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In this episode of Defying the Odds, host Abby Vaden sits down with Maya Ramsahoye — international pageant queen, Miss Queen of the World 2024, and powerhouse entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with both grace and grit.

From the runways of international pageants to the boardrooms of her own modeling and management companies, Maya has turned her crown into a catalyst for change. As the National Director for Queen of the World Canada and Director of MIЯROR Management International, Maya shares how she built an empire grounded in empowerment, authenticity, and development.

Maya opens up about her journey from a small-town girl in Alberta, Canada, to a global advocate for inclusivity in beauty and fashion. Through her EveryBODY Fashion Show and MIЯROR Consulting, she’s championing confidence, representation, and real growth — proving that power and purpose go hand in hand.

This episode dives deep into:
✨ How Maya transformed her pageant platform into a global movement
✨ The business principles behind her leadership success
✨ Why authenticity is the foundation of sustainable influence
✨ What it takes to lead women — and an entire industry — with heart

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning passion into purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to rise, lead, and redefine your own version of success.

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In this episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Christina Messer—founder of Clues & Co. Tax Solutions and a creative force with over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business strategy. After facing an unexpected tax bill herself, Christina discovered powerful tax strategies once reserved for corporations and the wealthy. Now, she’s on a mission to make those strategies accessible to entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and high-income families. With her detective-like approach, Christina helps clients uncover hidden tax savings, build financial clarity, and turn stress into strategy. Tune in to learn how Christina continues to defy the odds by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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In this inspiring episode of Defying the Odds, we sit down with Jennifer D’Oliveira, founder of Desert Bloom Wellness Therapies in Phoenix, Arizona. Jennifer shares her remarkable journey from decades as a successful businesswoman to becoming a Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Healing practitioner. With training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, she now helps clients transform their health and well-being through holistic therapies rooted in compassion and care. Discover how Jennifer continues to defy the odds, blending herbalism, aromatherapy, yoga, and sound healing to nurture both body and spirit.

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