Meditative Story Standing in my own truth, by Moj Mahdara
Nov 26, 2019
Moj Mahdara, serial entrepreneur and founder/CEO of Beautycon, reflects on identity shaped by two remarkable grandmothers. She uncovers a hidden pop-star past, confronts family expectations, and explores visibility as an Iranian-American and gay woman. The story moves through discovery, determination, and the lessons that help her stand in her own truth.
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Grandmother Afat Revealed As Persian Pop Icon
- Moj discovers her paternal grandmother Afat was a major Persian pop star, which helps Moj make sense of her own rebellious identity and desire to work in music.
- Afat shows Moj pictures of performing for 20,000 people and with dignitaries, revealing a hidden family legacy that reframes Moj's parents' reactions.
Two Grandmothers Shaped Conflicting Identities
- Moj contrasts two grandmothers: her dad's mother the provocative performer and her mom's mother the devout, hardworking woman who lived with them.
- She bonds with Mama Muti by learning to read, studying history and entrepreneurship together during summers.
Late Learning Turned Into Lifelong Scholarship
- Mama Muti learned to read at 57 and spent decades devouring books, showing that determination can overcome limited early opportunity.
- Moj and her grandmother studied entrepreneurship and American history together, sparking ambition and belief in the American dream.