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As a multi-title pageant holder, Ava ST. Pierre learned how to achieve her best on stage with focus, vigor, poise and exquisite beauty. As a star athlete from age of eleven, Ava learned how to optimize the power of physical strength and mental endurance.
But for this gifted woman, life was rarely easy; for most of her childhood, she lived out a secret nightmare. Throughout her teen and young adult years, Ava had to learn how to break the effects of the debilitating mental illness that her mother suffered from and effectuated in violence toward her and six siblings. Even as Ava witnessed her mother’s steady decline, she chose to follow her father’s lead—to live a life of genuine, empathic compassion and enlightenment, helping others survive after their own storm and speaking up for the helpless and haunted. As memories of abuse impress upon the psyche, a heart of love and forgiveness will always pave the way to rise above such chaos. With assistance from her daughter and co-author, Shereé Cogburn, Ava ST. Pierre’s story is a perfect testimony to the power of love, faith, and forgiveness. As expected from a beauty queen, After the Storm includes details and photos from the pageant arena, but the most surprising twist is the message that shines through about the beauty within—and the beauty within that wants to shine through you!
Directed by Ava ST. Pierre and Sheree’ Cogburn (USA)