Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Rose Phillips.
Hi Maya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Maya Rose and I’m the daughter of Lester Phillips of Columbia, SC and Marilyn Curtain-Phillips of Manning, SC. I was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and raised in Jonesboro, Georgia. I currently live in Columbia, South Carolina and I’m also the reigning Miss Black South Carolina USA. I attend South Carolina State University as a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and I work on campus as a graduate administrative assistant. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in English from Valdosta State University in 2016 and in 2017 I was awarded a merit scholarship to pursue my juris doctorate degree. Instead of obtaining a law degree, I chose to fulfill my passion in education as my desire to encourage children as a positive influence outweighed my desire to pursue civil law. With God’s grace and mercy, I’ve received many accomplishments, awards, and special recognitions that I’ve worked hard to achieve over the years. These honors/achievements include: Miss Black SC USA 2020-2022, CMFA’s Student Achiever Award 2021, Hot 103.9’s Future Leaders of South Carolina 2021, SCSU Dean’s List 4.0 Fall 2020, Miss Jonesboro GA USA 2019, Miss Columbia SC USA 2018, ATL Voyager’s Who You Should Know 2019, AFLAC Honors 2017, Juris Doctorate Merit Scholarship Recipient 2017, Who’s Who Among American Colleges & Universities 2016, Valdosta State University’s Miss Superlative 2016, African-American Studies Student of the Year 2016, President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In 2014, I founded my own platform titled, “STOP & Get Informed: Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Forum” where I speak to several schools, churches, organizations, teenagers, and young adults on how to remain vigilant in any environment. Being named after the phenomenal Dr. Maya Angelou, I love my name as it proves I was called to do great things and leave my impact on society.
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?
After graduating in 2016, I struggled to find a professional job, maintain my finances, and smoothly transition into “adulthood”. It is very normal to sink into a post-college depression, but it should be viewed as motivation. Life does not stay the same, it’s constantly changing. Even in the pandemic, I found myself having depressing, anxious, and over-analytical thoughts. I learned to start doing more of what I love like singing, acting, working out, meditating, praying, reading books, and even doing DIY projects around the house. Every obstacle I faced, I used it as more “ammo” to fuel my productive “tank”. I was determined to NOT give up or give in to any negative thoughts. Instead, I chose to focus on how beautiful God’s plan for my life is and how he continues to bless me every single day. I’m so confident in where God is taking me and I remember that my effervescent personality is what sets me apart from others. God isn’t going to give anyone more than they can bear and he’ll always provide us with the armor we need to come out victorious.
As you know, we’re big fans of Miss Black USA Organization. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Miss Black USA pageant is a national scholarship competition for young women of African descent that was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington. I am honored to be a part of the Miss Black USA Organization as a public figure, titleholder, speaker, and brand ambassador as Miss Black South Carolina USA. Miss Black USA is an amazing organization that empowers women to own their power and celebrates their unique talents, traits, and beauty. Miss Black USA defines her own standard of beauty and celebrates the whole woman, mind, body, and spirit, all shades of brown, hair texture, and size. I’ve been awarded the title of Miss Black South Carolina USA for the 2nd year in a row and won 1st runner up at the Miss Black USA National Pageant in August 2021. I enjoy competing in pageants as I’m able to be a role model, inspire, and mentor girls/young women I’ve competed in pageants ever since I was 4-years-old and won a youth pageant in South Carolina titled, “That’s My Baby” Contest in 1997. I then won Little Miss Jabberwock at 7-years-old, which is a scholarship pageant sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Now, Miss Black USA Organization made my ultimate dream come true when I was chosen as the state pageant titleholder in South Carolina.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Nothing in life is going to be perfect and in order to grow you have to face life’s obstacles. It may be challenging or difficult, but it is never impossible to overcome. Everything you learn in life can be a lesson that you use to uplift yourself and others also. I’m proud to say my life has not been a smooth road, but this journey I’m on is absolutely worth every obstacle. My favorite saying is, “After the rain, always comes sunshine” as the flowers cannot grow without the rain. Therefore, use the rain for your personal growth and bloom beautifully in your season regardless of anything that tries to stop you. I often refer to myself as the “Rose That Grew From Concrete”, an amazing use of metaphors and imagery created by Tupac Amaru Shakur. In the life of a Rose, I’ve bloomed in the oddest seasons of my life and do my best to be God’s reflection as a symbol of love. Once you discover who you are and remain confident in the things you are passionate about, you can begin your journey to the pursuit of everlasting happiness. Although you may trip up or stumble, remember to always keep going with your head held high. No matter what I endure or what the day may bring, I always ask God to let his light shine through me as a mere reflection of his beauty and blessings.
Contact Info:
- Email: mayarosephillips@gmail.com
- Website: missblackusa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayarosephillips/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maya.r.phillips
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MayaRosePhillips
Image Credits
Scrill Davis
Brittany Turner
