Today we’d like to introduce you to Maranda Evans.
Maranda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In a previous Voyage Houston article, I shared the beginning of my story as a troubled teen, introduced my life as an author, and spoke about my youth nonprofit, The Troubled Movement. With this article, I’d like to go into the details of the root of who I have become as a Motivator, Speaker, and Advocate.
My suffering began at the young age of 12 going on 13 when my stepfather began molesting me every night for almost a year until I finally spoke up. For years, I suffered from pain, confusion, anger, depression, suicidal ideations, and more. My family just assumed I was troubled and disrespectful. Never once did anyone recognize my signs of child sex abuse trauma, even after they knew the story.
As I got older and stronger, I began to share my story on child sex abuse and become an advocate for other abuse victims. In my first book Troubled (released April 2014), I told the story of my molestation but masked the name of my abuser to protect my family. My first Voyage Houston article in June 2018 was my first time telling the world who my abuser was, so I thank you for the opportunity to release my silence and speak my truth.
Now that I am a 27-year old degreed accountant, author, entrepreneur, speaker, blogger, vlogger, and Founder of a youth nonprofit; I am able to influence others by providing them with motivation and encouragement to speak their truth. My main focus right now is to help end child sex abuse while also dealing with the effects that it has on me. However, God has prepared me for this.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – can you talk to us a bit more about the struggles along the way?
I don’t think that any road to success in life is smooth. It’s a journey of bumps, obstacles, blockages, and wrong turns. However, it’s those hurdles that remind us that the journey is worth it.
I’ve had many struggles throughout my transformation from troubled to triumphant. Even after creating a youth nonprofit, becoming an author, and advocating for others; I ran and still run into troubles. Years ago I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in which I see a therapist and psychiatrist for. Recently, my psychiatrist added Bipolar II Disorder because of my swift mood changes. Sometimes I break down, sometimes I want to quit, and sometimes I feel like one person fighting a million battles.
The pain of having to remove myself from a toxic family, while fighting for justice in my child sex abuse situation as well as other victims takes a huge toll on me emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and in some cases physically. It’s never easy to walk away from anyone who is supposed to love and protect you unconditionally. However, I believe in the power of forgiveness and prayer for even those who have harmed you. I have forgiven and I am continuing to heal. I am determined to prosper in God’s purpose and journey for my life.
Elements of ME – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have two companies, a for-profit named Elements of ME, LLC. and a non-profit named The Troubled Movement, Inc. My for-profit specializes in writing and publishing services for aspiring authors, as well as personal and business bookkeeping, budgeting, and tax returns. I also design websites for business and personal use.
Other things I do are motivational speaking, blogging, and vlogging on my YouTube channel, Motivation with ME. I’ve titled myself Motivator, to sum up all the things that I do. It’s what I am known for by my peers, clients, supporters, teens, and friends. No matter what situation I am in, I always find the words and ways to keep others encouraged and uplifted. I believe it was what I was put here to do.
I am most proud of both of my businesses and talents prospering at such a young age. I’m only 26 (27 on September 1st) and I’ve accomplished much more than the average person my age. I’ve obtained two degrees in Accounting, started and maintained a non-profit for three years (which is extremely hard), ghostwritten over 5 books, edited over 30, published 2 of my own books (with a 3rd one on the way), host numerous events for both youth and adults, and continue to thrive towards success while bringing other dedicated individuals along with me.
What sets me apart from others is my faith, determination, dedication, and ambition. Even if I take a break (which I have to do frequently), I still never give up because I remember why I started and where God is bringing me.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment is watching my teen mentees accomplish their goals and become leaders under my influence. Every time they accomplish something new, tell me how much I and The Troubled Movement mean to them, and persevere through their trials; it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I live and press forward for my “babies”. They make me just as strong as I make them. They are the ones that keep me going.
Pricing:
- Website Design – Beginning at $150
- Accounting Services – Minimum $100
- Editing Services – $50 minimum
- Publishing Services – $250 minimum
Contact Info:
- Address: 2626 S Loop West
Suite 650P
Houston, TX 77054 - Website: www.marandaevans.com
- Phone: 346-291-4835
- Email: info@marandaevans.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elementsofme
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/marandamotivates
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thetroubledmvmt
- Other: www.thetroubledmovement.org
Image Credit:
Racquel Hegert, Jalika Mercer
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