MAYA

Legally, my first name is Mayaasia (pronounced ma-ya-ah-see-yuh) where Maya was the chosen name by both my parents, and Asia was added in by my father in honour of my paternal grandmother. Everyone calls me Maya but I always light up when someone attempts my full first name.

I was born in Arusha, Tanzania which is home to Mountain Kilimanjaro before relocating to Dar es Salaam (the nation’s metropolis). Life in Tanzania was short and sweet but I remember good times with my family and I still have not forgotten my Swahili. By age 6, my dad decided for us all (mom, 3 siblings, and I) to immigrate to Toronto, Canada for better educational opportunities. Honestly, Canada was a strange land at first as I was only ever surrounded by fellow Tanzanians but I quickly learned to appreciate different people and cultures. 

Growing up, my mother would always tell me, “your beauty will fade, but it’s your heart that matters the most”…..as I watched her carefully apply her Lancôme red lipstick. I wasn’t listening to her words at that moment because I was so obsessed with watching how she enhanced herself each day right in front of her dressing table. Some days, while she’d be at work, I’d snatch some of her makeup and try it on myself; I was horrible at it but I had FUN so I never cared. By 13, I started buying my makeup and learned how to do my hair (braiding with extensions) yet, my subconscious has never forgotten what my mother always told me.

My high school years were awesome because I took advantage of the travel opportunities my school was offering through scholarships. During high school, I lived in Italy for 6 months, and I volunteered as an English teacher in China, Thailand, and Tanzania. My study abroad in Milano was life-changing; at 15, I was living with an Italian family and attending a popular Italian art school. I absorbed the food, people, culture, and fashion! However, my subsequent trips where I taught primary students English warmed my heart as I felt good inside knowing that I was helping children learn a new language. That’s when I remembered my mother’s words: “….but it’s your heart that matters the most”. Thus, right before I graduated high school I decided that I was going to attend the University of Toronto to study International Development combining my love of travel and that of helping others. 

Modeling was nowhere in my plans. I simply love the process of makeup, hair, nails, clothes, shoes, accessories, and taking pictures because when I look good, I always feel good. In COVID quarantine, I decided to pursue modeling out of sheer curiosity and I have fallen in love with it. It’s so much FUN and I am grateful to be signed to ME. 

I’m thankful for my looks but I see beauty deeper than skin-deep, in myself and others. Am I kind? Am I considerate of others’ feelings/time? Am I spreading positive energy? Am I attentively listening? Am I apologetic when I am at wrong? Did I put forth my best effort? This internal dialogue is true beauty to me.

HEIGHT  5' 7.5''

BUST  34''

CUP DD

WAIST 36.5''

HIPS 49''

Dress 12/14

HAIR dark brown 

EYES brown

SHOE 10 US / 40.5 EU / 8 UK