As a child, I remember my granny’s stories and wanting to be able to relay a message and captivate an audience just a fraction of the way she could. One story, in particular, that I could never forget was when she spoke of how growing up in the segregated South caused her to hate the color of her skin. She was ostracized by darker-skinned children for being too “white” and by white children for not being “white” enough.

So many times black and brown children are made to feel inadequate because of our complexion and features. These feelings plant seeds that manifest into self-hatred and low self-esteem. I aim to help change that narrative by creating images and crafting content that tell a different story; a story of beauty, appreciation, and love.

“Carry confidence in your complexion because of the royalty in your reflection. Take a good look at what you see, and love yourself with no objection. Out of all the colors in the world, yours was chosen just for you. Nothing to hide–stand tall with pride. Your hue looks good on you!”

A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Maya Marchelle has been surrounded by artistry and creativity all her life. Born into a large family of singers, musicians, dancers, writers, and preachers she regularly experienced how God could use natural gifts in the most creative way. This exposure would lead her on a journey to her own artistic path.

As a social worker in a middle school with predominantly African American students, Maya noticed the low self-esteem of many of the scholars, and how this lack of confidence contributed to low academic success. It was then that Maya realized the integral role she shared in the responsibility of empowering and celebrating children of African decent.

Maya hopes that her persistence and ingenuity will spark creativity and passion in all those with whom she comes in contact. Her sole purpose in life is to suffuse the world with her light and glorify God in the process.