Kirstin is a powerful and dynamic young woman who’s recent circumstances have been nothing but fuel to her purpose of uplifting + teaching others, and showcasing FAITH. Kirstin, shortly after moving to Los Angeles, CA with dreams of creating a lane for herself in the entertainment industry, was diagnosed with Cancer in July 2019, and endured 6months of intensive chemotherapy to eradicate it. With the unfailing support of her family and friends, she battled this time in her life like a champ, and was cancer-free by the turn of the new year. She has since relocated to Louisiana where she continues to build with her family, a beautiful church and ministry Lift City Churcg, and a platform for Christian families to seek guidance and support while empowering them through faith, called The Modern Christian Family. She is also embarking on a new venture to make everyone feel beautiful with her cosmetic subscription box, BeatBox. With interests in fashion, home decorating, cooking, curating a healthy lifestyle, and “all things cute”, we can’t wait to see what Kirstin does next! Her story is truly one of VICTORY over circumstance.

Deddeh is a lifestyle, beauty, and fashion influencer who was raised in Liberia & Ghana, in west Africa. She immigrated to the US to continue her studies to become a nurse when she began modeling and realized how racist the industry was. This birthed the viral project she is most known for “The Black Mirror Project” where she challenged high fashion campaigns using only white models. She soon pivoted and began her blog. Through out her journey though she has been with a lot of push back from her audience about the fact that her partner is white even though she continues to champion issues that black women face. Can you fight for black women and have a white partner? We discuss it all!

Our last conversation was so good we had to keep it going! Part 2 gets emotional, so get ready to get REAL!

Akii Lanier is a successful highly established model who has a heart of literal Gold. After experiencing many hardships growing up in a mixed race household and struggling to define her own identity, while fighting off bullies in school each day, she wins a modeling competition which affords her the chance at a new and exciting life in Miami where she falls prey to life in the “fast lane”. We discuss how her journey has led to her overall growth. PART 2 

Akii Lanier is a successful highly established model who has a heart of literal Gold. After experiencing many hardships growing up in a mixed race household and struggling to define her own identity, while fighting off bullies in school each day, she wins a modeling competition which affords her the chance at a new and exciting life in Miami where she falls prey to life in the “fast lane”. We discuss how her journey has led to her overall growth.

In this episode, we dive into the unique journey of Melody Rae. A college drop out who once had dreams to someday play basketball for the WNBA decides to model on a whim, changing her life. She is now an actress, and entrepreneur who’s fitness business is now booming. Her faith and modes to feel self love, have grounded her and propelled her to success. Tap in !

In this episode, Mame discusses reasons why she wanted to begin a platform and podcast like this which allows its listeners to chime in and contribute with their own stories of triumph over their obstacles; noting that although all of our circumstances may be different, our experiences are universal. And sharing ourselves with one another is what will bond us and break barriers.

Research and recent data has shown that depression and anxiety amongst teens age 15-19 has shot up 62%, and 44% for younger teens 10-14 (per 100,00 girls according to reported U.S. hospital admissions for non-fatal self-harming); suicide rates have also gone up significantly.

What is the cause of heightened depression in our country? Is it the advent of social media?

We explore the effects of social media on our mental health, and how social media has become the unavoidable drug of choice for many people.

 

Maaliyah Papillion is a force to be reckoned with. She has never said no to a challenge she was faced with and continues to push herself to reach new heights in her life and career. She is a former Miss Louisiana USA, who now works as a model & actress, all while helping others heal and master self-discovery in her own energy healing practice @chrysalis.nyc in NY & LA. She is using her gifts to teach others how to connect with their higher selves and that is beyond admirable. Especially in a time like this, we all need a Maaliyah in our lives. Tune in to our conversation about how adulthood is forcing us to GROW spiritually, emotionally, and to stay sane as we take on all new responsibilities. Follow us on Instagram + Twitter @victoryovercircumstance & our Host @mameadjei

Brianna Michelle is a model and actress who’s light and love for the world could not be dimmed by a brutal rape that she suffered at the hands of an attacker. She refuses to be a victim of her past circumstances though, and now works to empower women who have experienced sexual assault to become SURVIVORS through her non-profit organization, Voices Beyond Assault. Get ready to be INSPIRED! A true story of VICTORY OVER CIRCUMSTANCE. Follow us on Instagram + Twitter @victoryovercircumstance & our Host @mameadjei

At 13, she was discovered at a modeling competition in New York City, and her very first job was for Vogue Italia. Gutierrez has appeared in Teen Vogue, Glamour, Elle, and modeled for brands such as United Colors of Benetton, Levi’s, Rimmel London, Phillip Lim, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and and countless others; working alongside major figures & celebrities in the fashion industry all over the world. However, in order to find true happiness Sharina had to journey inward to find herself. Her journey to her authentic self was difficult and jarring to say the least, but after a life altering experience in the Philippines literally battling her demons, she found peace and love and a new purpose in motherhood. A true story of VICTORY OVER CIRCUMSTANCE.

In a recent survey carried out by the Black Beauty Roster, we found out that:

97% of black models have had to do their own hair while on-set because the hair stylist wasn't equipped to do it.
83% of black models have been asked to come to set with their hair prepped and “ready to go”.
77% had to do your own makeup on-set because the artist didn't have the right products for their skin tone.

THIS ISN'T RIGHT!

In this episode, Mame dives into the problem that there STILL is within the fashion industry; never being equipped to accommodate to black models and models of color. Mame is referencing an Open Letter to the Fashion Industry (< click to read) which she wrote and published on Medium.com in June of 2020, as a response to the attention that #BlackLivesMatter initiatives were finally getting, following the murder of George Floyd. 

Welcome back to the VOC podcast! Today we are speaking with Eugena Washington, fellow America's Next Top Model Alumn, who went on to star in a slew of films and tv commercial roles, as well as be named Playmate of the year in 2016. We discuss her not-so-pleasant encounters with Tyra Banks, challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, and how growing up as a middle child of 7 siblings, forced and taught her to fight for space (to be seen and heard), and naturally led her to become the confident, sexually empowered, leader that she is today; commanding attention and respect wherever she goes.

Welcome everyone, to the Victory Over Circumstance podcast! I’m your host Mame Adjei; Ghanaian-American international model, activist, and social entrepreneur. In this episode, I am revealing myself to you all and telling you my #VOCStory! Join me as I dive into how growing up on different continents informed my identity as a black woman, as well as finding my purpose in helping women regain their power by sharing their stories, and starting the Victory Over Circumstance platform.

This is what VOC is about. Join us every Wednesday as we dive into a new woman’s story of triumph despite their circumstances!