Meet Maya: Q&A with Co-founder

Maya: “I come from a family of business owners and entrepreneurs. My grandma owned her own travel agency when it was uncommon for women to run businesses, especially in that field. Seeing her and other strong, powerful women in my family break barriers and succeed regardless of their gender was inspiring. Now, as a mom to a 12-year-old daughter, I want to show her that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. I believe that self-belief is key, and I want to set an example that will inspire her and others to pursue their dreams, just as my family always did for me.”

Maya: “Being an entrepreneur is tough, but being a female founder comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is breaking the stereotypes people may have about women in business. At times, it feels like I have to work harder to prove myself and be taken seriously. There have been instances where my assertiveness has been misconstrued as emotional, while the same behavior in men is seen as strong and decisive.

Despite these challenges, my motivation to succeed and make the world a better place keeps me going. I want to show that women can lead with strength and sensitivity, and that family priorities can coexist with being a successful leader.”

Maya: “Balancing work and life is a constant juggling act. There are days when work demands more attention, and other days when family needs more. My family always comes first, but my business requires a lot of energy and dedication. Prioritization is key. I've learned to quickly assess what needs my immediate focus and make decisions based on what's best for the long term. And I've come to realize that when I'm fulfilled and happy in my personal life, it benefits my business too. 

Finding balance is constant work and there's no magic formula for it. I find the best thing is to be open, vulnerable, and share the struggles with my family and colleagues, and know when to lean on them for support.”

Maya: “Leadership is not just about reaching my own professional goals, but empowering others and helping my team reach their full potential. Offering advice, support, and the necessary tools to succeed are some of the ways I mentor and uplift my team. Mentorship is especially important for women entrepreneurs breaking into leadership roles in male-dominated industries, like the tech space. Supporting one another helps level the playing field. 

Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have had influential mentors who have extended the ladder for me and helped shape my career journey. Like my grandma, who was my first mentor. I try to pay it forward by offering guidance to others whenever I can. My goal at Corporate Gift is to create a supportive community where we can learn from each other and collectively grow, personally and professionally.”

Maya: “My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to build a strong support network. Surround yourself with people who uplift, encourage, and listen to you. Believe in yourself and be open to learning and growing. Every person you meet has something to teach you, so stay curious and embrace new challenges. And remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Building a business is a journey, and having a supportive community makes all the difference.”