The Sweet Taste Of Wellness: How Maria Galabova Is Redefining Luxury Health

Transitioning from the world of international diplomacy and law to the artisanal world of sugar-free patisserie might seem like an unconventional leap, but for Maria Galabova, it was a natural evolution. Driven by a personal family transformation and a keen eye for market gaps, Galabova founded Keto Kartel, a brand that treats health not as a restriction, but as a premium lifestyle.

By marrying European craftsmanship with the fast-paced innovation of Dubai, she has created a movement where clean eating and gourmet indulgence are no longer at odds. In this interview, Galabova discusses the connection between food and emotion, the science behind her ingredients, and why the future of luxury is found in longevity.

1. After a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service, what was the specific catalyst that led you to leave politics and launch your own brand?

Maria Galabova: The shift didn't happen overnight. Over time, I felt my work no longer reflected who I was becoming. A few years ago, my priorities changed, and my focus turned to my family's wellbeing. Watching my husband transform, losing 25 kilos on a keto diet and gaining a completely new energy, mindset, and confidence was deeply inspiring. It made me curious about the power of food and how it could impact lives beyond our home. Keto Kartel is bringing awareness and knowledge to the new generation regarding the connection between food and emotions. Having healthy food is bringing us positive emotions which leads to success at all levels.

At the same time, I realized the keto lifestyle isn't for everyone, but many people struggle with sugar, gluten, and lactose intolerances. I discovered I was one of them. As I searched for alternatives, I met many others facing the same challenge wanting to eat better without giving up enjoyment. That realization planted the seed for Keto Kartel: a way to offer food that is both healthy and truly enjoyable. We are still evolving, and now I am excited to offer a new lactose-free range to our clientele in 2026.

2. What was the“aha” moment when you realized your family's health solution could scale into a luxury business?

Maria Galabova: Seeing how deeply this lifestyle improved my family's wellbeing was the starting point. But when others began responding to our products, feeling better, eating differently, and finding joy again in food, I realized this could go far beyond a personal solution. I wanted to give everyone pursuing a healthier lifestyle the chance to enjoy cakes, desserts, chocolates, and breads 100% sugar-free and gluten-free, without ever compromising on taste. There was a clear gap in the market for sugar-free and gluten-free products that didn't compromise on flavour or experience. Keto Kartel is the new movement that redefines health and lifestyle. I learned also that my role is not just to create but to build the right culture and mindset. As demand grew, especially in the region, it became clear that Keto Kartel could play a role in shaping a healthier food culture, aligned with the UAE's broader vision for wellbeing. The goal was never just to sell food, but to be part of people's happiness, health, and everyday pleasure.

3. Why did you choose to position healthy alternatives in the luxury space, and what were competitors missing?

Maria Galabova: Most people associate“healthy” with restriction. Too often, healthy desserts feel like a compromise - bland, uninspiring, and unsatisfying. I wanted to challenge that idea. At Keto Kartel, we focus on quality first. We use premium ingredients, pay close attention to flavour and texture, and treat presentation as part of the experience.

It took as more than 2 years to develop the right recipes because we believe that healthy and tasty are partners. Speaking about healthy products it's great opportunity to mention that we are passionate to work with ingredients with healthy benefits like Monk fruit which is a natural sweetener does not raise blood sugar and offer antioxidant compounds. Also Xanthan gum helps improve blood sugar control and aids in cholesterol management. Psyllium husk supports digestion and supports heart health by potentially reducing blood pressure. Our goal is to show that health and indulgence don't have to compete, that you can enjoy food fully while still making conscious choices. We redefine the health space through truly luxurious treats.

4. How has your diverse background in law, sociology, and politics influenced your approach to brand trust and long-term strategy?

Maria Galabova: That background taught me the most valuable lesson: to deliver the right message. We are the messenger through our products that happiness and success are connected to health. I have learned during all these years to think long-term and focus on systems, not shortcuts. Politics showed me that trust is built through transparency and consistency, not promises. In Keto Kartel, that means being clear about our values, our ingredients, and the standards we hold ourselves to. Sociology taught me to listen: to understand how people relate to food, culture and health. It shaped the way we communicate and build genuine relationships with our community. Together, this training guides our strategy: staying aligned with our values while growing responsibly and sustainably. It drives a strategy grounded in values, accountability, and outcomes.

5. How do you balance the precision of European craftsmanship with the rapid pace of the Dubai market?

Maria Galabova: Dubai is a fast-growing market. Every product is handcrafted in our Dubai kitchen, from taste and texture to visual elegance. We work with experienced European artisans because craftsmanship is at the core of what we do. For us, details matter. I am proud that we were able to design and create a product that half of people didn't realize they needed and those who realized it didn't believe it was possible. Well we are going to the same direction inventing new interesting products. We believe quality cannot be rushed, which is why we grow thoughtfully. Scaling for us means expanding carefully, without ever compromising on precision, consistency, or care. That balance allows us to meet market demand while protecting the soul of the brand.

6. Coming from a medical family, how did your upbringing shape Keto Kartel's philosophy on nutrition versus medicine?

Maria Galabova: Growing up with two parents who are doctors shaped my understanding of health early on. I always knew I wanted to contribute to people's wellbeing and longevity. While longevity is now a trend or buzzword, I believe it starts with everyday choices, especially nutrition. I believe that prioritizing is the key. Choosing health and wellbeing is the most valuable choice in people's life.

Keto Kartel became a way to support people beyond food. It's about helping them feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, starting by not depriving them of the simple pleasure of a tasty bite. At its core, our philosophy is simple: health should always come first, and taste shouldn't be compromised.

7. As you expand across the GCC and Europe, what are the“non-negotiables” for the brand?

Maria Galabova: Our commitment to quality and integrity must never change. We will always use the finest ingredients, remain transparent about what goes into our products, and maintain a personalized, thoughtful approach. Every creation, whether a dessert, chocolate, or savoury bite, is treated as a work of art. No matter how much we grow, Keto Kartel will always stand for care and craftsmanship. We are fully transparent about our ingredients-what you see is exactly what you get: clean, structured ingredients that support balance, energy, and everyday vitality.

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