HI, My Name is
Maryam Akbari
And my mission is to help you turn your viral business story
into an impactful online business and become an influential changemaker.
Born As Refugee To Become A Role Model
I want to take you back to a moment in my life when everything began to change. I was born as a female in a culture where male genders were more privileged and honored. My family had left Afghanistan due to the ongoing war and moved to Iran. Despite being born in Iran, I never received a passport in the country because my parents were refugees.
Growing up, I always felt like an outsider. I was the first girl in my family to have the opportunity to receive an education. My identity was always questioned, even from childhood. I faced the challenge of not being allowed to study in public schools because of my refugee status.
My family faced financial struggles, but they were determined to prioritize our education because they had never had the chance to go to school themselves. My parents, who were both orphans raised in the midst of war, worked tirelessly to pay for our fees in a private school.
Their unwavering dedication ensured we had a decent life, much like many other Afghan refugees. Despite the hardships, they instilled in me the belief that education was the key to a brighter future.
I vividly remember the feeling of being the first girl in my family to attend school. It was both a source of pride and a daunting challenge. I had to prove that I could excel academically in a society that often underestimated women. The experience was a rollercoaster of emotions, from self-doubt to determination.
The journey was a sensory whirlwind. I can still recall the scent of the books, the sound of my classmates' laughter, and the taste of success as I gradually excelled in my studies. The taste of knowledge was sweeter than anything I had ever known.
I made a life-changing decision. I decided that I wouldn't let societal norms and limitations hold me back. I was determined to break barriers and create a better life for myself and, in the future, for others like me.
My journey from a refugee girl to a student was a breakthrough in itself. It felt like breaking through walls that had confined me for so long. With each passing day, I became more confident, not just in my studies but also in my ability to challenge the status quo.
Moving Back to Afghanistan and Empower Women
When I was just a teenager. I remember myself dreaming of a life where I wouldn't be seen as different, where I'd be respected, not underestimated. Being a refugee came with its blessings and its scars. I grew up learning to be strong, even in the toughest of times, to find success when others doubted me. Yet, there was a dark side to it; I believed I had the wrong identity, born and raised in the wrong country, and sometimes even the wrong gender. I constantly felt the need to prove myself.
Fast forward to my high school years, I was 13, and the Iranian government decided to close down all Afghan private schools in Tehran. No more education for Afghans….That was when my dad made a life-changing decision. He decided to leave behind the life he had built in Iran for 25 years and return to Afghanistan, our homeland.
It was 2004 when we arrived in Afghanistan, and life was nothing like I had imagined. It felt like we had gone back three generations, three decades starting from scratch. Schools had just reopened for women, and everything was challenging. There were times when we didn't have enough water to drink, food to eat, or wood to warm our home, but there was a strange happiness in the faces of most Afghan people. They were excited about the fresh start, and so was I. Despite the hardships, I used to travel for two hours to reach school, and those school days were one of the happiest moments of our times.
Yet, life in Afghanistan posed enormous challenges. There was no safe place for women; they faced harassment daily on the streets. Going to school was still considered a shame and dishonor for most families. Many girls in our neighborhood weren't allowed to pursue an education; they were referred to as "People's wives." It was heart-wrenching to wake up every day in a culture and environment like that and still find reasons to be happy.
My determination grew stronger day by day. I was determined to help and empower women. My dream was to become a journalist and be a voice for women, to bring about change in society.I chose to stand up for what I believed in, to become a journalist who could shed light on the struggles of women in Afghanistan and bring about positive change.
I felt that I have found a new mission in life. Being a refugee to decide to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist was a breakthrough in itself. It was like breaking through walls of cultural norms and societal expectations. It wasn't easy, but with each step, I felt stronger and more determined.
During this transformative journey, I realized that my unique experiences, as challenging as they were, had equipped me with a powerful voice. I understood that my story could inspire and empower others facing similar challenges. My identity, once a source of insecurity, became my source of strength.
From the Heart of Kabul to the World!
