Neysha Soodeen’s successful magazine “MACO” is now distributed in 53 countries, with the largest markets (besides the Caribbean) being the United States, Canada and Australia. This entrepreneur created an incredibly successful international business and worked out how to succeed after being dealt a tough hand from life.

At 21, Neysha graduated from university and landed a contract with Elite models in Milan, Italy. She moved to Europe and threw herself into her work. However, at 23 she was diagnosed with throat cancer, underwent a full thyroidectomy which left her with a scar across her neck, and endured three years of treatment until she was in remission.

With her modelling career over, Neysha was keen to show she knew how to succeed. According to this driven young woman, the whole situation did nothing but ignite her determination in life. She began MACO soon after. Her hard work and commitment pulled her through her first year. A tough start, she made a financial loss, however her natural business smarts meant she had budgeted realistically so she could survive while she grew the business.

MACO started out as an architectural magazine but, by the third issue, was expanded to include a cuisine and travel section. By 2004, the magazine featured more than 200 pages. Neysha then decided to separate out the travel section and launch Destinations Magazine.

In 2004, Moving Magazines, a magazine- and book-distribution company, was launched to help other budding publishers distribute and market their products.

They now produce seven magazines and a number of books, including their first children’s book, Brown Sugar & Spice, a book for the tween market launching in December.

Ten years ago she was young and hungry for success. After life dealt her lemons, big sour ones at that, she has managed to turn her life into a creative powerhouse learning how to succeed against the odds and blazing the way for other women to follow.