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

Hi Maya , thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

11 years ago I was fresh out of studying a Masters in Textiles & surface pattern, had secured a job as an Interior Designer in an affluent area of London, and had a clear vision of where I wanted my creative career to take me. Life’s circumstances, changed my path and motherhood, along with the dreaded imposter syndrome prevented me from reaching the goals that I had set myself. Although being 11 years younger would be amazing and allow me freedom to work all the hours under the sun, there is an element of life experience that has impacted my creativity for the better. This along with financial stability has allowed me to move my business forward and my deep rooted why for Mayajoy (my children) is something that I wouldn’t have had before. In the past it would have been simply pure determination to succeed but now my purpose for success is bigger than me and I wouldn’t change that for the world. Some of the most successful people didn’t make it until later in life (Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Martha Stewart, Arianna Huffington) So I’m owning finding success in my late 30’s and using every experience gained to my advantage.

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 Maya Joy Lawrence and I started Mayajoy as a result of being made redundant during the pandemic. My background is in Interior design, textiles and surface pattern and I love how colour has the ability to lift your mood. Mayajoy creates feel good homeware and gifts for those who want to experiment with colour and get lost in a world of possibility. Taking inspiration from nature, my dual heritage and family life, all of my designs start life as hand illustrations and use contrasting colours, designed to make a statement and bring joy in to the home. I started my business because it was something that I had been afraid to do for a long time for fear of what others may think or fear that I may fail but after I had my daughters I realised how important it was for me to be a positive role model to my children and teach them that no dream is too far out of reach. I am taking up space in an industry that is still underrepresented and I think that it’s important for people of colour to be seen in creative roles. Over the last 18 months I have created a range of soft furnishings and kitchen textiles for those who love design and want to create impactful spaces. I recommend using my products to add an element of fun and combine the bold prints with more neutral and earthy tones; along with house plants, which provide a relaxing and welcoming space. I offer more tips on how to use my prints over on my Instagram account @mayajoydesign.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The belief that a creative sits and paints all day is so far from the truth. I hear this so often- I wish that’s all that I did. In fact there are weeks where I struggle to find time to design anything at all. The amount of admin and marketing that is required to get your work in front of your ideal customer is time consuming and I think often quite challenging for creatives. There is a lot of art work that doesn’t make the cut due to our perfectionist attitudes and financially it can be a challenge as well. Mayajoy is my full time job but many creatives supplement their income with part time work, which can feel horrible because we all want to make a living doing what we love.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Mindset is everything in running a business. Simon Sinek’s Start with why is so profound and I listened to his Ted talk regularly when first starting my business. Stephen Covey’s The 7 habits of highly effective people changed the way I looked at time management and the book that started everything- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I took the challenge head on and haven’t looked back. Lastly using the concept of Joy, although its my middle name, I wanted to make sure that I really understood the meaning of the word- Ingrid Fetell Lee gave a great Ted talk on where joy hides and how to find it and I think as adults- we underestimate the power of joy. I’m on a journey to rediscover it and I want to share it with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mayajoy.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayajoydesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayajoydesign
• Other: Mayajoy blog where I share more design Inspo, recipes and anecdotes info:https://www.mayajoy.co.uk/blog To sign up to my mailing list for behind the scenes info and subscriber only offers:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/148532/78183444897597104/share

Image Credits
Louise Eleanor photography