Maya
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Sutherland models
Miami: Wilhelmina
NYC: Wilhelmina
LA: Women
Montreal: Together Model Management
Answers to Q&A
Why did you want to become a model?
Growing up my family always used to joke about being my agent and cheer me on when I’d do a little runway walk after coming home from the mall! It was always something that I felt I wanted to do but I didn’t know how to get started. I always loved photos. For my 12th birthday I asked for a Canon DSLR, a very odd request from a 12 year old, but I used it all the time. My friends and I would dress up in crazy outfits and do backyard photo shoots, it was one of my favourite parts of my childhood. Dance played a big role too. I did a lot of promo shoots for my studio, and they helped me get more comfortable in front of a camera.I never expected modelling to become my job but now that it is, I feel incredibly grateful.
What makes you special?
I think what makes me special is my ability to stay authentic and true to myself, especially in an industry that often feels like it’s about fitting a certain mold. I love to connect with the people I meet, both in my day to day life and on set. I think being real and genuine helps me stand out in a meaningful way. I’m not afraid to be myself and look silly. I find this helps me connect better with people, and that makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
What are you passionate about?
If you had asked me 5 years ago I would’ve, without a doubt, said dance. I dedicated the first 20 years of my life to dance and it’s something I still am extremely passionate about. These days, I would say that passion has evolved into a love for movement in general. I have recently found passion in pilates, running and moving my body. I love to stay active and be outside, whether it’s a workout class, run club or canoe camping with my friends! I love to be outside and moving!
Most embarrassing moment?
The first thing that comes to mind also happens to be a story my friends, and I also, love to tell. I was 14 on a canoe camping trip and we woke up really early to watch the sunrise on a rock face site. We were all cozied up in our dry clothes and sleeping bags laying on the rock, it was very cold so I was wearing all the clothes I had (an important detail). I fell asleep and rolled over to find myself sliding down the rock feet first into the lake in all my dry clothes and my sleeping bag at 5am. I will never forget the panic I felt when I woke up in the water, the rest of the trip I had no sleeping bag, no sweats and nothing dry. Horrible in the moment, hilarious now.
When you are not modeling, what do you do on your day off?
My ideal day off would start out with a long walk or run to get a coffee. Thats my favourite way to start my day. Followed by a pilates class and maybe lunch with a friend! I love putting on a cute little outfit and running around the city with my friends. I’ve recently taken a liking to golf, so I find myself golfing on some off days. Other days I might find myself browsing Homesense with my mom, which has also become a bit of a day off tradition!