Today we’d like to introduce you to Mziya Weber.
Hi Mziya, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in the Republic of Georgia, a former Soviet Union, my life began in an orphanage. Abandoned as an infant due to a congenital disability, I spent ten years without knowing my genetic parents or experiencing the warmth of a family. Despite the hardships of poverty lack of resources, my fellow orphanage mates and I made the most of our situation, relying on each other and our unwavering faith.
Then, a life-changing opportunity emerged—I was informed that an American family would adopt me. The adoption process in Moscow was lengthy, and during that time, I lived with strangers, including my assumed adopted father. At age ten, I arrived in the United States, completely unfamiliar with the English language and the concept of family, love, and sibling dynamics.
However, my expectations of a better life were shattered when I discovered that the family who adopted me was abusive. They eventually abandoned me, leaving me with a difficult decision at such a young age—to stay in the United States or return to Russia. Determined to find a loving family, I persevered through clinical homes and encounters with various families until I finally found one that I cherished. The Weber family provided me with the security of never going hungry again.
As the years passed, the Weber family proved to be a mixed blessing. While they initially offered stability, the home environment gradually became abusive and stressful. I found myself assuming the role of a caregiver for my second family, unable to escape the cycle of abuse. Every holiday became a tragic reminder of the challenges I faced. Despite these hardships, I moved out on my own, taking charge of my life.
At the age of 18, tragedy struck when my mother passed away. Shortly after, I faced the heart-wrenching decision to remove my father from life support. Amidst the whirlwind of events, I realized that I had never truly grieved for the childhood that was stolen from me. Determined to forge my own path, I found my place, enrolled in college, obtained a degree in Business Management and even became a bank manager by the age of 25. I refused to let others dictate the course of my life. I prayed daily for wisdom and courage to navigate the challenges and discover my true identity. Through resilience and self-discovery, I have emerged from a tumultuous past, determined to create a future filled with hope, purpose, and the freedom to be mysel (added) – Embracing the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, I embarked on an inspiring solo journey from New Jersey to Austin, Texas. It was there that I founded REIZ—a visionary venture dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and nurturing a community without boundaries.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Surviving alone, both emotionally and financially, was one of my most significant challenges. The absence of support and the weight of responsibility often overwhelmed me. However, these circumstances precisely fueled my motivation to persevere and carve out my path. This drive led me to embark on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately inspired me to establish my brand, REIZ. I did not want to make corporate America richer.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Before venturing into non-profit work, I spent time in corporate America, honing my business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. However, I soon realized my true calling was not to pursue profit for large companies. While serving as a manager and leader in a non-profit organization, I decided to make a career shift and entered the tech industry, working for Apple, Inc. Yet, I needed to find a way to achieve this.
Deep down, I knew that I wanted to own my own business and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I pondered where I could channel my passion for helping others, and it became clear that fitness was the answer. Throughout my life, I have adapted and embraced fitness to overcome the challenges and prejudices I faced due to having one arm. Through this journey, I realized the power of turning what society deemed a disadvantage into an advantage.
Having experienced the hardships of being different, I felt a strong calling to serve individuals with disabilities. This led me to establish REIZ Adaptive Fitness, a non-profit organization that provides free fitness services to those born with differences and individuals with various disabilities. Our mission at REIZ is to empower and support these individuals on their fitness journeys, helping them embrace their unique abilities. In addition, as part of REIZ’s vision, we aim to expand our reach by providing necessary equipment, such as prosthetics, to children worldwide who may not have the means to afford them. My unique combination of qualities, experiences, and perspectives sets me apart. It is the culmination of my journey, the challenges I have overcome, and the lessons I have learned along the way. People tell me that my resilience, determination, and ability to adapt to adversity distinguish me from others. Additionally, my passion for helping others and positively impacting the world sets me apart. Every day, I strive to be unique and impactful in everything I do.
What makes you happy?
I am grateful for being alive, healthy, and having triumphed over the challenges that came my way. It is truly a blessing. Beyond my journey, the presence of incredible friends in my life brings me the greatest joy. Each has left a lasting impact and inspires me to strive for better. Moreover, I am fortunate to have a loving future husband who supported my vision of helping others and took years to find. I am proud to say that I have had the opportunity to travel to over 23 countries, witnessing the breathtaking wonders of the world. Accomplishing these experiences and contributing and making a positive difference, even on a small scale, fills my heart with happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reizadaptivefitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reizadaptivefitness2023/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mziya-w-3405a350/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095365640386&mibextid=9R9pXO
Image Credits
Svetlana Photography https://lanafoto.com/ for my professional head shot.
