We were lucky to catch up with Maiya “Mai” Dalton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maiya “Mai”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
Absolutely! As a social media influencer, I often face the challenge of being misunderstood. What many people don’t realize is that there’s a lot more to me than just the online persona. While I’ve gone viral a few times, which has led to a large following, some may assume that being a social media influencer is all I am. In reality, the majority of my time is spent in a corporate setting, expanding my knowledge in options trading, and pursuing a variety of other passions.
When I share content online, I’m presenting my authentic self—no facade, no attempt to convince anyone that I’m something I’m not. Of course, there are parts of me I keep reserved for my closest circles, but I don’t feel the need to please the masses. My goal with my content is simple: I want to inspire others to embrace who they truly are and to encourage them to explore and be adventurous. It’s about empowering people to feel seen, heard, and understood. I believe we are more alike than we often realize, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple connection to understand the power we each have within us.
What I hope people take away from my content is that I am human, just like everyone else. I’ve felt pain, experienced disappointment, and made mistakes. I’m not perfect, and I don’t want to be seen as such. The journey is all about growth, and I want others to feel empowered to embrace their own imperfections, too.
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?
It’s kind of funny how I ended up as a model and influencer—it all started because someone believed in me. I’m from Detroit, MI, and about six years ago, a local photographer approached me with an idea to collaborate. We’d shoot monthly concepts and post them online to increase our exposure. At the time, I wasn’t actively pursuing modeling, and I honestly didn’t think anyone would want to book me for it. But, to my surprise, things began to take off. I secured my first modeling gig with a local cosmetic brand, Skyes of Reign, and then continued to work with various local boutiques and brands like Hoop Mobb, Blackletics, and others. Eventually, I landed a campaign with one of the largest cosmetic brands in the world—The Lip Bar.
At the time, I was terrified. I had no idea what I was doing or what people saw in me, but somehow, things just kept working out. When I moved to Dallas, Texas, that’s when I truly began to find myself. I was forced to heal from past trauma and rebuild my confidence, which was a pivotal moment in my journey. It was during this period that my online following grew dramatically. I started sharing more of my personality and became more vocal—unapologetically myself. That authenticity resonated with my audience, and I began attracting even more opportunities.
Now, I’m a freelance creative with aspirations to work with big names like Fenty Beauty, Steve Madden, Cartier, and even cigar and spirits brands. What sets me apart is my dedication to bringing every brand I work with an authentic, wholehearted effort. I approach every project with passion, ensuring that their vision comes to life in a way that feels true to who I am. I think that’s why people enjoy working with me.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come—both professionally and personally—and how I’ve stayed true to myself along the way. For potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want them to know that my work is about more than just the aesthetic. It’s about realness, growth, and inspiring others to embrace their true selves. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media has been a journey, and one thing I always tell people is that consistency and authenticity are absolutely key. When I first started, I wasn’t focused on the numbers or trying to “chase” followers. I simply showed up and shared my true self, whether that meant showcasing my creativity, my personality, or just being real about my experiences. Over time, the people who resonated with my message and content naturally found me. It’s about showing up consistently, being vulnerable, and allowing your true self to shine through—because the right audience will connect with that.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to focus on quality over quantity. Don’t worry about trying to fit into a mold or being someone you’re not. Stay true to what excites you, what inspires you, and what feels authentic to your journey. And most importantly, don’t rush the process. Building a loyal and engaged audience takes time, but if you’re consistent and true to yourself, the right people will find you.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is being a part of projects I never imagined I could pull off. It’s incredibly fulfilling to push my boundaries, take risks, and see something come to life that I initially thought might be out of my reach. That sense of accomplishment and growth is truly special.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maiyarene_
Image Credits
@dlacyphoto
@rossshotthat