Meet Maya Simpkins of Kelo Global

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Simpkins.

Hi Maya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I feel like I’ve lived many lives, so buckle up for this one. I am no stranger to self-employment, as my first business was a summer day camp that I ran out of my house when I was just 13 years old. I had 6 kids and charged $20 each week per kid. I actually had my official taste of business in 2019 when I lived in Denver CO while working with AmeriCorps in the Denver public School system. I started a short-term rental cleaning business, catering to Airbnb properties. My first client was DT, who was a marketing expert at Westword Magazine, and one of the first friends I made during my time there. She owns many Airbnb properties and said that it would be a good idea to have that kind of business because the need in that area was definitely there.
Right before the Covid era began, I moved back to the New Orleans area while pregnant with my daughter and took my cleaning business with me. Unable to clean being pregnant during the madness, I took a break and started learning and teaching others to trade in the Forex market. It kept me afloat during her newborn stage, and allowed me to make money on my phone, from the comfort of my home. After running my cleaning business for two years, I decided that I wanted to try another mode of making money with less effort, while also doing something I love. Which landed me in the beauty lane of doing lash extensions. My business motto is “giving you the best version of yourself”. It’s something about the way I’m able to make people happy by providing them with self-care services that makes me love what I do! I enjoyed doing lashes so much that about 7 months into it, I started the Esthetics program at Blue Cliff College in July of 2023 and finished in March of 2024. I wanted to solidify my place in the beauty industry, so I felt getting the credentials behind my name was a much-needed pathway. Ever since, I’ve serviced over 350 different clients and counting across the southeast Louisiana region and I have been at my studio location going on 4 years now at the end of November.

In 2025, I took a jab at tax preparation under 3 Gen Tax Services of Dallas TX to add another income with rising prices and the uncertainty of the world. I served many clients in Louisiana and other states and very much enjoyed helping people, both individuals and businesses. I am very thankful for everyone who “LET MAYA GET YOU THE MAX” this tax season and am very excited to help even more people this upcoming tax season!
This year, I decided to start utilizing the many connections I’ve made over the years and started as a talent and music manager to my very first talent client, Dekee Rogers. He is a versatile rapper, model, and actor. I also manage my daughter, Keoni, who is a bubbly singer, actress and model.
And now, I do all three, I’m esthetician, manager and tax preparer trying to navigate entrepreneurship while also being a bomb mom of a little genius almost 6-year-old who was already reading long before her 5th birthday.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has NOT been a smooth road, BUT I wouldn’t have it any other way. My mother was pronounced legally blind in 2009, when I was just about to enter the 5th grade, so throughout this journey, I’ve been there to care for her. In 2014, I lost my grandmother who I was extremely close with growing up, and I feel like her death gave me a numb-ness that, in a way made my obstacles less emotional to overcome.
I had a near death experience in October of 2023 while attending Blue Cliff College. When I left school one day to clean an Airbnb to, I had a head on collision with a guy who swerved into my lane with 4 bald tires, per the state troopers report. Luckily, I had my seatbelt on. I walked away with a partially collapsed lung, internal bleeding, an orbital fracture and multiple cuts and bruises from glass, the seatbelt locking me in and the airbags deploying. Though I was severely injured, I still returned to school 5 days after this horrible accident and earned my degree in Esthetics. Even though I’ve been through the ringer, as these things I’m saying to you are a mere fraction of what I’ve endured, my hardships have made me into the woman and mother I am today. They’ve have taught me that nothing good comes easy in this life. You have to work hard and persevere to get to where you want to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started my business in 2022. Formerly Kelo Lash Artistry. I specialize in lash extensions and facial services. I also offer waxing, makeup, brow services and more! I am known for applying natural looking lashes that give you the best version of yourself and I believe that is what sets me apart. I am the original “clean girl”, like my best friend Butta says, and I like to give my clients a very natural look.

What I am most proud of is the evolution of my brand. Starting from just doing lash extensions, to now offering so many different services, including talent management.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see my industry maneuvering a little more to the virtual side of things. People are already receiving virtual skincare consultations as we speak. That is why I am big on expanding my reach and entering multiple different lanes where I can make many different streams of income and adapt in any way needed. My love for providing self-care to others will keep me in the beauty industry for many years to come. Who knows? You may be able to book a virtual skincare consultation with me sooner than later.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keloglobal.as.me
• Instagram: @MayaAngelle__
• Twitter: @KeloGlobalManagement on Instagram
• Other: @KeloGlobal_ on Instagram

Image Credits
Chris Henry | PensLensHouse.com