Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Mays.
Hi Maya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up as an Air Force, born overseas and I moved around a lot. My fondest Air Force Brat memory was living in the U.K. Dopest experience ever! My childhood all the way to my early 30s was an emotional rollercoaster. Losing my mother at an early age, learning how to navigate through life without my maternal mother, I began looking for love in all the wrong places, experienced a multitude of trauma, I went through a divorce and I just completely hit rock bottom. This moment in my life was pivotal, and my daughter was truly my saving grace. One day I came home from work, and my daughter had written a message on the dry-erase board in my bedroom. The message immediately made me cry. This was at a time that I was battling depression, abandonment issues, struggling financially and fighting every day to be the best mom I could be. I felt like a failure, but my daughter’s words assured me that I was doing something right, and she is proud to call me her mom. I began therapy, and I found a church home for my daughter and I. It was truly a season of self-reflection, self-discovery, healing and growing spiritually. In June 2019, my daughter, Lianna & I relocated to Atlanta, GA (Smyrna) from Hampton, VA. I drove a UHaul truck with a tow dolly attached, pulling my car. It was at this very moment that Maya Smiles was birthed. Smiles became a daily mantra…She Moves In Love Encouraged & Strong. No matter what, I’m going to walk in love and no matter what I’m going to keep going. I’ve learned to embrace my journey, the good and the ugly parts… I’ve learned to not compare my life to others because I have certainly had moments of feeling like I was behind. The only person you should compare yourself to is who you were yesterday. I’m in my 40’s, and honestly I feel I’m like just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I just recently celebrated my four-year anniversary of living in the A, and it hasn’t been easy adjusting here with no family and community. I prematurely launched my brand during the pandemic. It was a hot mess and not completely thought out. I didn’t know a lot of people at the time, and the people I did know weren’t willing to help or just simply shot down my vision. I don’t regret it at all because I learned a few do’s and don’ts. I decided to put my brand on hold and I took a long pause. Focused on my baby and getting her through high school and now she’s attending North Carolina A&T. Aggie Pride!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m in the process of relaunching my brand, Smile Sis. Prayerfully by August, everything will be finalized and ready to go. Smile Sis is a safe space community for my sisters. It’s a place for encouragement, genuine love, support and transparency and ultimately to give God glory. It’s all things girlie! On my blog, I’m sharing pieces of my life as I’m in a season of picking up everything I put down and doing everything I’ve always wanted to do. My store front will have coffee mugs, t-shirts and other merch.I dream of doing speaking engagements and would love to sit on a panel at a women’s empowerment conferences and events. Uplifting and encouraging young girls, teens, women of all age ranges is my thing!
Sounds cliche but I’m known for my heart posture. You won’t find me on the gram pretending to have this flawless life. I love being transparent and vulnerable. I believe that one of the many beauties in life is that you can turn your pain into purpose, and the struggled into success. I have a genuine love for all people and to encourage my sisters that are lost, broken, need healing or on their healing journey. I truly aspire to inspire. I believe what sets me apart most is that I’m over 40, and a true testament to never giving up and that it’s never too late to accomplish your goals and to become who you want to be. No matter how many times you’ve fallen, getting back up takes grit.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Covid 19 truly taught me how to create healthy boundaries. Healthy boundaries are essential to self-care. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to be okay. Therapy is really dope! Real genuine people are so rare. Keep the ones that are truly riding for you, praying for you, pouring into you and holding you accountable close. Support your friends and others, but don’t get consumed with what he or she is doing. Taking random social media breaks is very necessary. Lastly, Covid 19 taught me that life is short, so everyday make the choice to keep your heart posture in tact, embrace all that God has for you even if it’s uncomfortable, live your life, and do what truly makes you happy!
Contact Info:
- Website: iammayasmiles.com
- Instagram: yoursismaya
Image Credits
barbarayvonnephotography
