Life & Work with India Maben

Today we’d like to introduce you to India Maben. 

Hi India, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got to where I am today because of my grandmother! She raised me and always kept me busy; dancing, cheerleading, modeling, and more. I attended Pinnell Dance Centre in Gahanna, OH from the age of 2 until 18 years old. While there, I participated in a European Dance Tour at age 12. I also was a principal dancer and dance teacher for C Dance Company of the Arts which gave me the opportunity to assist many youth in the community and local productions. After graduation, I was on The Ohio State University Dance Team and I worked for Norwegian and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a dancer. I have a 12-year career at a prestigious Financial Institution. I am a dance teacher, choreographer, Certified Zumba Instructor, and mentor. I have a passion for the youth, giving back to the community and those in need. I started my nonprofit organization Moving Through Hurdles to encourage people to keep striving during their everyday battles and to bring self-awareness to their inner strength and beauty.

I was recently named Ms. Black Ohio USA 2022. My platforms are Gun Violence and Mental Health which go hand in hand and I have experience dealing with both. I am striving to bring families together while making a change in the community. I will compete in Washington, DC for Ms. Black USA on August 6, 2022 and it will air live on FOX SOUL.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles along the way were dealing with the bumps that life throws our way and learning how to persevere through it all. No matter what the obstacle is; work, family, school, or mental health you have the strength to keep going and it will get better!

I have always been a planner but the plans I had for my life took a U-turn after I pulled my hamstring while in dance rehearsal with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. After that, I experienced an unexpected breakup from a long-term relationship, got into a new relationship that turned into a marriage quickly and had a child. That marriage ended within a few years and I had to learn how to find my identity again. Not just as a mother, a worker, a granddaughter, or wife but as me, India. What did I enjoy doing and how do I get back to it!? Along the way of getting back to my passion, I lost several family members and it affected me mentally. Death is a hard concept to grasp and understand. I’m thankful that I saw strong women, such as my grandmother and aunt, preserve through all obstacles thrown their way; it allowed me to do the same. My grandmother always taught me to let no one change my good heart! You should always do the right thing and have good intentions no matter the situation or how someone else treats you. I believe that’s what has allowed me to persevere and be so blessed along the way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
During the day, I am a business professional with a 12-year-long career at a prestigious Financial Institution. During the evening and on weekends, I am a professional dancer, choreographer, Certified Zumba Instructor, community leader, and mentor.

I specialize in all styles of dance and I’m known for my gymnastics skills that people used to enjoy at my high school football and basketball games.

I am most proud of being able to always remain positive no matter how many obstacles are thrown my way. Also, for my recent work in the community as Ms. Black Ohio USA. I have attended several events geared towards Gun Violence and Mental Health. I am always looking for organizations and people to network with. Actions speak louder than words and I feel it’s important that we work together to make an impact on our community.

My positive outlook on life sets me apart from others. Even if I’ m going through a storm of my own, I’m always motivating and encouraging others. I always smile because it could always be worse. You never know what others are going through so be kind always!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, I learned that mental health is so important. It’s okay not to be okay and take time for you. No matter what you’re going through, find something that you enjoy as an outlet. Do not keep everything bottled up and know that others are there for you and care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/indiamaben
• Instagram:@Ms_IndyBoo
• Facebook:India Maben

Image Credits
By Ari Productions LLC