Maiya | Founder of Maiya x Maya | Data Engineer | Hobbies: Sewing, Dancing and Traveling | Fairfax, VA, USA
Instagram: @maiylove and @maiyaxmaya
Twitter: @maiyaxmaya and @maiyaesmith
Facebook: Maiya x Maya LLC
Website: www.shopmxm.com
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
Turning a hobby into a way to fulfill my aspirations by co-founding Maiya x Maya this past Spring. I have always wanted a job that fuses my creative and technical sides. MXM has not only given me that, but also a way to advocate for my beliefs and community.
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2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
An overflow of change can be overwhelming. I am grateful for change because it serves as a catalyst for evolution, but I’ve learned to pace myself in order to evolve into the best version of who I want to be.
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3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
To successfully use my business to raise money and awareness for important causes.
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4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
Making the right decisions now so that myself and my community are in the best position later.
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5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
I truly admire my best friends from college. We’ve developed an unbreakable bond by uplifting and raising the bar for each other, and making room for each other’s needs and ambitions as we grow together.
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6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
Have faith in your ability to know yourself, and embrace confidence.
A few more questions about the current situation (covid-19, lockdown, black lives matter protests, politics, finances, mental health, health, and so much more):
7) THE WORLD HAS BEEN CHANGING DRAMATICALLY IN RECENT MONTHS, HOW ARE YOU COPING?
One thing that I can carry from my technical knowledge into my daily life is an iterative approach to development. Whether it is software or personal development, creating something great takes adapting and trying again. These past months have enabled me to put this to use by understanding that things are changing, adapting to the current world, and moving forward.
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8) WHICH CHANGE HAS AFFECTED YOU THE MOST / HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU PERSONALLY?
Working from home has affected me the most during this time. It enabled me to be closer to family and friends, invest more time into my business, and spend more time with my puppy, Pistachio.
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9) WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE MOST?
I am concerned that the current compassion and community involvement will not stay consistent.