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

Mark, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

came to treasure those moments more and more. However, it wasn’t until my 20s, after a life-altering accident, that I found my own creative calling. As an avid cyclist with dreams of racing professionally, I was struck by a car during training, leaving me bedridden and forced to reflect on my purpose. Watching life move on without me, I realized I wanted to create something that would endure. Something that was bigger than me. During my recovery, I picked up a camera, and it was then that I discovered my passion for filmmaking. An endeavor that felt timeless and truly meaningful.

Mark, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a passionate creative with a background rooted in storytelling, adventure, and the pursuit of meaningful connections. My journey into the creative industry began with a life-changing experience. In my early 20s, I was an avid cyclist training to compete at a professional level. However, a near-fatal accident shifted my perspective on life and inspired me to pursue a lasting legacy. During my recovery, I picked up a camera and discovered a love for filmmaking. What started as a way to preserve memories evolved into a deep passion for capturing emotion, movement, and the art of storytelling.

Today, I’m a wedding videographer and filmmaker specializing in crafting cinematic wedding films that capture the beauty, emotion, and uniqueness of my clients’ most special moments. My business also extends into content creation under my brand Maya Media,

What sets me apart is my versatility. I’m known as “The Wildcard” in my circles because of my ability to adapt to various creative challenges and my relentless pursuit of excellence in all I do. My filmmaking approach blends technical expertise with heartfelt storytelling, ensuring that every project, whether a wedding film or a tutorial, resonates deeply with my audience.

The main problems I solve for clients are capturing their moments in ways that feel authentic, timeless, and emotionally compelling. Whether it’s a wedding couple trusting me with their day or a viewer seeking valuable insights from my content, I aim to exceed expectations and create something truly memorable.

I’m most proud of my growth as a creative and the trust my clients place in me to tell their stories. Through my work, I want my clients and followers to know that I’m someone who deeply values relationships, creativity, and the pursuit of leaving a meaningful impact on others.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The most significant pivot in my life happened during my early 20s. At the time, I was an avid cyclist chasing ambitious dreams of competing at the domestic professional level. I poured everything into training and racing, believing this was my path. But a life-altering accident changed everything. While on a training ride, I was hit by a car, leaving me severely injured and bedridden for a month.

That period of forced stillness became a turning point. I saw life move on without me—races continued, my friends kept competing, and I was left questioning my purpose. I realized I wanted to create something that would outlast me, something meaningful. That’s when I picked up a camera, almost as a form of therapy, and discovered my love for filmmaking. What began as a personal exploration became my new passion and eventually my career. That pivot not only reshaped my life but also taught me the value of resilience and the power of storytelling.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create work that resonates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact. Whether I’m crafting a wedding film, developing content for Maya Media, my goal is always the same: to tell stories that matter and create experiences that people will treasure.

I’m driven by the idea of legacy, creating something meaningful that will outlive me. My creative journey is about finding ways to connect with people, celebrate their stories, and push the boundaries of what I can accomplish. I aim to bring authenticity and a sense of adventure to everything I do, inspiring others to pursue their passions and preserve the moments that make life extraordinary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayamedia.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.markayala/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MAYAMedia479