About

Well hello you! My name is Maria Alejandra Carles. At least that's what my parents called me upon birth, but please call me Mayi (pronounced m ah jee).

 

And here goes, the self-proclaimed job title (drum roll please): I'm an artistic inventor + organizational master + pocket-size creative business fairy. Pow!

 

Okay. Okay. What that really means is that my 10 little fingers L-O-V-E to create. It also means that my T-Rex size heart has a monstrous appetite to empower creative hearts to break down their barriers to success + turn their passions into profit + make a real difference in the world.

 

Ohh + I'm addicted to cupcakes. Severely hooked to the Red Velvet kind. Know a help group for that?

 

But all joking aside, I'm like James Bond on a mission to craft an imperfectly perfect life worth living + inspire others to do the same. That's my gift. That's why I'm here. So, if you're ready to let go of your safety blanket + unleash your inner superstar + make room for your splendidly epic life in progress + that pounding passionate heart of yours too, then you're 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 + party proping + sewing kit playing + all that jazz.

 

 

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 paint stained pajamas + I quickly changed my mind.

4. Kissing David is my fave part of the day.

5. I'm terrified of lizards. Show me one + be prepared to get a knuckle sandwich.

6. One time I illegally crossed the Canadian border inside a trash bucket.

7. I impersonate Shakira in the shower, like all the time.

8. I sip hot chamomile tea before filming my TV segment to control the excitement.

9. I'm famous for messing up the lyrics to every song on my iTunes.

10. I like to whip out Billy Blanks ninja moves when I go to the beach.

11. Post-it notes + bubble wrap paper + my Olivia book collection + bunting flags cheer me up.

12. My 84 year old grandma' is my secret weapon.

13. I have a hard time letting people down.

14. How the hell am I supposed to fold a fitted sheet? Oh darn!

15. I love dressing up, period. Halloween is not enough.

16. I watched too much Pinky and the Brain when I was little, hence the world domination inclinations.

17. I have no tolerance for mean people.

18. I'm always slightly terrified of elevator doors.

19. I swear by to-do lists.

20. I wear pajamas 95% of the time.

 

 

SAY HELLO

Enough about me. Now, I’d love to hear about you!!! Tell me your story. Say hello! I'm friendly, can't you tell? Just e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .