We were lucky to catch up with Maya Elizabeth recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maya, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
There are several practices I’ve implemented to prioritize my self-care. One of those practices is visiting my therapist on a regular basis. I also journal, exercise regularly and spend time with the folks in my inner circle who fill me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Oh hey! I’m Maya Elizabeth! I am a professional singer-songwriter, and recording/performing artist. I make soulful music that soothes and inspires. My mission is to help folks experience healing.truth.+love.
I take what I’m learning on my own wellness journey and turn those ideas into songs that empower others who also struggle with anxiety, self-esteem, finding purpose, etc. For example, this year–after testing it out with Sofar Sounds audiences between Baltimore, DC and London–I released a new single called “It’s Ok To Be Falling.” It has been such a healing, mental health anthem for thousands of listeners around the world. It speaks to this idea that it’s ok when we’re feeling down, discouraged or disappointed. In order to overcome in our lives, we must first acknowledge where we are and how we feel without judging our emotions.
Along with vibing to songs like “It’s Ok To Be Falling,” and my preceding EP, “Space To Fill” (which has an accompanying candle and prompted journal–resources I created because you deserve to be full and thriving, not drained or burnt out), folks are raving about my latest event! My friend, Kimberly R. Mayes, LCSW and I just launched “From M.E. To You: A Mental Health Concert” that left our audience mesmerized, empowered and begging for more. You can catch glimpses/testimonials from the experience on my Instagram (@mayaelizabethmusic) and watch my live performance and interview with Living Local DMV for more.
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?
I’d have to say three keys that have impacted my journey would be:
1. Having quality mentors — wise, knowledgable individuals who believe in my gift, hold me accountable and speak life into my dreams while availing themselves to answer questions and offer support.
2. Surrounding yourself with quality community — We all need healthy people around us to cheer us on, call us out in love and hold us up. We need to be that community in others’ lives, too. That’s the only way to truly thrive, regardless of your career path, dreams or goals. I’m grateful to have a really supportive family and to be building a multi-talented team.
3. Always continue learning — Nobody knows everything.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I wholeheartedly believe in collaboration. I partnered with clinical therapist and holistic practitioner, Kimberly Mayes, LCSW, to create “From M.E. To You: A Mental Health Concert.” Then, we partnered with 8 other local, wellness-centric business owners who vended at our event and a team of family and friends who helped make the evening a success. We collaborated with Creative Saints Loft, the perfect space for an intimate, inspirational evening. There was no way I could have pulled off that magical concert on my own!
We plan to make this an event series and are currently dreaming up part 2! We are considering our next location, venue, set of vendors, opening artist lineup, and community organization spotlight, just to name a few checklist items. If you are or know someone who could help make the next “From M.E. To You” concert even more spectacular than the first, please reach out via IG or mayaelizabethmusic.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayaelizabethmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaelizabethmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayaesings
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaelizabethmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mayaesings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maya_elizabeth_music
- Other: Find links to my music on all of your favorite streaming platforms and more here: https://linktr.ee/mayaelizabethmusic
Image Credits
Juwan ‘Wani’ Thomas / @feelinfluid
