We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Rose Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya Rose, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
The habits that I feel helped me succeed the most is always staying true to myself and the woman I’ve been called to be. Coco Chanel said, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself” and I apply this to the “beauty of life & success. Its a rare and special kind of internal beauty that a person can possess when being 100% authentically themselves. With perseverance, determination, strong-will, tenacity, gratitude, positivity, drive, ambition, compassion, and passion, I never gave up regardless of any obstacles or ”set backs”. I’m passionate about succeeding, but with great reward also comes great sacrifice. Being named after Dr. Maya Angelou, my favorite quote is, “My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”. Adopting this mindset gave me the strength and courage to push myself towards my goals. With any success, whether big or small, I always give all the credit/honor to God.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With all of life’s troubles, keeping a positive attitude/demeanor while spreading kindness along the way is great success within itself. I’m thankful to even be a part of this article as I’m a witness to how fast life can change. When I first participated in the Voyage ATL article for “Local Creatives & Business You Should Know” in June 2019, I was getting ready to compete in the Miss Georgia USA pageant. Although I did not win the title, the perfect queen did and I was so extremely happy for her. Fast forward to today, I moved to South Carolina after getting accepted into the Master’s Program at South Carolina State University & I won the title of Miss Black South Carolina USA. This is an example that success comes with humbleness, humility, kindness, positivity, passion, and a desire to NEVER GIVE UP! KEEP PUSHING FOR YOUR DREAMS/GOALS AND YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Atlanta and I think one of the most interesting places to check out are: Little Five Points, Centennial Park, Midtown ATL, Jackson Bridge, Sevanada Farmer’s Market, Martin Luther King Historical Museum/House, Ebenenzer Baptist Church, Casade Skating Rink, Town of Jonesboro Museum/Gone With The Wind Tour, CNN Center, and The Cheesecake Factory at Lennox Mall.

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?
The Miss Black USA Organization & Mrs. Karen Arrington, South Carolina State University & Mrs. Linda Phillips, SCSU Student Success & Retention & Dr. Diane Bruce, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. & Dr. Shirley H. Hardin, Red By Kiss & BW Apparel & Shad Moss/Total Media Group, and my #1 supporter/motivator, MY DAD Lester Phillips <3

Website: www.missblackusa.org
Instagram: @mayarosephillips & @missblackscusa
Facebook: Maya Rose Phillips & Miss Black SC USA
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXd3oisZ6IalNg6SAaxi68A (Maya Rose Phillips

Image Credits
Dexter “Scrill” Davis IG: @scrilldavis & @scrilla91 Brittney Turner IG: @iambturner & @iambeeturner_photography