My name is Maria Alejandra Carles. Well, at least that's what my parents officially titled me upon birth, but please call me Mayi.
I'm obsessed with party props + my uniform of choice is my Eeyore pajama + if left unsupervised, I could eat an entire batch of Red Velvet cupcakes. Nice to meet you.
And here goes, the self-proclaimed job title (drum roll please): I'm an artistic inventor (cuz my 10 little fingers have a severe creative addiction) + organizational captain (cuz I beat mess for a living) + pocket-size creative business fairy (cuz my T-Rex size heart has a monstrous appetite to empower others to break down their barriers to success + turn their passions into profit + make a real difference in the world).
I believe that throughout our life there's a voice that only you can hear - it's a call to why you're here. Hearing it + heeding it is the greatest gift you can ever give yourself + to the world. I also know that if you silence it, something magical will be lost, something unique + beautiful that only you can give; and all you will feel is emptiness.
That's why, I'm on a mission to catch my metaphorical star + inspire others to grab theirs too. That's my gift. That's why I'm here. So, if you're ready to dream bigger + imagine better + achieve more + embrace all the beautiful messiness in-between, you've come to the right place my friend!
when i was little
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 + 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 + wall painting + shower singing + sewing kit playing + all that jazz. Luckily for me, I've been blessed + applauded + encouraged + loved every step of the way, which bullet-proofed my will to pursue every star that I set out to accomplish.
my grown up resume
My grown up self isn't much different from the childhood picture just depicted, although one might be fooled by the wicked career diplomas decorating my studio shelve + the other adult-approved stuff on my resume. I studied Art in Scuola Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy; received a dual Bachelor degree in Communication Studies + Art Theory and Practice + a minor in Art History from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois; + a Masters in Art in Visual and Critical Studies from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois.
Prior to becoming a full time artist, I was Program Coordinator for The Aspen Institute's leadership program The Central American Leadership Initiative Foundation (CALI), a non-profit organization that seeks to inspire leaders across the region to transcend from success to significance. I also won a pretty sweet scholarship to attend The Aspen Institute's prestigious leadership program, The Executive Seminar.
I now live + love + create full time in Panama City, Panama, where I also wear the hats of Vice President + Image Director for Life Blends Inc., a natural juice company I co-created with my father; Board Director of the Bio Museum, designed by Frank Gehry + curated by Bruce Mau; wife to the love of my life David.
the beautiful mess in between
1. I call my mom everyday.
2. I wanted to be an immigrations officer when I grew up, that's how much I love stamps.
3. When I realized the job didn't involve crayons or wearing my pajamas + I quickly changed my mind.
4. I wear pajamas 95% of the time.
5. David's kisses are the Energizer batteries to my bunny.
6. I'm terrified of lizards, show me one + be prepared to get a knuckle sandwich.
7. My best ideas come in the shower.
8. I watched too much Pinky and the Brain when I was little, hence the world domination inclinations.
9. I'm famous for messing up the lyrics to every song on my iTunes.
10. My fave exercise routine involves whipping out Billy Blanks Tae Boe moves at the beach.
11. Folding fitted sheets makes me grumpy.
12. My 84 year old grandma' is my secret weapon.
13. I have a hard time letting people down.
14. Hubby's in charge of the kitchen, but I'm his dancing sous chef.
15. I love dressing up. Halloween is not enough.
16. One time, I illegally crossed the Canadian border inside a trash bucket.
17. I have no tolerance for mean people.
18. I've always been slightly frightened of elevator doors.
19. I swear by Moleskin journals + to-do lists.
20. I have laugh attacks every single day. They're infamously called "chiripiorcas".
say hello
Enough about me. Now, I’d love to hear about you!!! Tell me your story. Say hello! I'm friendly, can you tell? Just e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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