~ Maia Vasilieva
THE BIGGER THE CHALLENGE. THE BIGGER THE OPPORTUNITY.
All was well until the Soviet Union collapsed at the end of 1991. Due to the political and law enforcement leadership vacuum, Russian criminals extensively used the state governmental apparatus to protect and promote their criminal activities. My husband owned an upscale boutique grocery store in Moscow and, due to the success of the store, the mafia came and, as the mafia does, offered “protection” for a percentage of the store’s profits. With no option, my husband agreed. Shortly thereafter, their demands increased, and so did death threats. At this point, my husband and I decided to leave Russia.
NEW CULTURE ~ NEW LIFE
In 1994, I accepted an invitation from a Russian friend in Florida to relocate to the United States. For the next four months, my husband remained at the grocery store. Since the only way to safely depart from Russia and stop any mafia pursuit was to turn the keys to the business over and leave. We took nothing the mafia believed belonged to them.
On October 7th, 1994, I arrived in Miami, Florida, speaking no English and with a few hundred dollars in my purse.
Upon arrival in the United States, my friend set me up to work as a waitress in a local, successful upscale Russian restaurant. After four months of hard work and long hours, I moved into a lovely 1 bedroom apartment, and my husband safely arrived from Russia. Our daughter remained with my mother until we were financially stable.
The Russian community was of significant size in this area of South Florida, and my husband networked and found a construction job with a local, established Russian contractor. Building our new life’s foundation, we worked 7 days a week / 14 hours per day. We began learning English, and within 6-8 months, our English was adequate enough to communicate without difficulty.
TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY
I returned to school and graduated with an Interior Decorating certificate. After several years as an apprentice, my husband studied and obtained his general contractor’s license, and began his own residential and commercial renovation business. Directly and indirectly, my husband and I funneled business to each other to the point where success led us to projects in upper New York State. We also worked in the affluent South Florida communities of Aventura, Bal Harbour, and Fisher Island. We enjoyed years of business prosperity and financial freedom.
When the housing collapse peaked in 2008, expenditures on construction, renovations, etc. disappeared. To replace income lost from the housing crisis, I again shifted my focus to the knowledge I learned at 22 and began exporting consumer, industrial, and even previously owned luxury cars to Russia. Even though the US financial crisis was felt abroad, Russia still had a strong interest in importing American/German cars and international goods.
“Growth and change can be challenging. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck. But when you regain control over your mind, you can master your time, money, health, relationships, focus, and productivity.”
~ Maia Vasilieva
HITTING MY BREAKING POINT
There are many hurdles in life, some small, some overwhelming. These roadblocks often require shifting one’s mental picture of life and themselves, estimating possible outcomes, and realizing an evolving identity of who you are. However, if any of you have experienced the loss of a loved one, it brings an even greater focus on shifting your identity to foster meaningful survival. My most traumatic life event was in 2012, when I lost my husband. After over 30 years in a loving relationship, my best friend, soulmate, and partner was no longer by my side. For months, I was devastated…numb, unable to work, and sometimes even unable to communicate with family or friends.
During this period of intense grief, I slowly realized my life experiences, and deep faith, had unknowingly provided me with a solid coping skill set to sustain, endure and continue with my life.
During this period of recovery and rebirth, I transitioned my professional life into real estate and selling artwork I initially cultivated as a hobby in 1998. I was blessed as my paintings were displayed and sold through national and international galleries, private exhibitions, and referrals, each commanding up to a 5 figure sale price.
THE OLD WAYS WON'T OPEN NEW DOORS
During the 12-18 months of COVID, I had countless conversations with former clients, business associates, and friends who found themselves in despair and chaos, with loved ones falling sick or dying, job and business losses, fear of the future, and mounting financial problems. After helping many of them get unstuck, redirect their lives, and recover lost income/success, several enthusiastically mentioned I should offer my unique insights to other women who could also greatly benefit.
Through my passion for helping others, The Mindful Abundant Life Program and the Identity Shift methodology were born!
Women worldwide have used my powerful mind-training and coaching program to overcome mindset and skill obstacles to achieve the success they never imagined possible. My purpose is to take my decades of research, life experiences, and proven strategies to show you precisely what you need to do to achieve your goals and have the life of your dreams…faster and easier than you ever thought possible.
I look forward to being of service.
With Love,
Maia Vasilieva
Create True Success, Impact, and Fulfillment that Lasts
