MayasMinutes

As ethnic minority women, we have little to no guidance when going against the grain and navigating life with our many identities. I'm here to speak your truths and inspire you to keep going. Growing up in Britain, London to be precise, there was little to no representation of women who looked like me, anywhere.. I went against the (immigrant family) grain and decided not to go to university, I pursued a career in the fitness industry and am now an established personal trainer. The fitness industry requires a thick skin and a loud voice. When I started to use my voice, I realised that my early life experience was not that different to women who looked similar to me, but my professional experiences had been very different from my peers. The skills I have developed by going against the grain meant that I have become something of an anomaly. I have built a career on successful trust and close relationships with women who have experienced a completely different life to me (the majority of my clients being white and privileged.) However, my struggles and injustices are identical to those of the women that look like me. So much of what I have learnt about using my voice, doing things your own way and understanding your worth is valuable for all women, ethnic women in particular to hear. Equally, the invisible privileges that limit women like me from reaching their true potential, need to be discussed in an insightful yet palatable way so that the oppressors understand why their actions are wrong and the oppressed understand how to shine, regardless.