Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maira De Leon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Maira, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I feel this question deserves a deep, detailed answer because it has been a journey.
Being the only one in the room who looks like me? That has been the story of my life until I created Enliven Society—an organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and connecting women of all races, ages, and backgrounds, offering them a space where they can connect, grow, and thrive.
Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, from a land across the border—one that was once the land of my ancestors—was not easy. We faced discrimination, racism, rejection, and at times, even hatred. I remember thinking, “Surely, when I grow up, all of this will go away. I’ll stand tall and speak perfect English— it will be different.” But I was wrong. I encountered these same struggles not just in high school and college, but well into my career, and even within the industry I built my business in. Shocker? No. This is simply the reality we live in.
From a very young age, I was determined to find success in whatever I did, no matter the obstacles in my way. When I officially became a business owner as a photographer, I quickly realized I was always the only one who looked—or sounded—like me in those spaces. I was the only Latina, female wedding photographer at my level of expertise in my area. It was difficult to bond with others who didn’t “get” me, who didn’t share my background or experiences.
However, I do want to acknowledge that a few great female photographers did connect with me, lent a helping hand, and even collaborated and worked with me on projects. Some of whom I’m still fortunate to call friends to this day. I will always remember them as an integral part of my photography journey. I built a successful wedding service business, and eventually expanded it to offer two more major services, leading to incredible financial abundance. But in doing so, I found myself working almost every single day—sometimes with no days off.
After 8 years in the wedding business, my health began to suffer. I became very, very sick—physically and mentally. It got to the point where I could hardly work anymore. After countless doctor visits, tests, scans, and blood work, I decided to stop relying on conventional medicine. That’s when I turned to holistic and alternative medicine practitioners who were knowledgeable and aligned with my journey. My life did a complete one-eighty. I finally found the answers to the issues I had been struggling with for so long, not just in my body, but in my mind and soul.
It was then that I realized I wanted to create something bigger with the idea I had back in college. I wanted to take all that I had learned—about balance, peace, health, and harmony—and share it with other women, to help them achieve what I had: peace/harmony, a clear mind, a sense of purpose, holistic approaches to overall health and success in any area of their lives.
And so, Enliven Society was born.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
It’s always kind of tricky answering this question, because I truly am a jack of all trades (and I am VERY good at all of them).
I’ll keep it as short and to the point as possible:
I am the CEO/Founder and lead photographer/editor with Good Studio Co. (@goodstudioco)
* Destination weddings: photography, videography, and content creation
I am the CEO/Founder and event host with Enliven Society (@enlivensociety)
* Events, workshops, retreats, outings for women in business
I am an artist and content creator with De Leon Fine Art (@deleonfineart)
* Wedding guest portraits / Destination wedding: live painting / digital and fine artwork for sale (ITNF)
I am a spiritual business coach and motivational speaker with Maira De Leon Coach for Women @itsmairadeleon
*Business and empowerment coaching/mentoring for soul-led women in business
Emails:
Weddings: goodstudiocompany@gmail.com
Art: deleonfineart@gmail.com
Coaching: itsmairadeleon@gmail.com
Enliven Community: enlivensociety@gmail.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the qualities that have shaped who I am today—resilience, perseverance, humility, and the influence of my culture and heritage—remain central to my journey.
To anyone embarking on their path in the business world, my advice is this: always remember that the dreams you hold were placed in your heart for a divine, purposeful, and aligned reason. You are meant to pursue what your heart desires, as long as it contributes to the greater good of the collective. Additionally, never lose sight of WHY you are doing what you are doing. The most important part of offering something to the world is being of service to others. Once you prioritize this in your business, everything else will fall into place: the opportunities, the connections, the financial abundance, and the fulfillment. It will all come!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! At Enliven Society, we are always looking for professionals in the wellness, business, spiritual, and holistic spaces to collaborate with!
Please reach out to us at enlivensociety@gmail.com. Our community of wonderful, resilient, female dreamers and doers strongly benefit from our collaborative events.
Collaborator examples:
– Yoga instructors
– Wellness facilitators
– Business, finance, and marketing experts
– Women health & fitness professionals
– Anything that can help women in today’s society! 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.enlivensociety.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlivensociety
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enlivensociety
- Other: enlivensociety@gmail.com
Image Credits
Good Studio Co. LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
