Meet Maraeya Ross

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

Maraeya, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose lives in the arts when I realized that I’m truly by most comfortable best self in those spaces, whether I’m dancing, painting, playing music, attending concerts, or watching performances etc. Throughout my life, I’ve tried many different activities, but I have always returned to art. I believe my purpose is ever evolving and constantly growing into something more which I believe makes my idea of what my purpose is even more special. We carry our purpose with us every day, and we can never fully grow as individuals if our understanding of it doesn’t expand and become more complex. As I continue to pour in myself and my life, I discovery more of what my purpose truly is!

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?

Hello! I’m Maraeya Ross, born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and now based in Los Angeles, California. I’ve been dancing since I was three, and during my teenage years, I also explored a variety of sports. At 17, I moved to LA to pursue my passion for dance, and I’m now on track to graduate with a BFA in Dance in 2026! Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many dance styles, from studio training and competitions to backup dancing, stage performances, and film. Navigating life in the city of dreams has been incredible, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to train in spaces I’ve always admired and with people I’ve always looked up to. As the new year unfolds, I’m excited to continue expanding my knowledge and see where this art form takes me!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that are most impactful on my journey to this day is to be unique, stay confident in who you are, and to not let the train pass you by! My parents heavily raised me on these qualities and I don’t think I would be who I am today, without them.

My advice for people early in their journey would be to invest in themselves! Find qualities such as these, and hold them close to your heart as you move through life. To be strong in yourself and to be confident in the individual you are is so important and I think it really pushes your life in the direction it is supposed to go.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I truly believe in the value of being as well-rounded as possible and constantly improving in areas where we’re not as strong. Whether it’s in personal life or professional pursuits, every skill, strength, or weakness contributes to who we are. So why not challenge yourself and expand your knowledge? Growth is a never-ending process. While it’s important to fully invest in your strengths to thrive in what you love, it’s equally important to step outside your comfort zone and learn new things.

For me, dance is my example. When I first moved to LA, I thought of myself as a strong, well-educated dancer. I dove deep into hip hop, surrounding myself with environments that emphasized this style, creating a sense of comfort in what I knew. But as I continue to experience more every day, I’ve noticed that those around me – people who push themselves beyond their comfort zones are the ones showing immense growth. They’re the ones landing exciting jobs and creating opportunities for themselves. As I’ve applied this mindset to my own life, I’ve challenged myself to expand my strengths and improve my weaknesses. I’m excited to share that I’ve started booking jobs and finding the opportunities I’ve always wanted due to pushing myself in this way. The process continues to fuel my motivation and growth!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Slayraerae

Image Credits

– Wes Klain
– Mundo Barrera