We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maya Davenport. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maya below.

Maya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

THE STORY BEHIND MY MISSION

Well to start this off I want to say that I did not grow up thinking that I was the smartest, prettiest, or even the most talented girl alive. I honestly struggled for a long time to find out my interests, purpose, goals and most importantly to find my CONFIDENCE. Confidence never came easily to me and I always admired women who were authentic to themselves and never needed validation. I always admired women who worked hard to achieve their goals with at times little to no help. Today, as a 24 year old, I look back and I can say that I’m proud of the women that I am becoming. I wouldn’t be her if it wasn’t for the strong women I’ve admired over the years. Women like my mother, sisters, aunts, cousins and teachers. All of them have one thing in common and that is that they are passionate leaders. Growing up you don’t realize how much these people have truly have had an effect on your life until you go through something challenging or life changing.

My mission for my brand Maya Nicole is to create luxury garments that enhances the inner beauty as well as the outer beauty of the women and men who wear it. My brand was created for strong independent free thinkers, leaders and confident women like those I grew up admiring. Maya Nicole is a luxury design company that was created for woman who are modest but also sexy. Our clothing can be worn inside as lounge pieces or outside as day pieces. Our pieces are carefully crafted by hand with love woven into each and every stitch. We want women who wear our clothing to feel confident, sexy and comfortable.

I want to inspire the younger generation of women to think freely, and to never give up on their dreams. I want young women interested Entrepreneurship to know that it is possible to create generational wealth. I want young black women interested in fashion to know that there is a space for us as creatives in the fashion industry. I want them to use the fear as motivation to continue along their journey. To remain focused and to strive for success no matter what obstacles they face on the way. And to always remember that if it was easy, everyone would be successful.

Maya , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up, I always had an interest in Fashion and was often called a Diva by my family due to my attitude and my need to feel beautiful at all times. My interest started I believe after watching America’s Next Top model and Project Runway. I was amazed at the process of creating clothing and the beautiful women I saw featured on these shows. I knew from that moment that I wanted to make and impact in the Fashion Industry. Whether through modeling or through Fashion Design. Going into high school I remember asking my mother for a sewing machine for Christmas. I also remember having sewing lessons one summer and then not touching my sewing machine for years. It wasn’t until college when I decided to attend Alabama A&M University where I majored in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Fashion Design that I started to learn how to properly sew a garment.

Throughout college I struggled to keep up with my classmates and often time had to stay late after class to finish my assignments. I always had a creative mind but the technical parts of fashion design scared me and often held me back. In 2020 I graduated from school and achieved something that seemed almost impossible. I received my Bachelor’s degree. From that moment I decided to start my business StichedbyMaya, which is now currently Maya Nicole LLC.
I started my business as a lounge brand and sold mainly lace robes, dresses and lounge sets. My main goal was just to showcase my designs and creativity. Something that I was not able to do while in school. Today I design bralette tops, tulle blouses, dresses, trousers and lounge pieces. My designs are not average and are more catered for boutiques. My clientele would probably shop with me if they were looking for a design that you can’t find in the mall or even online at major retailers. I strive for quality well-made luxury designs that are comfortable, sexy and unique.

I want potential clients to know that I strive for perfection in anything that I do. Although I am a private person I want to create a connection with all my clients through the clothes that I create. My brand is very special to me and once you shop with me you are a part of a family. I would love to get to know clients on a person level through social media, fashion shows, events etc. and I look forward to creating a community of fashion lovers and growing the Maya Nicole family.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Honestly, I am still at a point where I am trying to grow my business. Majority of my clients have been friends and family members. Without them I would not be as confident or successful as I am today. I know my brand will reach a large number of people. But right now I am enjoying where I am now and working to build the momentum.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Right now I am going throw a pivot in my life, business and brand. I was involved in an accident that has changed my perspective on life and my business. I also just moved into a new home and am working on rebranding my business. I’ve been going through some very major life changes recently that I know is happening to make me stronger and more equipped for change. These changes have definitely caught me off guard but I am grateful for them. I’m at a place in my business where change is needed and beneficial to my future success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayanicole.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayanicoleart_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mayanicoleart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-davenport-6684a2177/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIl4_XM2_8IgJuxUVggKRg

Image Credits
Cymphonie Raziya – Photographer Instagram: @cymphonieraziya Sashana – Model Instagram: @suhshawnababe