At 40, Flying Dresses International CEO and founder Maria Praljak celebrates an extraordinary journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, family, and international success.
Maria’s achievements span fashion, tourism, business, philanthropy and global women’s leadership. She was a winner of Global Influencers 2025, received the prestigious Mentor Trophy and Certificate Awards at The Langham, and has been invited to appear as a keynote speaker on international stages.
Her global recognition includes BOSS Magazine, World Woman Forum – where she won multiple awards and was invited as a keynote speaker – and New York Weekly magazine, in which she has been featured twice and recognised as one of the Top 10 Women Leaders of 2026.
Maria has participated in multiple meetings with the Maldives President’s Office and is currently in negotiations to bring Flying Dresses International to the Maldives in 2027. She has also received exclusive international invitations connected with Global Business Week Maldives 2025 and Davos Switzerland 2026.
Beyond business, Maria is a property developer, national equestrian showjumping judge, Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron race official manager, a wife, and a mother of three.
She continues to inspire and shine brightly, rising above others like a falcon soaring high into the sky. A strong and powerful leader, she is living life on her terms and in her own way – one that sets her apart – with grace, elegance and a truly unique beauty.
