I am a young woman who was born in Africa and eventually grew up in the Netherlands. I have always admired the strength of my African mother.

 

 

 

I would like to convince people to continue to believe in themselves and get the best out of their lives. Everyone is beautiful the way they are.

 

 

I hope to convey the energy right. I stand for strength, positivity, love and acceptance. I think it is important that everyone can be the way they are, whatever the colour of their skin. Love to uplift people and forget about jealousy.

 

Follow Maryan on instagram: @Maryannnx

 

 

I think no matter what colour skin or background you have, you should always chase your dreams. Color doesn’t matter, it’s about what’s inside you. When I was a little girl there was no n’t much color on tv or at my school.

 

But children don’t look at and now in 2021, there are many changes going on in the world and there is much more possible. More than ever we need role models, we still need them. So let me be that voice and face to show how it can be.

 

 

Like Marian Wright Edelman an American child advocate once said: color, they look at you as a person. The differences become more obvious when you are older. My roots are from Suriname and the Caribbean, but I was born and raised here in the Netherlands. So I’m a mix of three cultures, I’m a melted melanin.

 

 

 

 

Growing up as a teenager can be quite a challenge, let alone if you feel like you are living in three worlds. As a teenager, I felt different. Where did I belong? When I grew up, I didn’t realize you need role models. Someone you can identify yourself with, someone who is just like you. It helps you as a person. 

Now that I’m older I realize it is necessary to have role models, someone who can be that example for you. Looking back I now know that I certainly had my role models: Off course there were Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, wauw such strong beautiful melanin women! But more close to home (literally), were my mother and my aunt that example for me. They are truly powerful women, strong and independent! At a young age they came here in The Netherlands, without their parents, family or even a guideline to live and work in another country. They showed me that life isn’t always easy, but when you are positive and work hard, you can achieve whatever you want! My whole family exists of strong and independent women. I’m very proud to be part of that!  

 

 

 

 

Nowadays, in 2021, there are many changes going on in the world and there are so much more possibilities. We need role models now more than ever! We need them at all times. So let me be that voice and face to show how it can be done. Like Marian Wright Edelman an American child advocate once said:

 

 

 

That’s my purpose! To be an example. That is why I’ve chosen this Melanin Wonder Platform, which has such a great reach!

 

 

New Monkey Photography

 

 

 

 

It’s not much different from ourselves if you want to accomplish something. Make it work make it gold. Everything you do or touch make it a success!

 

 

No matter what people say, think, judge it’s what you feel and manifest.

Turn your insecurities into gold.