Connections matter and Mayi Carles knows that well. I would like to introduce you to her – you’ll love her! – or maybe you already know her, and in that case, read on and get to know her a little better.
Mayi is a super sweet and extremely talented artist | blogger | creative coach from Panama. Read on and find out how she has made her online and offline connections boost her biz (plus other interesting bits from her creative life).
1. Describe Mayi
I’m a super passionate artist + designer + coach + writer with big dreams + messy ideas + a TV gig + a severe cupcake addiction + a funny Panamanian accent.
2. Were you always an artistic girl?
I was 2 years old in 1984, the year my parents framed my very first crayon doodle, which still hangs in my mom + dad’s bedroom in its shiny gold painted frame. At the age of 4, I took up my version of “mural painting”, applied Mattel plaster and splattered tempera paint to wall surfaces. When I turned 7, apparently inspired by the otherworldly works of Salvador Dali, I drew on my little brother Coco the first of many permanent mustaches. To say the least, I’ve been a little too curious + hyperactive for my own good, always testing the limits of those around me with all the tutu dancing + drawing on the walls + singing in the shower + playing with my mom’s make up + “borrowing” my grandma’s sewing kit + baking cupcakes + all the other out-of-the-ordinary things I love to do.
3. When did you start blogging and why?
I began blogging in June of 2010 as a way to spill open all my hopes + fears + epiphanies + worries + questions + more. I wanted (and most certainly needed) a space to vent + a platform to thrown all instruction manuals in the trash bin + take a leap to give my heart something worth beating about! Plus I wanted a job that involved me working in my pajamas, so blogging seems the perfect fit.
4. Where do you get your inspiration?
Oh boy! I’m inspired by so many things – a crafty blog + traveling the world + a freshly squeezed juice + dancing in the shower + jogging in the beach + post-it notes + supplies + hot tea + dreaming + music + my grandma’s food + cupcakes + my dad’s spaguettis + surprises + Halloween + bubble wrap paper, just to name a few.
5. What is your typical weekday like? How about a Saturday?
Total schizophrenia! I even have to color coordinate my calendar by task to help ease the madness, lol. Every day is filled with new challenges + adventures + I love that. Nothing is routinely. Well maybe except the answering tons of e-mails part, which reminds me it’s probably time to hire an assistant. My solo-factory needs some umpa lumpas.
6. What is your biggest and greatest accomplishment?
Falling in love.
7. What is your advice to designers/photographers/creatives who are trying to establish an online presence?
To build genuine relationships. The people + connections I’ve made on this journey are definitively the pillars of my success. I would be monologuing + so bored + so alone without the community around me. So I make a conscious effort to respond to my comments + e-mails + to go out of my way to let someone know they are special to me. That, not only makes me happy, but as it turns out it’s extremely lucrative too.
8. Favorite color?
Right now, ginger. Who knows, tomorrow it might be canary or tangerine.
9. Dogs or cats?
Dogs of course + proud mamma of 3 Siberian Huskies!
10. You’re a TV star! Do you want to tell us a bit about it and how you landed that awesome job?
Sure! I’d love to. Well I should start by confessing that I’ve been preparing my whole life for this gig. I used to watch Art Attack + Martha Steward + all the Food Network shows when I was little, studying every move so one day I could have that too! Sounds so embarrassing saying it outloud, but it’s totally true, lol.
In a nutshell, the TV gig happened because of a contact I had on the channel. This person (who wasn’t like my best friend or anything + who didn’t even know my big dream) invited me over to do one DIY project on the show from taking a glimpse throughout my blog + the work I was doing. This, in the blink of an eye, turned into a permanent TV contract. Which goes to show:
- Connections matter. You never know when someone can open up a door for you + the opportunity for your dream job! So always embrace the power of connections + seek out genuine friendships.
- Playing your best works. You never know when that perfect somebody will be looking at your work, so make an effort to give your 100% always.
Thank you, Mayi! You always share something we can learn from. Guys please visit her blog, it’s one of my favorites. You can also Mayi in her:
