The next annual “Unique Russia” exhibition will be held in Moscow in January 2026. This is a long-awaited event, a large-scale exhibition and forum is taking place in the capital in Gostiny Dvor. More than 80,000 people usually attend this key event of the year — the presentation of the best implemented projects in the country.
Sofia Zolotova, a special correspondent for The Times of Russia, spoke with Natalia Balayan, a well-known Russian writer and keeper of folklore heritage, one of the participants of the exhibition.
Sofia Zolotova: Natalia, please tell me, what are your expectations from the Unique Russia exhibition and what projects will you present at it?
Natalia Balayan: You know, Sofia, in January 2026, my new book will be published by EKSMO publishing house, which was called “Treasures of the Soul”.
In this book, I have drawn a parallel between the vivid qualities possessed by a particular gemstone and the states of the human soul. For example, we value ruby for its piercing red color. Ruby is considered a symbol of love. Lemurian quartz is considered a manifestation of wisdom. Such a state of mind as courage is associated with such an amazing stone as a tiger’s eye.
Sofia Zolotova: Natalia, you demonstrate an incredibly creative approach in both mineralogy and psychology. Tell me, who inspired you to write this book and this technique?
Natalia Balayan: I think that Life itself is the main inspiration and teacher of each of us.
“There are subtle power connections between the contour and the smell of a flower,” the poet Valery Bryusov once succinctly put it. There are subtle connections between stones and the qualities of the human soul. After all, if you think about it, the soul itself has a set of precious qualities – from the point of view of human values. The human soul, which is open to giving, becomes a treasure trove of truth.
Sofia Zolotova: I absolutely agree with you, Natalia! Today, this philosophy is very important for the world – the philosophy of giving, gratitude and openness. Please tell us more about your book, what is the key message in it?
Natalia Balayan: The book “Treasures of the Soul” was created as a journey to the inner light of man. Through colorful legends about precious stones filled with ancient wisdom and symbols, through wishes addressed directly to the heart, written by me from the point of view of great psychological experience, through special practical tasks, including illustrations for coloring, the book will help everyone who reads it to reveal the spiritual qualities necessary for inner harmony and happiness.
Sofia Zolotova: I am sure that this book will undoubtedly find a grateful reader. Please tell us about your other books and projects?
Natalia Balayan: You know, Sofia, for me, writing is an opportunity to serve society, to serve people, including our ancestors. My book “A Russian Fairy Tale from Ancient Times to the Present Day” was presented at the Frankfurter Buchmesse, the largest book fair in the world, in 2025. This is a book with fairy tales and about fairy tales for children and adults with an unusual structure.
On its pages, as an author, keeper, and storyteller, I offer my readers more than just fairy tales. I suggest that he reflect on eternal values, which can be called the process of personality transformation. After each presentation of the magical story, the reader can get acquainted with the popular science analysis of the narrative plot, understand the archetypes of the main characters using the methodology I have proposed, and even learn the history of the origin and transformation of fairy-tale characters using the example of cultures around the world.
Sofia Zolotova: It sounds amazing! Truly fabulous! Natalia, do you think it’s possible to say that the love of fairy tales is one of the most important components of our cultural code?
Natalia Balayan: Yes, Sofia, that’s exactly it. Russian fairy tales are the basis for the upbringing and formation of the character of the nation. By the way, I will be presenting more than just books at the Unique Russia exhibition.
Sofia Zolotova: Oh, your words are really intriguing. We look forward to hearing from you about what will be presented at your booth in addition to books?
Natalia Balayan:
Along with my books, there will be exquisite author’s clothes, which we create with the famous designer Yana Yaruti based on my fairy tales and parables.
The special feature of our collection is the deep connection of the meanings inherent in myths and parables with the patterns, color and cut of our clothes. Looking at each model of our collaboration, you can literally tell the story of a wise fairy tale story.
Women adore our collections — the meanings are integrated beautifully and modernly. At the same time, each of those who have the pleasure of wearing these designer items finds not only clothes, but “as if enveloped” in kind fairy-tale parables about love and happiness.
Sofia Zolotova: Natalia, our dialogue with you at the tempo of “moderato” gradually shifted to the rhythm of “allegro” and eventually gained the status of “crescendo”, especially considering that it takes place on the eve of the Epiphany holiday. It seems to me that the phrase “designer things” in itself can drive any representative of the “beautiful half of humanity” crazy – may men forgive my too straightforward passage. But when precious stones and treasures of the soul are added to the “designer things”, it all becomes very similar to the Cinderella fairy tale. It is absolutely vital for all of us to visit your stand at the Unique Russia exhibition! Thank you for this wonderful interview!
Natalia Balayan: Sofia, thank you and see you at the exhibition!
Sofia Zolotova: Yes, see you in a fabulous space with fabulous expectations!
