Today we’d like to introduce you to My Mai.
Hi My, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
First off, I would’ve never imagined I would get the opportunity to be a part of a magazine, so I just wanted to thank you for reaching out!
I was born and raised in Houston. Throughout my childhood and up until recently, I grew up in Alief. Alief is such a diverse area filled with many different cultures and backgrounds that I truly am grateful to have come from. I grew up in the rougher part of town as my dad was raising four kids on a single salary working over 12 hours a day as a tile setter.
Growing up, I watched my dad work tirelessly and every night during dinners, my dad would always stress the importance of getting an education so we never had to endure the hard work he had to. I worked hard to ensure I could achieve the dreams my dad didn’t get the opportunity to. After all, his kids were his American dream and we wanted him to live it through us.
When you come from a neighborhood where gunshots were routine and litter are your flowers, it’s easy to forget there’s a whole beautiful world out there. I started posting on Instagram as a mini diary to highlight some of the best memories in life. As I got older and started working, I had the opportunity to start traveling and have fun adventures around the city, country, and world. I wanted to share with my fellow classmates from Alief, who also came from the same class, the world of possibilities and views we didn’t know was out there.
Now, I just post a variety of content with a focus on promoting a healthier mental health. Whether that’s going a random trip to catch a sunset, venturing into the city for some new good eats, or sitting at home playing around with makeup, I enjoy sharing these common interests with the people who helped shaped me into the person I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’m pretty sure many other first-gen immigrant kids from lower-class areas can relate to this when I say you are never first.
We carry the responsibilities of many generations on our backs. The generations of trauma we’re trying to break, the generations of dreams many people are depending on us to achieve, and all of this weighs on your heart while you’re also physically working hard to financially support your families too while trying to be a good person.
One thing I’m grateful for my childhood was daring myself to always dream because dreams are what motivate you to work hard to achieve them.
I worked full-time in college to support my education, took 6 years, but hey, at least I did it! After college, I tried teaching in Alief but quickly realized it was not for me. After being unemployed for months, I landed a job, worked and saved, and was able to buy my dad a house in a nicer, safer neighborhood to get us out of the “hood.”
When one door closes, another one opens!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from my day job, I like to have fun on the side as a content creator. I’m a part of Selena Gomez’s amazing brand, Rare Beauty, where we get to have fun with makeup and work towards breaking down the stigma around mental health. I also work with other beauty brands with the intention of supporting and promoting more AAPI creators/brands.
I’m most proud of always staying true to myself and for having the courage to be open and vulnerable because without that, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to connect with all of these amazing brands and companies.
I think what sets me apart from others are my life experiences that shaped me to who I am today. From being told as a child I was “fat” and ugly” to now being an adult with beauty brand collaborations, it’s amazing what you can achieve with what I like to call “a little character development” in this story of life. I honestly want to help and inspire others who may have been or are in my shoes that life really does have greater things in store for you. You just have to dare to reach for it!
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is being surrounded by my family and friends. They have been my rock through the toughest times in my life. They’ve seen me through my very worst and have always supported me every single step of the way. When I am with family, they just feel like home.
I also enjoy traveling as you are allowed to learn and experience different cultures from your own. You get to see the world from the other side and really take in life’s beauty.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justsmyyle/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@justsmyyle
Image Credits
Credit to Rare Beauty for the team photo with Selena Gomez
