Rising Stars: Meet Maiya Dalton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maiya Dalton. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I did not expect to be where I am today. Not to sound cliché, but I had it rough growing up. Of course, my mother tried her best to raise all 7 of us, but she could only do so much. When I went off to college the struggle continued, but no one ever knew or ever really thought to ask. I have been hungry, homeless, and broke. But I can finally say that with the biggest smile on my face because I do not look like what I have been through. Reflecting on my life, I often found myself in roles and situations that required the most of me, and somehow, I still followed Mai Plan. Of course, the road taken had its detours, but things changed for the better. Anyhow, I knew that the first step consisted of going to college (I honestly probably should have taken up a trade, but I will save that story for another day). This was something that I decided to do not only for me but for my family. I was a first-generation college student; my mom dropped out of college and my dad dropped out of high school, so I felt like I had something to prove. Also, I knew that this would be my first step to securing a stable future. So, I did just that and went on to get a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and started working for an automotive company. However, that was not enough for my curious and adventurous soul, there was something inside of me that wanted to let my creative energy flow. 

So, I decided to take up a friend’s suggestion on giving modeling a shot. I fell in love from the moment I felt the camera staring at me. But it wasn’t the bright lights. I felt like a new woman, yet the same. I was becoming a living testament for the little girls who grew up without having their voices heard and opinions acknowledged. Or the women who work 3 times as hard to get paid a fraction of their male counterparts. I knew this was Mai opportunity to show not only them but every doubter or nonbeliever that YES, I have been through hell and back, but it will not stop me. It does not define me. I am here physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally at my best. Ready to show Mai version of a woman; an entrepreneur, a corporate woman, a humanitarian, philanthropist, and a person who is more than meets the eye. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would love to say it has been an easy road, but everything happened so unexpectedly and there is so much room to grow. One minute I agreed to a short-term partnership with an up-and-coming photographer, then the next I was booking clients. I was in awe because I never considered myself a model or never aspired to be one. Sometimes, we have our lives mapped out only to realize that what is meant for you will find you in the long run even when you try to avoid it. 

I am on a mission to perfect Mai craft, but I have barely scratched the surface, so I often struggle with finding solid resources to help propel me to that next phase in Mai Journey. I seek to build partnerships with domestic and international creatives including models, photographers, videographers, fashion designers, actors, and more. This year I plan to make every moment count! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Modeling by far has been the most fun out of all of my endeavors while also remaining a challenge. Before I accept a job I always consider if it will align with Mai Brand or purpose. Does this job further the discussion on how diverse a woman may be or does it help put her in a box by being sexualized? It has been a mission of mine to highlight the complexities and diversity of the modern-day woman (especially melanated) and I can only hope to honor that by continuing to launch and run my businesses (Floral Walls/Vending Machines) as well as mentoring and modeling. 

Other than modeling and offering creative direction to local businesses, the thing I would say that I specialize in is helping people. I have been blessed to be a healer who has a variety of methods or avenues in which I can accomplish my goal. One of these is what I am most proud of as well as what I feel like separates me from a lot of people, which would be my mentoring and inspiring others. I have been able to mentor different age groups of children for the last 13 plus years. I have found the best feeling is being able to watch as they grow from situations (some similar to mine) to grown adults who are well on their way to breaking generational curses. Both my current and past students have full access to me and can reach out to have anything from a one on one to just say “hi” and keep me informed on how life is going. I believe the future we want depends on how we treat, teach, and nurture our children and I will for sure do my part in shaping that future. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I want to thank everyone that has supported me thus far, including the CEOs and Founders of Blackletics, Skyes of Reign Collection, The HoopMobb, BreAnn White, LC Portraiture, and many others. 

The support does not have to end there! So, for anyone that is seeking to partner, sponsor, or contact me please do not hesitate to reach out via maiyadalton.com or Instagram @maiyarene_ 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: maiyadalton.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/maiyarene_?utm_medium=copy_link

Image Credits
Devin Matthews
Laurence LC Andrews
Bre’ann White
DeAuvia Lynae Rock