Meet Maranda Evans: Motivator & Multifaceted Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maranda Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maranda, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The most important decision I made that is the foundation of my success was to tell my complete story. When I first began in 2014, I wrote a book entitled Troubled. This book forced me to be completely vulnerable and share with the world my experiences with abuse, loss of loved ones, promiscuity, suicidal attempts, mental illness, and relationships that broke me down in every way. I made the decision to be honest and open about my life. Every day since then, I have used and shared my story to make a change in the lives of other women. I am known to be unfiltered and share intimate parts of my life. Everyone always asks me, “How did you get the courage to share your story and be so open about your life?” My answer is I didn’t get courage, I was given courage. I didn’t hesitate with this decision, I just did it. That one decision created the journey of my success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Though I have two businesses, a bookkeeping company and Victorian Publishing, Inc., I consider myself more as an artist/creative than I do a CEO or businesswoman. Why? Because my work and influence come from what I create. My main brand is named Elements of ME. I came up with this title about five years ago when I realized there are so many elements and aspects to Maranda Evans (ME). I am the creator, author, vlogger, blogger, founder of a nonprofit, business owner, speaker, and motivator. Most importantly, I’m open, honest, and unfiltered. I’m most proud of and excited about my YouTube channel, Motivation with ME. While I love my nonprofit (“my child”), with everything in me, my YouTube channel allows me to spread motivation and love to everyone no matter the gender, age, ethnicity, etc. It is my platform where I can use my voice to speak about whatever I choose. Abuse, love, sex, relationships, advocacy, the fact that black lives matter, literally anything. My strongest tool is my voice. It is the talent behind all the things I’ve built. I came from a troubled and painful childhood. I was abused, promiscuous, and mentally unstable. If you would have told me at 14 years old, I would be where I am today, I probably would’ve laughed. I grew up Catholic, so I didn’t have a strong spiritual connection with God. I didn’t know what faith was. I didn’t know how to speak to Him or hear His voice and direction. However, I was always smart. Even with skipping school, I was an A’s and B’s student. When I got older and realized that not only had I lived and done more than most older women, but it was time to make a change. I didn’t know what until God woke me up from my sleep and said to me, “Tell your story.” Creating and building anything is never easy. If it’s easy, it isn’t worth doing. It’s supposed to be hard. The most beautiful creations come from pain. It allows you to not only be humble but recognize that there is nothing you can’t do. I overcame and persevered by faith and dedication. Do I still have hard times? Yes. You will always have your downfalls, but it’s the act of getting back up and pushing forward that allows you to grow. I learned many lessons, but the one that’s most important is, “What you came from doesn’t determine where you’re going.” I want the world to know…my brand is my story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This one is a little tough because I’m an introvert. Most of the places I go are conferences and networking socials. I’m not sure if it’s because I experienced so much as a teenager and my 20’s or if I’m just too busy for a social life. It’s probably a mixture of both. If I had a week-long vacation with a friend, I would leave Houston. I live and work here. The only way for me to relax and have fun is by going somewhere else and experiencing a different city. If I chose to stay in Houston, I’d probably have to ask my extroverted friends, “So where is the fun?” The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All my success and motivation come from my late grandmother, Mildred Stoot. Though she is no longer here, she instilled in me everything that I am. Strong, ambitious, fearless, courageous, faith-filled, etc. Mil, as we called her, taught me to listen to the voice of God and pursue what He called me to do. She was my biggest supporter and is still my biggest motivation. Her legacy continues through me. Two other people that have supported me and give me all the encouragement and love I need is my friend and publicist, Christian Simmons and my cousin, Ashley Pickens. These two women are the reason I never give up. They are honest with me and always there for the good and bad times. I wouldn’t be here without them. Lastly, my nonprofit organization, The Troubled Movement, Inc. It was built on my story and book, but it evolved on its own. Here we are five years later, and we are flourishing. Thanks to my vision, my team, and our supporters; we can change the lives of teen boys and girls around the world through mentoring and positive influence.

Website: www.marandaevans.com

Instagram: @elementsofme

Linkedin: Maranda Evans

Twitter: @thetroubledmvmt

Facebook: Elements of Maranda Evans

Youtube: www.youtube.com/marandaevans

Other: www.thetroubledmovement.org www.victorianpublishing.com IG: @thetroubledmovement Facebook: The Troubled Movement IG: @victorianpublishing Facebook: Victorian Publishing

Image Credits
ClearShutter Photos Joni Cruz Photgraphy