12 May HERStory: Maya Mouis
Maya Mouis is a woman who never gave up on her dreams despite her obstacles. She has recently written a book (based on her true story) that shares her life’s story: Her Name is Vivi.
Maya shares, “I grew up in Czechoslovakia under a communist regime and Soviet Union occupation. We lived in a small village till I was six years old, and then we moved to a city called Karlovy Vary got married, had two kids, then emigrated.”
Currently owns a model agency and is a professional photographer.
She says, “Challenges we all have in our life. Some people have a death in the family. That is the hardest. I survived and am happy where I live. I did what I had to do. That’s why I wrote a book about Vivi that helped me continue with my life and, at the same time, close that page and look forward.”
“The book, Her Name is Vivi, is about me, but I preferred to write this way and change all names. I like to share my story with people about what life was like under the Soviet occupation and then return back to Czechoslovakia to do business in 1992. Double escape.”
The story is a powerful one. Born in Czechoslovakia under Soviet occupation, she grew up in a little village. Then she moved to the city of Karlovy Vary with her family. At just seventeen years old, her parents arranged a marriage between her and her boyfriend out of concern for their family’s reputation. However, Vivi had yet to experience what love truly meant.
Determined to escape her restricted life under communist rule, Vivi pursued a modeling career in 1969. But despite her talent, the oppressive regime held her back, and her parents discouraged her from participating in any activities that might interfere with building a family. Moreover, her husband was abusive, and she knew that a better life awaited her beyond the Iron Curtain.
After a devastating fire in their home, she and her husband decided to immigrate to the United States. Their new home in Florida marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Although she faced challenges in her marriage to an alcoholic husband, she persevered, learning to live with the situation.
In the late 80s, Vivi achieved her dream of becoming a fashion model. However, her husband’s desire to return to Czechoslovakia after the fall of communism led to significant conflicts between them. After five tumultuous years, she realized her freedom and happiness were back in the United States. She returned to pursue her modeling career and open her modeling agency.
Today, she continues to inspire and mentor aspiring models, helping them achieve their dreams. Her unwavering determination, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity make her an inspiration to all who cross her path. Her story shows us that no matter how challenging our circumstances may be, we can overcome them with persistence and the courage to pursue our dreams.
For more information on Her Name Is Vivi, visit https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125336612-her-name-is-vivi.
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