Meet Maya Koshaba

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

Hi Maya, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I believe purpose is a higher calling. It’s both greater than us, and the one thing that aligns us with the universe. We all have our own unique gifts, and it’s our responsibility not only to cultivate them but to share them with the world. My gift feels like a sacred offering—a contribution that belongs to humanity as a whole. It’s a journey of self-discovery and service, where purpose becomes the bridge between who we are and what we give.

So, how did I find it? I believe that finding your purpose begins with realizing that the only validation you truly need is your own. The moment you embrace that, you come face-to-face with a profound truth: there is no one else like you. Our uniqueness is our superpower, and with that power comes a responsibility to create space for others to shine, to be their authentic selves, and to do good in the world. It’s about trusting your inner voice and stepping into your authentic self, which I believe leads you to find your purpose. For me, art is a form of activism.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As actors, we feel so the world can feel. I use my characters as vessels to inspire empathy and spark conversations that lead to a more compassionate world.

I believe we are all artists in our own ways. I feel incredibly fortunate to tell stories that help the world develop a deeper sense of empathy and healing. Through my art, I aim to create connections that bridge the gap between people, experiences, and emotions.

Art has a way of bringing people together, inspiring change, and reminding us of our shared humanity. It’s a gift to be part of that process, to contribute to a collective healing through creative expression. Art has the power to open hearts and change minds, and ultimately heal the world.

For me, part of giving back is essential. I’m always looking for ways to uplift others in the arts community and beyond, sharing insights and fostering growth wherever I can. I support underrepresented voices by mindfully selecting projects that explore these types of characters. I’ve worked closely with initiatives that elevate diverse artists and encourage the growth of inclusive spaces for creativity. I also do speaking engagements and support other creatives through mentorship and collaboration.

As for what’s new, I’m getting ready to dive into my next big project! While I can’t share all the details just yet, stay tuned—exciting updates are on the way, and I’m eager to share more when the time comes.

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?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-belief, letting go, and being open.

Self-belief is the foundation of everything. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to believe in you? Cultivating self-confidence takes time, but it’s essential for staying motivated and resilient.

Letting go is all about releasing fear, doubt, and perfectionism. It means making peace with failure and understanding that it’s part of growth and part of your story. True failure isn’t about falling short—it’s about refusing to try. Success lies in the attempt because every try builds self-respect, improves your skills, and increases the likelihood of achieving your goals.

Being open means staying curious, embracing new experiences, and welcoming perspectives that challenge your own. Openness fosters creativity and allows you to adapt and grow in unexpected ways.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: Never give up on yourself. Trust your unique path, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to where you’re meant to be and who you are meant to be.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Breathe. Breath is the constant anchor that brings you back to yourself. It connects you to nature, your body, your purpose, and—most importantly—life.

I practice different variations of breathing techniques, but it always starts with awareness. Each morning, the first thing I do when I open my eyes is take a deep, intentional breath. In that moment, I remind myself that I am alive, and I feel gratitude for the breath of life.

When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and focus on my breathing. Slow, deep breaths calm my mind and ground me, creating space for clarity and peace to return. It’s a simple practice, but it’s incredibly powerful.

My advice is to make breathing a conscious habit—whether it’s starting your day with gratitude or pausing during moments of stress. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos, life flows through us with each inhale and exhale.

Image Credits

Sergio Garcia