Beauty finalist overcomes obstacles to get her mojo back

HAVING battled infertility for several years and overcoming serious obstacles, Mrs Zululand finalist Maryna Fletcher (28) of Richards Bay reclaimed her life and hopes to use her story to encourage and inspire other women.

Happily married for six years, Maryna’s dream was to be a mother to a big family.

After a year of trying, countless tests, medical procedures, medication and no baby, she faced the reality of her worse nightmare – infertility.

‘I realised I simply had no control over the situation. It was just a huge rollercoaster ride of emotions – shame, sadness, jealousy, guilt, loss and feeling like an outcast and less of a woman.’ Maryna said.

‘At one point I was depressed, overweight and was totally consumed by the infertility issue.

‘Now, six years later, I have grown tremendously and regained my life.

‘I have purpose and despite society’s expectations of women fitting into a mould of the perfect wife and mother while juggling a career, I have learnt we are all unique.

Honoured to be part of the list of finalists in the pageant, Maryna feels the event allows for the opportunity to positively influence women of the city.

‘I entered Mrs Zululand because it is a brilliant platform to encourage and inspire women.

‘As a fully qualified beauty therapist and makeup artist, I have dealt with women from all walks of life and shared their stories of joy and sorrow.

‘Living in today’s society, self-doubt is constantly being reinforced by society’s warped vision of what we should be.

‘I want to be part of the change in helping women realise they are all beautiful and that is not found in perfection, but instead in uniqueness.’ she said.