Meet Maya Hayes

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

Maya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I knew at a very young age of six years old who, I wanted to be in life. I come from a very educated family and a go-getter. I am the second of four girls in the immediate family and truly I have traveled an entrepreneurial road for years on my own. My parents met in college and both held higher education degrees. My mom started college at age 14 years old herself and taught within the public school system and adult training classes since age 19.

My parents both got their Masters in Arizona. Following in those footsteps my big sister as well as a full ride through college, is beautiful and smart. Then my not-so-baby sisters today same things all educators with a concentration in language arts. My mother taught me and two of my sisters she passed before my baby sister could have the chance in her class. She called all her students scholars to push everyone to be who they are.

I remember in an ethnic literature class my mom stood in front of the class and stated she had four girls; three were all on the same path in life and she had one who traveled another road alone. The three will go all the way through school, marry, and become moms one day. The other will rise to the challenges to gain what she most in life. Whoa, she knew her girls. My late mom has three grandchildren the oldest who was born the week after she passed has completed her Bachelor’s Degree Magnum Cum Laude now in her second year of grad school, the middle child is the first boy in the Hayes Girls Circle! He’s the apple of our eyes; he’s begun his freshman year with a full ride in college as well. Did I mention he was the number one wide receiver in Mississippi? We scream throw it to Threat #1! He’s now begun his freshman year in college. The youngest niece right behind him is graduating high school this year and soon will be off to her dream college.

My purpose was instilled in me at birth by my dad kept a watchful eye on me and my mom nurtured any creative idea I had. My father was an architect in his younger years and a chef in his final years. My grandmother was also an educator and my mom taught me to sew at age 6. LOL, my parent’s set up my first lemonade stand in front of our home, of course this was back in the day when it was safe to do so. So, I knew then sales in food aren’t my niche it was so hot outside my sisters and I ate and drank the products. My dad just laughed. But this began my entrepenural God given to step up to who I am today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a professional alum of the music industry in several genres, and an NFL and NBA Cheerleader. I currently, sit on the NFL Alumni Board of Directors-Dallas Chapter, Board Director of the NFL Alumni Cheerleaders Association representing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and the NBA Alumni Dancers Club President. Today, I am expanding to the continent of Africa partnering with professional sports there as well. Keep watch as I have new works in the process everyone here will be able to watch. I am normally directing Semi-Pro football and basketball leagues helping aspiring dancers get to the next levels in PRO Sports. As well as celebrating 42 years of my semi-professional youth dance team MCDC.

I am honored to add Inventor to my accolades my new product invention is being released as we speak. And my dance and fitness wear line has begun.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My biggest advice is to stay focused on your own design of the life you want. You may travel this road alone most often, your friends and family won’t understand, and you may even be talked out of your big ideas don’t let that hold you back. God places vision and excitement on each of us; your job is to do what he’s directing you to do! But you must pray and ask if you are not sure what that is. Find a mentor who can help you see your purpose. Others will never understand and it’s not for them to do so, your vision is for you only no matter how big it seems. It gets scary but trust me you feel accomplished and good even when you fall as you will find yourself starting over often. Many don’t start assuming they need a whole lotta money. Just know I started with no money and look at God.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My mom and dad, I am so blessed to have had parents who nurtured who I am today. Mommy was such a scholar but she never made me feel my dreams weren’t good enough to survive in life. She started me by age 12 to learn the business side of dance and Daddy knew I could do anything bought my first dance studio at the age of 15 years. I was deeply rooted in church and I decided at age 14 I was ready to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as the leader of my life. I was a scholar in school but only found happiness in creative arts and dance. What my parents taught me and the days I sat on their laps crying in defeat, has come true they told me they may not always be here very long, so they wanted to be sure I was strong enough to stand on my own two feet.

Today that is true; just lost my dad and mom back in 1999, then my maternal grandparents in 2010 and 2012. I dropped to my knees screaming what am I to become now? The heartbeats that covered me every day even if only a phone call are gone. This is my constant weakness in life. They were my everything in life, this is my biggest challenge in adulthood and I am pushing through every day. God knew my name and the parents, I’d need to live out my purposes in life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos: Sterling Photography by Mr. Will Sterling and Mr. Gary Davis of G Shots. Makeup: LaDelrio Looks Styled: LaDelrio Looks

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