Born to Liberian parents who immigrated to the United States, Maya grew up with a unique blend of cultural richness and high expectations. “My mom instilled faith and nurturing, while my dad emphasized discipline and sacrifice,” she shares. This dual influence became the bedrock of her personal philosophy.

Maya’s childhood was shaped by her grandfather’s insistence on excellence and her parents’ dreams of the American dream for their children. “Growing up, I thought my dad was too hard on me,” she admits. “But as I matured, I realized the discipline he taught me set me apart.”

Faith: The North Star

For Maya, faith is more than a belief—it is the guiding force in her life and work. She describes it as a deep trust in her Creator and the promises over her life. “Faith is about alignment,” Maya explains. “It’s living in a way that serves others and yourself while staying true to God’s plan.”

Her faith-centered approach has not only fueled her personal growth but has also become a cornerstone of her business. Maya emphasizes the importance of relationship over religion, encouraging others to move beyond rigid structures and focus on a personal connection with God. “If you serve a God of limitless abundance, why would you limit yourself?” she asks, challenging her clients to think bigger.

Taking the Leap: From College Dropout to Business Leader

Maya’s journey took a pivotal turn when she made the bold decision to drop out of college. “It was one of the scariest decisions of my life,” she recalls. As a first-generation American, she faced immense pressure to fulfill her parents’ dreams. But deep down, she knew her calling lay elsewhere.

“I didn’t have the spiritual maturity at the time to understand that my gut feeling was God leading me,” she reflects. This decision, though met with resistance, became the gateway to discovering her purpose: helping others build their personal brands and live out their own visions.

Protecting the Seed: The Power of Vision

One of Maya’s key lessons is the importance of protecting your vision. “When God gives you a vision, it’s meant for you to see,” she says. “Sharing it too early can expose it to doubt and negativity, which can stifle its growth.”

She likens visions to seeds that require careful nurturing. “We must be good stewards of what God plants in our hearts,” she advises. Her own journey is a testament to this philosophy, as she stayed the course despite early doubts from others.

Empowering Women of Faith

Through her company, Built to Impact, Maya helps Black women of faith gain confidence, visibility, and sustainable growth in their businesses. She combines branding expertise with a faith-centered perspective, offering strategic clarity and tools for success. Her programs and live events have transformed the lives of countless women, enabling them to launch six-figure businesses and step fully into their purpose.

“I remind my clients to leverage their unique stories and experiences,” she explains. “What have you done in the last five to ten years that you’re better at than 95% of the world?” By encouraging women to embrace their individuality, Maya helps them cut through the noise and connect authentically with their audiences.

Lessons in Visibility and Storytelling

In today’s crowded digital landscape, visibility is key. But for Maya, it’s not just about being seen—it’s about being different. “Differentiation is more important than visibility,” she asserts. Her approach prioritizes storytelling and authenticity, ensuring her clients stand out for the right reasons.

Maya also emphasizes the value of relationships in business. “A lot of marketing today feels transactional,” she observes. “But when you focus on building genuine connections, you’re not just relying on algorithms—you’re creating lasting impact.”

Gratitude and Perspective: The Foundation of Success

A cornerstone of Maya’s personal philosophy is gratitude. But she takes it a step further, framing it as recognizing and leveraging one’s advantages. “Gratitude is about acknowledging your privileges and using them to win,” she says. From appreciating small blessings to finding strength in challenges, Maya’s perspective is a refreshing reminder to lead with humility and purpose.

Gain Clarity and Build Your Dream Business

Maya Elious is offering an exclusive free 30-minute strategy session as part of her mission to empower women of faith. This is a unique opportunity to receive personalized insights and actionable strategies tailored to your vision for success.

Maya will help you clarify your message, launch your next big idea, or simply take the first step toward abundance.

Maya Elious is a force of nature, blending faith, authenticity, and expertise to create a legacy of empowerment. For those seeking clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose, she’s the mentor who can light the way.

More of Maya:

• Website: www.mayaelious.com
• YouTube: @mayaelious
• Facebook: @mayaeliousbrand
• Instagram: @mayaelious