In this episode of the raw podcast, Michelle Maxwell shares her personal journey, starting with her love for the hot and humid weather reminiscent of her Caribbean heritage. Born in Cape Canaveral, Florida, to immigrant parents, Michelle narrates her family's struggle with financial hardships, leading them to move various times, including a significant stay in Texas where they faced poverty and violence. Despite these challenges, Michelle always aspired to be a model, a dream she achieved after numerous setbacks and rejections, including winning and then losing in modeling competitions but eventually signing with Elite Miami and launching her career. She highlights her transition from modeling to becoming a fit model for major brands like Vanity Fair and Spanx. Alongside her modeling career, Michelle pursued education and eventually graduated college. She reflects on the losses of her parents as her deepest heartbreaks but maintains a mindset of abundance and gratitude. This episode not only introduces listeners to Michelle's resilience and perseverance but also sets the stage for discussing life in her forties in upcoming episodes.
00:00 Welcome to the Raw Podcast: Meet Michelle Maxwell
00:19 Embracing the Heat: A Caribbean Vibe
00:40 Michelle's Personal Journey: From Trinidad to Triumph
02:06 Challenges and Adventures: From Florida to Texas
05:05 A New Beginning: Returning to Florida
06:52 The Modeling Dream: From Rejection to Runways
14:00 Finding Success and Stability: The Fit Model Journey
21:15 Reflections and Gratitude: Life Lessons and Looking Ahead
