We were lucky to catch up with Maxxi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maxxi, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I had known then what I know now, sooner would have been ideal. I let fear, trials, and tribulations of life stop me from consistently pursuing a creative career instead of pushing past being uncomfortable and utilizing the time and resources I generously had in between my struggles. That’s not to discredit who I’ve grown into, and the knowledge and experience I’ve gained. I sincerely believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I’m a heavy believer in divine timing and have no regrets at all about starting my career later than I’ve wished. My creative career has been on and off, but starting ‘late’ has positioned me to use wisdom within the next steps of my career and for life itself. Although I’m still very young, I desire a different outcome than what I did at 18, 21, or even 26. I genuinely want to be proud of myself, make memories, and enjoy this gift of life. I can look back and point out the bad, but one thing I won’t do is overlook the good. I’m so blessed and very excited now more than ever to receive what’s destined for me and my future.

Maxxi, 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 an all-around creative. It all started with music and then I ventured out into the modeling and acting industry in my teens. I have almost a decade of freelance modeling experience which includes runway, beauty, sports e-commerce, brand ambassadorship, and more. I’m currently seeking agency representation and management to assist in furthering my modeling and music career beyond freelancing. I love the work that I do and create, and I strive to build longevity in my career within the fashion and entertainment industry. I believe my skills, experience, personality, and humility along with my unique look sets me apart from others. I don’t take it for granted, and I’m very grateful I have gained so much knowledge on this journey since it ultimately plays a role in how I stand out as well.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Luckily, I’m surrounded by many creatives. I do however encounter non-creatives (who I believe are creative in their own way but choose not to exercise it) in life that question why I chose a path that isn’t as stable or promising as a consistent job or career in another industry would be. To answer that, it’s an absolutely miserable experience burying my dreams away to be a responsible and do-right adult. Of course, I want to have stability and freedom in all areas of life, but as long as I’m here on this earth I want to choose what brings me the most joy because tomorrow isn’t promised. Thousands of no’s on this journey have hurt me, but it has led me to build great friendships, partnerships, tough skin, and encounter just as many yesses that are meant for me. This journey comes with risk and you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else will. Regardless of whether non-creatives struggle to understand my journey or not, maybe it just isn’t for them to understand anyway. They can, however, respectfully support it or keep it moving.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Something very personal to me that I rarely share is my story of instability. It has greatly caused me to fall behind in many areas of my life that I’m slowly repairing now. Before even pursuing my career I faced dropping out of college, being dependent on family and friends, having failed friendships/relationships, being in between homes, and having numerous unfulfilling and underpaid jobs. I always push it to the back of my mind that I was without a home at various times within the past few years. Very uncomfortable and discouraging. It’s scary and traumatic being passionate about your goals and dreams while being unclear of what you’re going to eat for the day and where you’ll be living in the next week. Through prayer, faith, generous and caring friends, family, strangers, and a dash of hard work, I finally started seeing a light at the end of a very long tunnel. I had to renew my faith and keep making an effort to get out of the hole I kept falling in. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, but I’m in a much better position than I have been and I’m grateful. You cannot give up. Temporary setbacks are exactly that and if you desire to break free from them, you have to keep going no matter what. I use all of these experiences and put new energy into my goals and dreams. I want to look back and understand that everything happened for a reason and that pushing myself was worth it and will be when I encounter my own success.

Contact Info:

• Website: maxxi.world
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hernameismaxxi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hernameismaxxi
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hernameismaxxi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/hernameismaxxi
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hernameismaxxi

Image Credits
Cover photo: Anthony Whiting | @envision.artistry Other photos: DRE | @dreibeanusi