Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Waiters.
Maya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Maya Waiters, and I am 36-years-old born and raised in a small country town Warren Ohio. I have been in Atlanta for 5yrs when I decided I wanted to relocate to Atlanta to pursue my dreams. I knew Atlanta was the city I wanted to start my career. When I decided I wanted to move to Atlanta, I knew it was not going to be easy, and I had nothing, no money, no car, no job, I was staying with my sister for about a year. After I moved out of my sister’s house about a year later, I found a 9-5 job working for a call center that I did not like going to every day, so I decided to quit. I was homeless for almost a year until I found another job working for a data and analytics company, so I stayed, and I started my online store selling handmade bracelets and going to popup shops selling bracelets that I made. I enjoyed going to popup events, and looking at different brands showcasing what they love and seeing their drive and listening to their stories and accomplishments were so inspiring. I learned a lot about myself and other people about what not to do and what to do. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them and kept going no matter how hard it was, I stayed prayed up and focused on my vision. I started school wanting to learn more about Business strategies because I had no knowledge about the business or any public speaking that I was terrified about speaking in front of people, but I knew I wanted to tell the world about my story and how I can help them to pursue their faith and showcase their business to the community as we unite and support each other and help each other grow.
After having several nights of brainstorming, I decided to create the kind of platform I’d always wanted. I created Culture Popup Tour Festival, an event where we are touring to different cities supporting black-owned businesses from music artists, dancers, poets, paint artists and many other black owned businesses that are wanting to pursue their dreams. I aim to establish a global platform that celebrates the stories and accomplishments of creative entrepreneurs, especially in black communities all around the world. More importantly, I want this done in such a way that these entrepreneurs are seen and celebrated within an environment of fun and memorable experiences. This is my passion for encouraging, supporting showcase, and celebrating our journey because I believe we all can win. I am Maya Waiters.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, this road has definitely not been the smoothest, and It’s been a struggle to keep a positive mindset to keep going no matter what, even when you want to give up. There have been times when family members and friends that would not be supportive of my business and saying things like you will never be that successful keep working your 9 to 5 job and go to school. I want to say this never listen to anyone that doesn’t bring you happiness in what you want to accomplish until this day I am strong, I am fearless, and I am going to win, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anyone or anything.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Culture Popup Tour a creative space for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity to consumers worldwide. We believe that all black businesses, artists, poets, and entertainment, whether large or small have the right to showcase their talents and gifts and to be seen and celebrated in the community.
Who are we? Culture Popup Tour is a traveling popup brand which tours various cities across the country to support and showcase black-owned businesses. We want creativity to be enjoyed by all, and that is why we go about serving the creative juice entrenched in people of color.
What do we do? The entire services of Culture Popup Tour can be summarized with the three following words:
SUPPORT— We support Black Owned Businesses and talents
SHOWCASE— We showcase creativity
DISCOVER— We discover and celebrate their accomplishments and have a good time in our community
We achieve the above by hosting pop-up events in various cities all over the country. Culture Popup Tour Community is very concerned about the provision of opportunities for small businesses to grow their brands. We aim to establish a global platform that celebrates the stories and accomplishments of creative entrepreneurs, especially in black communities all around the world. More importantly, we want this done in such a way that these entrepreneurs are seen and celebrated within an environment of fun and memorable experiences. This is why we go around on tours to celebrate creativity and to inspire more of such in society!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place to start a new business with CPT Festival starting out here in Atlanta is home to all black owned businesses that are wanting to showcase their creativity to the community and many other cities that we will be touring worldwide that will provide a platform for many people of color that has a business whether large or small to come out and introduce themselves and their brand to the community as we all support and have a good time there will also be many other competitions here in Atlanta my advice to anyone starting a new business I would suggest that you do your research and know who your competitors are. I believe there’s enough for everyone to win as well as partnering with other business owners across metro Atlanta is another way to connect. Always remember to be fearless, be nice, never give up and show the world what you got. Support, Showcase and Celebrate.
Pricing:
- Vendors Fee – $85 – $175
Contact Info:
- Website: www.culturepopuptour.com
- Phone: (678) 497-6507
- Email: culturepopuptour@gmail.com
- Instagram: @culturepopuptour
- Facebook: Facebook.com/culturepopuptour
Image Credit:
@culturepopuptour
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