'Born to Fight' (Gimusi kovoti) is a book for women by Vilana Bagdonė - cosmetologist, mentor and founder of the natural skincare brand Vilana Natural Beauty. It is an honest account of one woman's journey through childhood experiences, painful relationships and inner battles to the brave decision to live differently. But it is not only her story - it is an invitation for every reader to come back to herself.
Buy the English edition on Amazon
I dedicate this book to every woman.
To the one who is still searching for herself,
who wants to set herself free and understand the world -
without judgement or sermons.To every woman who is learning to feel free -
without holding on to the hurts of the past,
without holding on to people and their choices.This book is for You.
To remind you: You are already on your way. And you already are.- Vilana Bagdonė, dedication from 'Born to Fight'
What the book is about
The book tells a true story of growing up surrounded by doubt and silence, yet with a quiet, stubborn longing to break free from a world that did not see, hear or understand. It is about how the beliefs we carry from the past shape our lives - and how, once we recognise them, we can choose a different path.
An excerpt from the book
If you are reading these words,
perhaps you too have felt invisible at times.
Perhaps your voice was too quiet.
Your wishes - too big.
Your heart - too sensitive.Perhaps you learned to hide pain behind a smile.
Perhaps you quietly lived through things that were never said out loud.
Perhaps you learned to be strong - even when you longed for someone to hold you up.This book is not about a perfect path.
It is about the courage to feel - even after a long time of staying silent.
About leaving. Coming back. Choosing.
About the moments you wanted to run.
About the moments you chose, for the first time, to stay with yourself.These are not lessons.
Not recipes.
These are scenes from within: of feelings, silence, breaking points and strength.If even one line feels familiar - stay with it.
Don't rush.
Perhaps where it starts to tingle is exactly where your healing begins.You are invited.
Not to be different.
To be whole - with your own truth, strength and tenderness.I did not write this book to speak for You.
I wrote it so that You could hear yourself.
More than a story
'Born to Fight' is different from an ordinary memoir. In every chapter you will find:
- A heartfelt story - open and real, without embellishment.
- Coaching questions that make you pause and look at yourself.
- Reflections that help you sense what already lives within you.
- Practical steps that move you from passive reader to active creator of your own life.
That is why the book becomes a mirror and a gentle but firm voice saying: you deserve to live differently.
The book also includes a special chapter, 'Quiet Questions - Brave Answers', a personal space for inner work where you can sit calmly with your own answers.
One of the thoughts from the book that many readers hold close:
They told me I was too sensitive. Too strong. That I loved too loudly and hurt too quickly.
Now I know - it is my superpower.
Who 'Born to Fight' is for
- A woman who wants to understand herself and her reactions better.
- A woman ready to recognise old beliefs and let go of what no longer serves her.
- A woman looking for courage and inspiration for change - in relationships, at work or in life.
- Every woman for whom self-worth and self-confidence matter.
- A woman who has tried for a long time to be good in order to be accepted.
- A woman who has lived up to other people's expectations and feels it is time for her own.
What readers say
After the book was published, Vilana received many heartfelt letters. Here are a few excerpts from readers' reviews (translated from Lithuanian):
"So few words, yet so much feeling and depth. I found so much about myself in it. Only the practical exercises are left to do - that is how I will fill the cosy autumn and winter evenings."
- Agnė
"An inspiring and sensitive story about inner strength, the search for oneself and the courage to be yourself in a world that so often tries to change us. What matters most is not being perfect, but being real."
- Svetlana
"As soon as I saw you had published a book with this title, I knew I would find a piece of myself in it. This book will definitely not end up forgotten in a drawer! It is like a ticket in my pocket and confidence in my heart!"
- Erika
"The book surprised me so much! I thought it would be like all the other psychology self-help books. But this one is completely different! While I was still reading, I was already thinking about who I want to give it to."
- Daiva
About the author
Vilana Bagdonė is a cosmetologist, a self-worth and confidence mentor, and the founder of Vilana Natural Beauty. In 2017 she founded her natural, handmade skincare brand in Scotland, which has since won several awards. She poured her experience and her journey into this book to help other women discover their inner strength. You can find out more about Vilana and her mentoring at vilanabagdone.com.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'Born to Fight'?
The author is Vilana Bagdonė - cosmetologist, mentor and founder of the natural skincare brand Vilana Natural Beauty.
What is 'Born to Fight' about?
It is one woman's true journey through childhood experiences, painful relationships and inner battles to the brave decision to live differently. The book includes coaching questions, reflections and practical steps.
Is the book available in English?
Yes. The English edition, 'Born to Fight', was published in December 2025 and is available on Amazon as a paperback and as a Kindle eBook. The original Lithuanian edition, Gimusi kovoti, is available in our shop.
How many pages does the book have?
The English edition has 191 pages; the Lithuanian paperback, published in 2025, has 193 pages.
Where can I buy 'Born to Fight'?
The English paperback and Kindle edition are available on Amazon. The Lithuanian paperback Gimusi kovoti can be ordered in our shop - copies sent to the UK are signed by the author.
Give yourself permission to begin the journey back to yourself.
