We had the good fortune of connecting with Maia Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my brand basically included me knowing that I had to be the one to make changes and the one to break generational curses. That means starting businesses, making better choices, and positively impacting the lives of others.

What should our readers know about your business?
My brand, Shop Choco Girls, is dedicated to teaching brown girls to love the skin that they’re in and have confidence. That was the whole reason for starting that brand. But after starting my brand, I realized all of the connections, doors, and avenues that channeling your creative energy can open. Now alongside that, I teach others to start their very own brands. As far as my journey as an entrepreneur, I would say that it definitely has not been easy. I’ve really had some ups and downs but it has been worth it in the end. Along the way I’ve learned that it takes 2 L’s to make a W. So the L’s and lessons are inevitable. We just have to deal with them and learn from them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a homebody so I don’t go out often, but I love mexican food so I would definitely recommend trying any mexican spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and everyone who has ever supported my brand.

Website: shopchocogirls.com
Instagram: instagram.com/chocomaia
Twitter: twitter.com/chocomaia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChocoMaia/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRjHjM0tqNmUmiLnXOQbv_Q

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.