Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Yearwood.
Hi Maya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a native New Yorker and the eldest daughter of South American immigrants, I attribute much of my learning and success to these dual influences. While my creative spirit has always been strong, I was often steered towards more traditional career paths. Despite this, I pursued marketing, carving out a successful space for myself across various industries. My agency, Project M Creative, grew from a lifelong passion for marketing, creative expression, and the energy and connection fostered through events and activations.
The pandemic brought a significant shift in the professional world. Returning to the office revealed a changed landscape: layoffs, budget cuts, and a diminished sense of employee value. This was a wake-up call.
Initially, freelancing and consulting served as a safety net. However, I discovered I thrived independently, becoming more productive, creative, and fulfilled than in a traditional corporate setting. Starting my own agency, though never a serious consideration before, became a natural evolution. The circumstances, my passion, and my newfound independence aligned perfectly. Leveraging my project management experience (essential for agency success), along with my background in PR and advertising, it all clicked. At Project M Creative, I now combine my passions to help brands connect meaningfully with their audiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! My journey here has been full of challenges. I’ve navigated health problems, the loss of my grandmother in 2023, layoffs due to the volatile job market, and the complexities of scaling my own business. Despite it all, I strive to stay positive and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problems themselves.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a human-centered designer and strategic thinker who specializes in the upper funnel, where experiences, activations, and community building lay the foundation for mid and lower-funnel strategies. I am most proud of my work at FILA, where I led Brand Partnerships and the work I’ve done to grow and scale both Mary Louise Cosmetics and Lucky Girl Rosé. I believe that my ability to understand and connect with people is what sets me apart from others. I am passionate about creating experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out to me, send an e-mail, connect with me via my website, or any of my socials!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectmcreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectmcreative/
