I want to welcome you to my blog, and first blog post on my new site! I’m thrilled to share my inspirations, insights, and opinions with you. I look forward to start conversations about my life; the lessons I’ve learned and the practice I’ve acquired to stay positive in moments of darkness so I can continue to live a life of purpose and aspirations. The invitation is always open for you to communicate with me about the subjects that matter most to you, or ones you may be challenged by, so we can begin a dialogue and help better who we are!
To learn more about why I chose Maya Inspired for the name of my blog, visit my website and Meet Maya!
I want my blog to be for you, but let me tell you a little bit about myself so you understand who I am, and my purpose for creating this platform. I’m originally from Massachusetts; Cape Cod to be exact. Me and my twin brother were adopted as babies and raised with an older brother and younger sister, by my absolutely extraordinary parents. Early life was full and frantic. I was a three sport athlete in high school and a two sport one in college.
My business career began in Boston, MA, then moved to New York City, and that led me to my home of Norfolk, VA, where I’ve lived for 14 years. I’m divorced from my first husband, but we share a beautiful daughter together, and a valuable friendship. I remarried in 2012 to my fabulous husband and his two children, and our blended family journey began.
My 22-year career has primarily been in the fashion industry. I worked for GIANNI VERSACE and Vera Wang, where my love for weddings blossomed and stuck! In 2004, I bought my first bridal shop in Norfolk. By the time I closed operations, just two months ago; and 13 years later, my wedding portfolio consisted of five bridal stores, a wedding planning company, bridal show, and magazine. I lost it all, very publicly, in the blink of an eye! Something of this magnitude would’ve destroyed most people. Not me. I’ve learned many lessons, and continue to be reflective and humbled. What I haven’t done is dwell. To dwell is a dangerous inaction; it holds you in your past and clouds your ability to be in the present. If you stay in the past, you can’t possibly have visions for your future.
You get to be part of my reinvention, as I share with you the many things in life that inspire me to approach each day with a positive state of mind, and confidence, despite what challenges I’m faced with! I’ve hurdled many adversities in my life, and I’ve done my best to do it with grace and integrity, and the will to keep on shaping my life of internal abundance and external simplicity. The word simple has not been part of my vocabulary for many years!
You can expect me to share my stories, lessons and opinions on a range of subjects, including: identity; entrepreneurship; business; women and business; sexuality; adoption; nature vs. nurture; self discovery; personal, physical and mental strength; faith; family; divorce; blended family life; and developing and maintaining an indestructible will to succeed, no matter what life throws at you. With every word written or spoken, and every interaction we share, my hope is that I’ve inspired you in some way!
I’ll leave you with this. It’s something I wrote a couple weeks after I lost my company:
“I’ve found new meaning and a greater sense of purpose
for my life. I’m moving forward with a renewed spirit and clarity.”
“The last two years were my toughest. I had to reach deep into
my soul, adopt an indestructible state of mind, and trust God’s plan
to get me through to the other side.”
“I’m changed for the better, and feel enormously blessed for the new
path upon me. A path where I can reinvent myself, spread my wings,
and continue on my journey of self discovery.”
# StayInspired #BeIndestructible
-Maya
Beautifully written. I love your fight, your passion and dedication to not let anything keep you down!
Much love friend!
Thank you gorgeous! You’ve always been one of my favorite people. Your smile is infectious! Thank you for taking the time to comment. It was a ray of sunshine in my day. Look forward to seeing you again soon!
Love. Love. Love.
I have already connected with you, just reading your first entry!
Divorced. Entrepreneur. Desire. Depression. I get it.
But I, too, have the will to keep going. My favorite saying?
Vini. Vidi. Vinci.
I came. I saw. I conquered.
I will prevail.
Much love to you on this new journey!
Kristi
Hi Kristi!
Great saying to live by. Stay strong and inspired. Maintain your vision and don’t let anyone throw you off course. You know who you are and you know the life you want for yourself. You own this, and it’s powerful. No one can take it away from you! Love and blessings to you!
Maya, your spirit is indomitable. I always wanted to know you but I always felt so inferior. In the trouble you just came out of, I saw your humanity and know we have much in common. I want to meet you now.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your heartfelt and honest message. I would love to meet you! I will message you from my private email and we can schedule a time to meet for coffee. Live. Inspired.
I would love to meet for coffee! Blessings!
Love You❤️
LOVE you back my friend!
Awesome!!! Love it and you! I knew you would make a comeback stronger than ever!
Thank you my love!! I appreciate your love and support! Let’s celebrate a month of thanks and giving. Thank you for being so wonderful! I hope to see you soon!
Maya,
You will soar in whatever you choose to do. I don’t know the details, but have been wondering why I hadn’t seen any posts from you. You just take all those talents and keep it ‘movin!
Thank you Lisa! So good to hear from you. The last two years were not kind to me, but I came through the crisis a better person and I’m thankful for it. I hope you your life is full and filled with joy! XOXO
I Love and support anything you do because I know it has purpose and passion behind it. Best wishes straight from the heart my dear friend.
Thank you Jay. It’s good to hear from you. I’ve always admired how authentic you are, so your message means a great deal to me! I hope life it treating you well!
This is perfect. I can not wait to see where you go from here.
Thank you Mike! Miss you man. Let’s get together soon! Hope you and the fam are doing great!
As a fellow creative who knows EXACTLY what it feels like to fail very publicly – my heart goes out to you and I know you are going to reinvent yourself as something even more amazing! Can’t wait for you to showcase all the magic you still have left inside of you!
Thank you so much! I wish the very best for you too and hope that your journey has lifted you up and provided you and ever greater sense of purpose! Live, inspired to make each day better! Blessings to you.
Beautiful…..inside and out!
Thank you Alice! Best to you!
Failure is a Groovy way to learn is our moto! Already inspired by you Maya, continue to be, and support you all the way.
Thank you Elaine! Also, thank you for the message you sent me on Facebook. I just added messenger back and read it the other day. I appreciate your love and support! -Maya
You’ve turned the “Impossible” to “I’m possible” and I’m so proud of you. Keep God first and Soar!
Thank you my sweet Maya…. you and I clicked the minute we met, my admiration and absolute awe of you continues. Looking forward to the new journey we both have in fron tof us. Xoxo Lizzy
Excellent.
You’ve always been an inspiration.
I can’t wait to see what blossoms next.
Seko “DJ Seko” Varner