From Journalism to Empowering Afghan Women
Let me take you back to the year 2008 when my journey as a journalist and advocate for women's rights began. It was a pivotal moment when I was approved to study journalism at university. It felt like living a dream come true, but this dream was about to lead me on an incredible journey. I found myself among the first female students in journalism to discover a journey full of challenges and barriers. Those university days were the only moments when I felt entirely myself and truly free. But the journey was just beginning.
As I stepped into the world of journalism, I faced a significant challenge—championing women's voices in a society where they were often silenced. Kabul was a city filled with dreams, with the media landscape rapidly expanding across the country. Yet, the harsh reality was that not many people had access to these publications. Free newspapers were commonly repurposed as makeshift plates for food on the streets.
Despite these challenges, more women were pursuing education, but societal expectations dictated that their education should end once they got married, becoming housewives.
Life in Afghanistan was a delicate balance of hope and fear. My mission became more clear: to amplify the voices of Afghan women and improve their standing in society. My dream was to create a world where Afghan women could experience basic human rights, freedom, and independence. However, It felt like an almost impossible dream.
Educated women often faced the daunting choice of prioritizing their careers over marriage in order to continue their professional journeys in society. They had to choose between a career or marriage, fearing that societal norms would curtail their aspirations.
In 2011, I graduated from university while continuing my work in the media. Driven by my passion for women's rights, I chose to use journalism as a platform to share women's voices with the world and improve their lives within Afghan society. My burning desire was to break down the societal barriers that held Afghan women back. I wanted them to have access to the fundamental necessities of life and the opportunity to feel freedom and independence.
I started my career working part-time for a women's magazine called "Roz,". This weekly magazine was dedicated to featuring powerful Afghan women in politics and beyond. My role started with interviewing female politicians and parliament representatives. I soon transitioned into the position of an investigative reporter, shedding light on crimes and injustices, often visiting women in prison, imprisoned unjustly due to issues of shame and honor.
Every day was a mix of challenges and triumphs, and the weight of responsibility was immense. But with each story I covered, I felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment that kept me going.
In the beginning it was just a career, but later It turned to a life mission. I realized that my work was not just about journalism; it was about giving voice to those who had been silenced for too long. I understood that my mission was to create a society where women could pursue their dreams without compromise, where their voices mattered.
Amidst my activism for women's rights, I received invitations to participate in the Feminist Institute and report on women's citizenship in Afghanistan. These opportunities further fueled my determination. Additionally, I was honored to participate in the leadership program at Ewha University and a fellow leadership program at the Swedish Institute.
Moving to Sweden & Becoming a refugee again
In 2013, my life took an unexpected turn as I was forced to leave my home country, Afghanistan and become a refugee/ and immigrant in Sweden. It was filled with uncertainty, heartache, and challenges that would shape the course of my life.
Leaving behind the familiar and the comfort of home, I faced a daunting challenge. My father didn't talk to me for five years because of my decision I moved all alone to an extreme individualistic country yet one of the top countries in human rights and equality.
It was very difficult to restart everything from scratch, new language, new culture and new system, and more importantly without any friends or family
I was blessed to find very few close Swedish friends which warmed my heart, but my biggest challenge was dealing with the overwhelming sense of guilt for leaving my mother behind in a challenging situation.
Unbeknownst to me, I was battling PTSD. Panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks, and daily tears became my constant companions. Instead of healing myself, I Ignored the symptoms and poured all my energy and focus into honing my skills and pursuing my education.
Within six months, I managed to learn the Swedish language and started working as a freelancer in Swedish media. Concurrently, I pursued a master's degree in marketing and communication. Yet, anxiety and panic attacks continued to haunt me. I put on a mask, pretending to be fine and happy, while inside, I felt an overwhelming emptiness. I had lost my sense of identity and the joy that once fueled me. I was deeply isolated, disconnected from my own self.
After graduating, I took a job as an education and career coach in the Swedish government. However, it lacked alignment with my true purpose, and I found no fulfillment in the role. There was no room for personal growth, and I knew I had more potential to offer to the world.
My desire was to find true fulfillment and make a meaningful impact. I longed to break free from the constraints of a traditional 9-5 job and start my own business. I wanted to heal not only myself but also help others on their journey to recovery and empowerment.
