgium, which shaped the way I see communication, structure, and global culture.
My career path so far has been…
A journey across different countries from diplomacy to business, experiences, and industries that eventually led me to entrepreneurship and building Keto Kartel from a vision into a growing international brand.
The role the UAE has played in my career is…
The UAE gave me the space to dream bigger, build fearlessly, and turn an idea into a real business surrounded by ambition, innovation, and opportunity. Dubai was the right place.
The story of Keto Kartel is…
A story that started with a personal experience and became a transforming wellness lifestyle proving that healthy living can still feel luxurious, enjoyable, and emotionally fulfilling without compromise.
I was inspired to enter the wellness space because…
I truly believe prevention, longevity, and mindful living are the future. Coming from a family of doctors also deeply influenced the way I see health and wellbeing.
My daily routine consists of…
Balancing work, movement, wellness rituals, creative thinking, meetings, family time, and always making space for self-discipline and reflection, and sipping my coffee in peace…
My role as Founder/CEO entails…
Leading the vision of the brand, overseeing strategy and expansion, product development, communication, and making sure every part of the brand reflects our philosophy and standards.
The biggest hurdle I’ve experienced in my career…
Was building something unconventional and educating people that wellness and indulgence can coexist.
The biggest milestone I’ve achieved is…
Building Keto Kartel into a trusted premium wellness brand with a growing international presence and loyal community.
A quote I live by is…
An ambitious woman is unstoppable.
What I hope for 2026 is…
Continued growth, meaningful expansion, inspiring more people to prioritise their wellbeing, and taking Keto Kartel to even bigger international platforms and to start my foundation
