WELCOME TO BY VILNA
Hi, I’m Vilna 👋🏾. I’m almost 40, and I’ve spent the last few years on a journey to pay off over $214,000 in student loan debt from pharmacy school and $20,000 in consumer debt. Today, I’m down to my last $53K — and I created By Vilna to share not just my debt-free journey, but also the lessons, glow-ups, and faith practices that are helping me thrive along the way.

This isn’t my first time starting a blog. For years, I dreamed of creating a space that felt real and sustainable, but the timing wasn’t right. Now, I’m ready. At this stage in my life, I want By Vilna to be more than just a blog — I want it to be a safe space for women in their 30s and 40s to:
- Thrive financially 💸
- Live intentionally 🌸
- Glow up with purpose ✨
My story isn’t what the “finance gurus” preach. I’m not a homeowner. My net worth only recently turned positive. But I’ve made consistent sacrifices, shifted jobs, contributed to my retirement accounts, and slowly built a foundation for the life I want.
Here, you’ll find a mix of:
- Personal Finance: debt payoff updates, budgeting, and financial independence strategies (like Coast FI).
- Lifestyle Glow-Ups: fitness, routines, and learning to romanticize life without overspending.
- Beauty & Fashion: budget-friendly style, natural hair, and finding joy in self-care.
- Faith & Reflections: prayers, journaling, and intentional living.
By Vilna is my story, but it’s also a community. If you’re navigating debt, trying to build wealth, or simply searching for inspiration to live abundantly on a budget — you belong here.