Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayellie.
Hi Mayellie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, but I moved to Houston in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina and have lived here ever since, so in many ways, I grew up in Houston.
From an early age, I was drawn to music and the performing arts. I started singing in church and school choirs, performing at school events, theater programs, and talent shows. By the age of 9, I was writing songs, and in my early teen years, I even tried my hand at scriptwriting, looking back, they weren’t that great, but it was something that I enjoyed. Despite my love for the arts, I didn’t grow up in an environment that truly fostered creativity or encouraged pursuing those passions. The focus was more on practical paths and other responsibilities in life.
It wasn’t until recent years, after meeting and connecting with creatives, musicians, actors, poets, and digital artists, that I began to realize how much time had passed. I had allowed pieces of myself to go missing without ever searching for them, because I was so focused on everything else. All the things that I once loved, music, drawing, writing, storytelling, as a child, started reappearing in my life through the people I was crossing paths with. I don’t believe in coincidences, so I took it as a sign. It felt like everything was coming full circle for a reason, and that my dreams never left, they just needed a little attention. Being around people who were unapologetically walking in their creative truth sparked something in me. It reminded me of who I was, and more importantly, who I still had the chance to become.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In all honesty, no, it has not been that smooth. Some of the struggles along the way were rooted in self-doubt and self-sabotage, because it felt safer to make excuses and hide. It’s scary to put yourself out there in the beginning when you’re trying to find your lane or figure out what works for you, especially when you’re building from scratch and don’t have support yet. For me, that came with a lot of uncertainty because I wasn’t used to sharing parts of myself, my personality or the things I create openly. I was so hyper-fixated on how things would be perceived initially that I sought feedback to validate what I was doing, which was hindering. It led to procrastination, and at the time, I was aiming for perfection in areas that didn’t need to be perfected, not realizing that I just needed to show up.
There’s a lot of inner rewiring that has to be done when you become comfortable with beliefs that limit your capabilities, gifts, or talents, and that was definitely something I struggled with. But I eventually took a step back to look within and reflect on why I felt that way in the first place, what my intentions were, and whether I was willing to live with the regret of not even trying because I allowed fear to block me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter, poet, actress, aspiring filmmaker and screenwriter, and the owner of Classy Mayde Entertainment, which is my film production company. I’m currently in the process of filming my first web series, which I wrote. It’s titled “Mayde It Worse.” The spelling of “Made” with a “y” is derived from my nickname, “May.” I’m super excited about it because I’ve been writing for a long time and have always wanted to bring my own visual stories to life, while also connecting with like-minded people and providing opportunities. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and embark on this journey in film.
I have two podcasts. “Auntie May’s Cookout” is a music-based podcast that I started back in 2024 using the audio feature Spaces on X, formerly known as Twitter. I began with a playlisting segment called “Original vs. Sample” and have since created other similar segments where I put two songs against each other, playing them back-to-back and allowing the audience to vote on which they prefer, while those with mics add commentary along with their votes. Auntie May’s Cookout just hit its two-year mark in March, so I’m looking forward to expanding onto more platforms, collaborating with others, and executing new ideas I have in store for the second season.
My second podcast is “OG Film Talk.” It focuses on TV and film discussions and was started last year as an extension of my OG Movie Night hosting, which began in 2021.
I think I’m most proud of the release of my first EP, “Retrograde ’23.” It was pivotal for me because music has always been my first love. I’m a very private person, and some say I can be hard to read at times. I think, because of my composure, people sometimes forget that I’m human and that I feel deeply. It took a lot of courage, courage I didn’t initially have, to share songs that I consider vulnerable and personal. This EP allowed me to tell my side of stories I had never fully expressed or didn’t know how to articulate at the time I experienced them. Releasing “Retrograde ’23” was also a way of releasing the negative emotions that had disrupted my peace. In doing so, it reinforced that the sky was never the limit, my mind was. Since then, I’ve moved differently by betting on myself and taking chances.
My authenticity and resilience set me apart. I have the drive to keep going once I start something, despite what life throws at me. I might pause and go back to the drawing board to figure out alternatives so I can pivot, but I don’t quit. If I choose to do something, it’s because it’s on my heart, not because someone else is doing it or because I think it will gain popularity. I’m consistently striving to be a better person than I was the day before and to walk in a purpose that is bigger than myself. I genuinely believe that part of my purpose on earth is to connect and bring people together through my gifts, and to show that the possibilities in life are endless when you move with pure intentions, follow your heart’s desires, and trust the process.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned two important lessons: to give myself the same grace I give others, if not more, and that consistency builds trust, not only with supporters or your community, but with yourself. The more you trust yourself, the more discipline turns into belief, and the less you second-guess your path, because your actions begin to align with your purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mayellienavae.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mayellienavae
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mayellie.Navae
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@classymaydeentertainment
- Other: https://blinq.me/cmmak97lc0dw20ns6v0p4n8va?bs=icl
