Maui Bigelow (Influencer & Blogger) - Winter 2021
Interview by: Novee Rose
Photographer: P Dillon Photography | Hair: Amy Braids Wigs | MUA: Maui Bigelow
For the Fall 2020 issue, we at Fashion Gxd Magazine sat down with influencer and international blogger Maui Bigelow . Maui is worldly recognized for her influence in style and fashion as she gives Fashion Gxd Magazine an exclusive interview. Maui talks, fame, success, and longevity in the fashion industry as a woman of curvy influence. The print Winter 2021 issue and interview covering Maui will be available on Print Issue Available
Inside This issue: Oyass, All Things Cherish, Kimberly Mosley, Ashley Graves, Cocoa Diva, Kristen Peoples, Out The Mud LLC, Eyes Of Nai, Author Tomika Reid, Michelle Divine Boutique, Swan Of The Valley, AheadOfHAIRTIME, Kolors By K, Bryaa's Bonnets
By Pilar Scratch in Fashion Gxd Magazine
30 pages, published 2/18/2021
Maui! We must talk about how you began your journey. When you reflect on your career, are you amazed at the growth of social media in just 10 years? What are some of the major differences you see now as it pertains to the Beauty + Fashion industries?
Maui: I am very amazed by the growth that has occurred over the past 10 years but not surprised. We are constantly evolving and finding new and innovative ways to produce content and service communities. In the fashion and beauty industries, the presence of thriving indie businesses has grown tremendously and I think it is amazing because many of these businesses are owned by women of color.
FGM: The state of Women Empowerment is in a much more elevated space as well. Talk about PHAT Girl Fresh and its growth! Maui: Women empowerment is at an all time high because women are owning their power and influence more. While our power and influence isn’t new, for years women were forced to play in a sandbox that men created for us and dominated. Now that we are operating in our own power, we are changing things in a major way. I think that these changes have been driven by so many amazing women. These changes have fostered the growth of many women, including myself. While my brand’s voice has always been heavy on empowerment, it has intensified over the years due to me being empowered by the work of other women. It is a chain reaction that caused me to restructure my brand and drop the PHAT Girl Fresh moniker and use my name to represent my work.
FGM: How have you maintained balance between several different roles within your career?
Maui: Proper planning, prayer and protecting my peace is my secret sauce. When you wear a lot of hats it is important to devote the proper time and energy to each project and task. I create monthly, weekly, and daily calendars to assure that I complete everything needed. I pray, meditate and affirm myself first thing in the morning and several times throughout the day.
FGM: What was your biggest boss challenge in 2020 and how did you navigate?
Maui: I think my biggest boss challenge was surviving 2020. There were so many things happening and so many reasons to fall into a deep depression and give up. However I promised myself that I would push past whatever I had to and formulate a plan that would assure I made the most of what was a horrible year for many. I did this by taking it one day at a time. I allowed myself to feel whatever emotions presented themselves and if they weren’t favorable, I found resolve.
FGM: What has been your most rewarding experience within the fashion industry?
Maui: I think that my most rewarding experience is being able to create a space in fashion that has allowed me to be true to myself while celebrating other women and offering empowerment to them. I began producing my annual event Life Styled Honors in 2013 and over the years it has grown into a great event that celebrates women, fashion and beauty. It makes me proud that so many women feel empowered in this space that I created with that sole purpose in mind.
FGM: Talk about the state of blogging, has it become harder? With the influence of social
media?
Maui: Overall, I feel that blogging has become easier and now as big of a deal. People are now finding different ways to display their skills. Now that Instagram is the most used social media platform, written content is taking a backseat to photo and video content. However, there is still a need for written content which makes writers vital.
FGM: What are your go to accessories ?
Maui: I love the accessory designer Noir Funk. The designer makes amazing unique pieces. However, hoop earrings and basic bangles are always in rotation.
FGM: What would you say to the aspiring plus model in these times?
Maui: I would encourage them to study, be consistent, and invest. Being a plus-size model looks a lot easier than it actually is.
FGM: Your dream collaboration! Let’s speak it into existence! Who/ or what brand is it and why?
Maui: I think that Ivy Park would be amazing because I love Beyoncé and the messages attached to the brand. I have had the pleasure of working with Adidas which is the brand whose umbrella Ivy Park is under and that was great but to work directly with Ivy Park would be AMAZING!
FGM: What can your supporters look forward to in the new year?
Maui:This year is about me being more mindful in every area of my life, including influence. My supporter can look forward to more dope visuals, more bylines, more motivation and I am working on an AffirmedAF book.
Congratulations on all of your success!
