Aida Mustafina was born in a small city in the world’s ninth largest nation, Kazakhstan. When Aida was growing up, young girls were generally taught that their primary goals should be to respect men, and to value their own roles as good wives and mothers. Aida’s parents, however, were extremely progressive, and encouraged their daughters to make their own way in the world.

When Aida was eighteen, her father accompanied her to China, where she started a new life and eventually became a reluctant role model for other young women who’d come from similarly traditional backgrounds.

I’m so happy to bring you this conversation with the wonderful Aida Mustafina. Please enjoy.

And I’d love to hear from you too!

If anything in this episode inspires you to see the world a little differently or to expand your own horizons in any way, I’d so love to hear from you. Please drop a note in the comments, or send me a message about a story you’d like to share.

Let’s come together to share stories of the things we’ve witnessed, so that we can learn from one another and see that, despite the differences in the details of our stories, we’re all global citizens of one beautiful and intricately interconnected world.

With love

Michelle x

I want to hear about the things you’ve witnessed too! Please subscribe and become part of the conversation!

MUSIC: Defining Life, by Bill Conn

PHOTOGRAPHY: Michelle Neeling

Written and produced by Michelle Neeling

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michelleneeling.substack.com

The World Turned Its Back - May 1st, Hour 1