Today we’d like to introduce you to Maui Bigelow.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a country girl who dreamed big although I was faced with adversity. Since the age of ten, I have known that I wanted to work with women and girls. My career goals were to be a teacher, author and journalist.
After high school, I attended college at Albany State University, where I majored in English and minored in journalism. During my time at ASU, I became a single mother and while this slowed me down, it also motivated me. I slowly begin to work towards my dreams and became a teacher in 2003 following the birth of my daughter.
In 2010, I began blogging as a personal outlet. I also begin working and researching opening a plus size boutique and tee shirt shop. This is where PHAT Girl Fresh was born. The phrase was initially just supposed to be used for a tee shirt design but the PHAT later became an acronym for Passionate, Happy, Appreciative & True.
One April 20, 2013, I launched the PHAT Girl Fresh blog with my first event. Then, in 2014, I presented the first Life Styled Honors event in Downtown Atlanta. Five years later, the event has become one that is anticipated, respected and supported by individuals from all over the globe.
Like the PHAT Girl Fresh blog, Life Styled Honors is a celebration of womanhood.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has been far from easy, at every turn there has been adversity. Growing up, I was homeless, I became a single mother as a young adult and now as a woman, I have recently been diagnosed with cancer (multiple myeloma). However, none of these things made me consider giving up.
All of the adversity I face made me understand the importance of looking beyond my situation. This is why I encourage women and girls to keep moving and working hard even when you don’t see the rewards. Beyond your pain and adversity, your wildest dreams await you.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Life Styled Honors – what should we know?
I am a lifestyle blogger and plus size style influencer who caters to women. This work makes me proud because I know that my work and my voice is empowering other women to live their dreams. All my life all I have wanted to do was share what I have with others, even the things I learn through pain.
I think I set me apart from others. Being genuine and sharing my ugly truth as it is instead of making it pretty.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Growing up, I always had it hard. This meant I had to work harder to achieve what I wanted. That is what has made me successful… HARD WORK!
Even when I am sick… I find a way to do something that will contribute to my dreams. I never give up even when everything around me says I should not to.
Contact Info:
- Website: Lifestyledhonors.com
- Email: maui@phatgirlfresh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifestyledhonors
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/LifeStyledHonors/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/lifestyledhonor
- Other: http://www.phatgirlfresh.com
Image Credit:
P Dillon photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
