Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Robinson.
Maya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m often asked where my “confidence” comes from and I have to attribute the journey to my upbringing. I was raised in an extremely loving home where we were valued for our integrity, character, morals, and values. I was the only plus size in my immediate family, and while my parents and family never made my size and stature a big deal, the world soon began to tell me a VERY different story about myself. I remember my kindergarten teacher asking me to reach up high for things or making me the “caboose” of the lunch line every day due to my height. These types of micro-aggressions were all around me outside of my household. At the time, I didn’t really think too much about it. But as I got older, I realized the world has always been about making people who don’t fit the “standard” feel different. It’s not always obvious but the effects of it can definitely take root.
I remember one of the most ostracizing feelings was during my early high school years. Our county instituted a standard school attire policy where polos and khakis were mandated to be worn on a daily. At the time, Hollister, Abercrombie, and Aeropostale were popular brands. All of the straight-sized girls had no problem stocking their wardrobes with every color of name-brand polo and the cutest khakis of every cut. But me? Not the case at all. My plus size, 5’10” frame was not included and I remember having to resort to the men’s section of Walmart and every other department store to find clothes so that I wouldn’t be up for suspension or consequences. If you know anything about fashion, men’s and women’s clothing is cut VERY differently. As a young girl, your confidence is largely connected to how you look. So imagine the narratives that came with having to shop in the men’s section for something as simple as polo and khakis.
It was oftentimes very saddening, and while I never talked about what the trips to the stores did to me mentally and emotionally…the effects were felt. But somewhere deep down, I had (and still have) this “prove you wrong” mentality. I absolutely refused to buy into the “you don’t belong here” narrative that the world consistently tried to shout at me. I began to build my wardrobe (as best as I could) and sometimes even created clothes that I could not find to challenge the narrative. I remember the day I realized I could make a pencil skirt out of the shirt. GAME CHANGER! I soon began putting outfits together and taking pictures. Then came Instagram. I began posting pictures consistently (Sundays were my main day to showcase an outfit) and soon, people were asking where I purchased my clothes from. I not only had an interest in plus-size fashion, but I also styled my hair consistently from the age of 13. I started gaining hours towards a Cosmetology license in the 11th and 12th grades and really started experimenting with makeup around the 11th grade. I began to merge all of these things together and more and more, I soon became a resource for not only aesthetics but for women looking to feel more confident overall.
This narrative of confidence is the basis of everything I create. From a makeup look to an inspirational message to my former salon (Remedy Salon) to my coaching program—EVERYTHING. Curating confidence is my thing. Helping women tap into their confidence from the inside out is what I intend to develop in as many women for as long as I’m able to.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth ride. I think a large part of any influence that one has involves the transformation that takes place within themselves, first. I am a life-long learner and an innate problem solver. A large part of cultivating my confidence and filling in the gaps that I’ve experienced has included a commitment to learning and unlearning in every area I intend to influence.
A large part of my trajectory has involved studying at the post-secondary college level. I’ve gone to school for Marketing (as a large part of the world is about the stories that are conveyed to people and the psychology behind it), I’ve earned a Master’s in Leadership and was certified in Coaching during that time. I wasn’t just satisfied with being innately inspirational. I wanted to learn about how to support people in a real and authentic way.
I’m also licensed in Cosmetology which was one of my first loves and discovered gifts. I decided that if I were to serve women, aesthetically, I would give them a quality experience built on competence. All of these things, combined, have been very tedious journeys. While they’ve been challenging, they’ve made everything I put my hands to better.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Jill of many trades. I am a speaker, a Certified Coach, a licensed cosmetologist, an organizational professional, and all-around CREATIVE. The things that I am most known for at this stage of my influence are definitely fashion, makeup, and inspiration. However, the purpose has always been to inspire women THROUGH these channels. Specifically plus size women. I really have a heart for plus-size women because I understand us the most and the struggles we go through.
I am most proud of the lives I’ve been able to touch through this, without even trying. Simply showing up as myself with the same “prove you wrong” passion that I possessed in my teens has reached more women than I could have ever imagined. It’s also opened up so many doors that younger Maya could have never imagined from speaking engagements to photoshoot/fashion campaign opportunities and more.
Somewhere inside of myself was the faith to keep showing up and as my confidence developed, I think it just became contagious and women began to connect to it. Now, I’ve developed a community of women called “Sister-Friends” who know Maya has their back. I’m most proud of that and I think that is what sets me apart. I’ve become the girl that I needed when I was younger, and now I can be that for other women.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I have a lot of opinions on the plus size and beauty industry. Specifically, I hope to see even more inclusion within fashion and beauty brands for plus-size women.
There still remain massive gaps in the clothing sector and it often surprises me that the same struggles I had in my adolescent years, I’m still encountering at the age of 30. This is very telling and shows that we STILL have more work to do in this space. One day, I intend to fill some of these gaps with my own creativity. Stay tuned.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themayarob.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themayarob/
- Other: www.learnwithmaya.thinkific.com
Image Credits
Keonis Churn of OhSheBomb Photography