Taking a leap of faith, I left my 9-5 job and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. I began the process of deep self-healing, confronting my past traumas and embracing my true self. The more I healed, the clearer my mission and vision became.
Investing in various masterminds and mentors became a turning point. These experiences not only transformed my life but also empowered me to build and scale my business. Today, my mission is crystal clear — to help women transform their isolation into inspiration, to empower them to turn their stories into thriving, impactful businesses, and to build their unique brands.
Through the journey, I learned that healing and empowerment go hand in hand. My own transformation illuminated the path for others. I realized that vulnerability is a source of strength, and sharing one's story can inspire change.
No matter how challenging life may become, there is a path to healing and empowerment. It shows that embracing vulnerability and turning adversity into strength is not only possible but essential. My story serves as a testament to the fact that by sharing our experiences, we can inspire and uplift others on their own journeys to victory.
Turning point of starting my business journey was my mother
The first time I saw my mother after 5 years of separation was in a hospital room. She had been hospitalized for a critical heart operation. Due to my 9-5 job and my residence limitation, I wasn't able to visit my mother for a long time.
I had always dreamed of starting my own business to get my freedom and take action on my promise to mom to start and lead my own company. As the operation began, the surgeon emerged from the room with grim news—my mother's condition was critical. I was presented with a consent form, asking me to take responsibility for whatever might happen during the operation.
Those two hours felt like an eternity, filled with darkness and fear. Guilt and regret consumed me for leaving my mother behind, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing her, especially when I had so many dreams left to share with her.
It was in that dark moment that I made a solemn promise to myself and prayed for a chance. I vowed to cherish the time I had with my mother if she made it through. Today, I'm grateful that fate returned my mother to me, and I make it a point to visit her more often, cherishing each moment we have together.
That was a breakthrough in my journey to never again wait for a perfect time as there is never a perfect or right time. Tomorrow is uncertain, and waiting for the "perfect" moment is a risk we can't afford to take. Life is fleeting, and we must seize the opportunities before us.
It
reminded me that waiting for the right moment can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. I decided to start my online coaching business even if it didn't feel the right time. It was worth it to fail rather than to live with regrets.
My story is not just mine; it is a symbol of hope and resilience. My identity, once a source of insecurity, became a source of strength. I learned that my unique experiences could inspire and empower others facing similar challenges.
It shows the power of resilience, determination, and the belief in oneself. No matter the circumstances, we have the ability to rewrite our narratives and overcome adversity.
No matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can rewrite your narrative and make a difference. Your past doesn't define your future. Embrace your uniqueness, believe in your capabilities, and never stop fighting for what you believe in. Together, we can create a world where every woman's voice is heard and valued.
You have the power to break free from societal expectations and rewrite your own story. believe in yourself, and never stop pursuing your dreams.
If my story has resonated with you, if you too have dreams of making an impact, I invite you to join me on a transformative journey. Together, we can work towards creating a world where every woman's voice is heard, and every dream is realized.
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My
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When Nina started joined our coaching program, she did not know where to start and did not believe that she could build and grow her coaching business.
Now she is a successful confident transformation coach getting clients and impacting lives everyday.
Find Your Balance. Set Your Goals. Take A Challenge. Reward Yourself.
If you want to launch or scale your coaching business to 6-7 figures in 90 days or less, AOC is for you.
We’ve helped 100+ coaches launch their online business and grow to 10-30-50k per month in record speed.
Use our proven step-by-step roadmap for:
Developing high-performance habits
Crafting a million dollar offer
Booking calls & closing sales consistently
Achieving financial independence
Find Your Balance. Set Your Goals. Take A Challenge. Reward Yourself.
If you want to launch or scale your coaching business to 6-7 figures in 90 days or less, AOC is for you.
We’ve helped 100+ coaches launch their online business and grow to 10-30-50k per month in record speed.
Use our proven step-by-step roadmap for:
Developing high-performance habits
Crafting a million dollar offer
Booking calls & closing sales consistently
Achieving financial independence
Don’t Wait Any Longer. Start Forging Your Own Path Today!
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