We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maiya Conway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maiya, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

A risk that I’ve taken is going against the grain of what people believe to be “normal.” My entire life I’ve never wanted to be an original or simple person. I’ve always liked to do the most and go above and beyond the standard. During COVID at just 16 I invested in myself and designed a beauty business that was very successful. Another risk I’ve taken is gambling on myself and paying FULL price for my tickets to attend a modeling runway show for LAFW. The next year I was selected to be a VIP model in NYFW. I would work overtime at jobs and quit them just because I knew they wouldn’t give me the time off I needed. I’ve paid for photoshoots in full, models makeup, props etc. Chasing my dreams never came with a price. I will always make sure that I’m fulfilled in whatever craft I decide to partake in.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Maiya Conway, I am 23 years old. I am from a small town called Saginaw, Michigan. I am a self taught hair colorist, lash/ cosmetics dealer, upcoming model, influencer, and creative director. I got into my industry by coloring hair for a few people and the support was amazing. I always knew I wanted to be for the girls whether that meant simply helping and supporting or providing a service/ product that would uplift their confidence like no other. I’ve solved various of problems for my clients such as getting them top tier services/ beauty products at affordable prices. I always give 100% effort on every project I work on no matter who it’s for or where they’re from. I am most proud of staying afloat in such a saturated market I applaud myself on being different and not following societal norms or trends. I would like my potential clients/ followers to know that this is only the beginning for me and as I age the creativity will only get sharper.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is seeing my growth. Seeing myself accomplish the goals and actually live out the dreams and images that I see in my head is enough motivation in itself to continue going and being successful. I love getting recognition from others on how creative I am or how I’m always doing something different or adding my own unique spin to things.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, society can simply allow creatives to be themselves. I’ve seen many people telling a creative that isn’t the correct path for them or they won’t get anything out of being themselves and pursuing their creative dreams. My opinion to everyone is continue to being YOU! The real trend is merely being yourself in a world full of people who’ve been directed and told who to be. Most individuals know who they are from a very young age, those same people never get to find true happiness within themselves because they listened to people who aren’t as creatively gifted as us. Always be unapologetically creative, different, innovative, and unique!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: DaRealMaiya_
• Facebook: Maiya Davenport

Image Credits

Image Credits: Adam Da Prince (photographer)