A model who was blacklisted by Russian agencies for speaking out against the war in Ukraine says she’s now building an international empire – and her former critics are watching from the sidelines.
Mariyana Ro, 26, had been a successful blogger since the age of 14, amassing a loyal following on YouTube before branching into music.
But when war broke out in 2022, the creator’s world collapsed overnight after she publicly opposed the invasion.
Russian agencies refused to work with her, while Western brands pulled out of the market entirely – leaving her career in ruins.
Desperate to rebuild, Mariyana turned to adult content platforms, launching a page in September 2022 that she describes as focused on “art, aesthetics, and the power of female energy.”
Now based in London, the creator says she’s found her tribe – and her confidence has never been stronger.
“It wasn’t so much about inspiration as it was about security,” Mariyana told NudeNewz.
“I had a very clear goal: I needed to build a financial safety net.
“My career in Russia had basically been wiped out overnight.
“Agencies refused to work with me because I spoke out against the war.”
The influencer, who is also known on Instagram @maryanaro, admits there was also an element of excitement about starting fresh on platforms she’d previously been sceptical of.
She said: “There was this sense of excitement – a bit of a thrill – at the thought of starting on these platforms.
“I’d been quite sceptical about them before.”
Mariyana describes her brand as difficult to pin down, though her followers have their own ideas.
She said: “I’m always so different that it’s hard to sum myself up in just a few words.
“But a lot of my followers tell me I’m like a fairytale character with a rebellious streak.
“And they also say I smell amazing, haha.”
Unlike many creators who follow trends, Mariyana says she prefers to leave something to the imagination.
She said: “I don’t just create content; I build worlds.
“While many focus on the obvious, I’m interested in the shadows, the subtext, and the art behind the image.
“I like to leave a little room for the imagination – because what isn’t shown is often more powerful than what is.”
Her creative process is entirely intuitive, with no scripts or schedules.
She said: “I don’t follow a script, I just follow how I feel in the moment.
“I love playing with light and shadows to highlight the natural contours and lines of my body.
“To me, it’s like painting with a camera.”
When it comes to boundaries, the model keeps her limits close to her chest.
She said: “I believe that true mystery lies in what you choose to keep for yourself.
“I always listen to my inner voice to decide how much of my world I’m ready to reveal.”
As for unusual fan requests, Mariyana has fielded her fair share of strange messages.
She said: “One of the most unusual ones was when someone asked me to trim my nails and send them a photo of it.
“I always try to keep an open mind, but that was a bit too far outside my world.
“I prefer to focus on the aesthetic and artistic side of things, so I gently declined.
“I think it’s important to stay true to my own vibe, even when the requests get a little unexpected, haha.”
Those close to Mariyana have been supportive of her career pivot, she says.
She said: “Everyone close to me knows how open I am to the world, but they also know I have very clear boundaries that I never cross.
“There’s no judgment or ‘cringe’ from them – they truly accept me for who I am.
“Having a support system that values my freedom as much as I do is my ultimate superpower.”
While her daily routine hasn’t changed dramatically, Mariyana says the internal shift has been profound.
She said: “I’ve always been confident, but this journey has taken that self-assurance to a whole new level.
“What I’m most proud of is the space I’ve built.
“It’s become this cosy, curated corner of the internet filled with people who truly appreciate beauty and aesthetics.
“It feels like I’ve found my tribe.”
Looking ahead, the creator has her sights set on global expansion.
She said: “My main focus for the coming year is expanding my reach globally and connecting more deeply with an English-speaking audience.
“I feel like I’ve built a beautiful foundation, but now I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone and break new ground.
“I want to take my art to a level where it transcends borders.”
For aspiring creators, Mariyana has one piece of advice.
She said: “I’ve learned that your peace of mind is non-negotiable.
“Define your boundaries on day one.
“Don’t let the industry or the pressure change who you are.
“Create a space where you feel safe and empowered – when you’re comfortable in your own skin, that confidence becomes magnetic.”
Despite her bold online persona, fans might be surprised to learn how grounded Mariyana is in real life.
She said: “People might be surprised by how much of a ‘homebody’ I am.
“I love the simple things – cooking something delicious, lighting candles, and getting lost in a good book or a classic movie.
“I’m a mix of high-energy creativity and very grounded, simple joys.”
