WRITER: OMEGA NGEMA
Mrs South Africa semi-finalist Michelle Maharaj is eager to drive change in the lives of women and children all over the country and she needs your vote to make that happen. The dynamic founder of MD Investment House said it is her passion for life that has inspired her to be all that she can be.
Everyone who knows her would tell you Michelle is an astute businesswoman with has a kind heart. This is also demonstrated in the way she runs her non-profit organisation for destitute women and children, Etala Foundation. “I am sensitive and that emotional side of me helps me relate to people and to also be strong when I need to be. I believe that we all have a purpose and we want to live a fruitful life. My purpose is to give back and leave a legacy that will be built upon for generations to come,” said Michelle.
The wife and mother of two said although she was brought up in a loving home she was definitely not born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and it was through hard work and determination that she built a successful investment company securing her family’s future.
“My dream, growing up was to become a physiotherapist. I loved helping people but went the total opposite direction and that is business management. I am still helping people, but financially with our financial services company: MD Investment House,” said Michelle.
The tenacious boss lady may looks like she can take on the world, however she admits, she has not been immune to life’s challenges as she was once a victim of gender based violence. “Being a spiritual person I turned to the Almighty to help me through it. I remained calm and knew that this was only for a season and in order for me to overcome I needed to speak out and do something because that isn’t normal and should not be allowed,” said Michelle of that trying period in her life.
Through the Mrs South Africa platform, which she described as a women empowerment programme, Michelle said she wants to show women that they can serve more purpose in life than merely existing. She said the platform is helping her teach the youth good values, including altruism, respect, responsibility, and smart leadership.
She said she is taking a leap of faith with the programme as this is her first pageant ever and was overwhelmed when she found out that she had made it through as a semi-finalist amid thousands of entrants.
“The first day I sat amongst all the beautiful and accomplished women who had also made it through as semi-finalists, I said to myself :‘how is little me ever going to do this,’ and then I realized that I was one of them. That moment, for me instantly turned self-doubt into self-worth,” said Michelle.
She said the Mrs South Africa Journey has taught her many things about herself including the fact that she was bold, resilient, and has it in her to positively impact people’s lives.
“Winning Mrs South Africa would help me further create a shelter for protection and support to women and children on the street. Also, through our skills development programme, I would be able to help them find their purpose and meaning in life. This means the world to me, it would afford me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many,” said Michelle.
To all those hoping to join the platform in the future Michelle said her winning formula has been simple: be authentic, stay humble and remain teachable.
“I’ve always said that I want to be a role model to my children and have them say, ‘Hey, that’s my mom up there.’ I am slowly working towards that goal by developing the people around me. My vision is to impart knowledge and make a difference,” said Michelle.
Michelle Maharaj seeks your vote* ON THE MRS SOUTH AFRICA FACEBOOK ALBUM CLASS OF 2021.
Follow her journey, like, vote and share here:-
Facebook: Michelle Maharaj Mrs SA semi-finalist 2021 and Mrs South Africa
Instagram: @7michegp
TikTok:@7michegp
SMS: Michelle Maharaj to 35959 voting ends 30 June 2021, free and bundled minutes don’t apply.
Your vote will assist take her to being a finalist from July to the end goal in November 2021.
