ABOUT

Hola. Mayi Carles here!

For over a decade I’ve had the privilege of guiding creative entrepreneurs through the process of owning their magic, turning their life’s hiccups into a story or triumph, and most recently the remembrance of their bruja linage.

For used to call myself “a tiny Panamanian artist” knowing, deep down, that I was not little. That I am immense, infinite and limitless. I have a future memory of making a BIG impact, of being ABUNDANT, of feeling DEEPLY loved. A foreshadowing of sorts. Like a dejavú, but forward. 

And I used to think, is it okay to be so much? To want all that? Am I being realistic? Should I be more grateful?

I convinced myself for way too long that I was better off pretending to be normal. Not because I need to belong, because I do. I belong to Mayi, but because there is a thin line between admiration and envy, between inspiration and “who does she think she is?”; and provoking jealousy is my central trauma response. I hate, and I mean my entire nervous system gets out of wack when a fan turns hater. It hurts me psychologically and emotionally for reasons I am still learning to unpack.

So, allowing the fullest expression of myself to come out even if that makes some people around me uncomfortable, resentful or insecure is the work I am called here to do.

I get it. Centuries ago, my ancestors where wild women, bonfire dancers, spiritual guides, herbal healers, mystics, oracles, seers, and alchemists. Then they were haunted, tortured and burned. The only way to stay safe was to camouflage. To forget the village, the circles, the wilderness, the sacred. To stay quiet.

The threads of fear passed down through generations. Remembering who we are, listening to the messages is the pursuit. This is the journey. It’s not about playing witch, it’s about being magia.

So excuse me if I drop the diminutives. It’s time to come of out hiding. Y ser TODO. Le duela, a quien le duela.

 

CREDENTIALS

Studied Art in Scuola Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. Received a dual Bachelor degree in Communication Studies + Art Theory and Practice with a minor in Art History from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Completed a Masters in Art in Visual and Critical Studies from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois. 

I am a certified Ceremonialists, and I’m currently training to become an ordained Ritual Priestess with Elsa Alegria and Elayne Kalila at Priestess Presence.

Have never submitted a resume in my life.

 

MEDIA & BRANDS

I've been featured on the cover of HOLA Magazine, U.S News, Huffington Post, CreativeLive, ArtfulBlogging, and almost all predominant local publications. And have also collaborated with world-renowned brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Roxy,  Kielh's, Kate Spade NY.

I’m currently a proud brand amagdssador for Misi Home and Miele. 

I've had the honor to design rainboots and the most adorable fluffy unicorn for Undercover.

My latest project - Beezú Mayic, is a very special collaboration that brings together the wonderful qualities of Pima cotton, the fun and relaxed style of Beezú and my creative genius. This collection is inspired by Panama, its tropical vibes, enchanting creatures, rainforest-y feel and vivid colors. Every piece in this vibrant collection invites your child's imagination on a happy journey through our isthmus. 

Still waiting on Oprah to call.

 

HOME SWEET HOME

I live in tropical paradise with the love of my life David and our beautiful daughters Olivia and Emilia, and work in a lil' nook of a corner speakeasy-type studio filled with children's books, crystals, wall art, bunting flags, sacred oils, vintage toys, every color scissor imaginable. 

But my dream is to have my own temple one day, in El Valle. 

 

21 FUN FACTS ABOUT ME YOU WON'T FIND WHEN GOOGLING MY NAME

  1. My real name is Maria Alejandra Carles Ferrer—but please, call me Mayi.

  2. As a kid, I dreamed of becoming an immigration officer because I was obsessed with stamps. But the moment I realized I couldn’t wear pajamas to work, I quickly reconsidered.

  3. Growing up, I had the impression I was unsmart. At 37, I was diagnosed with dislexia and everything clicked.

  4. I’m terrified of lizards and the ocean.

  5. I’m pretty skilled at winning hypothetical arguments… in the shower.

  6. I was raised by Pinky and the Brain in the background, so hence, my world domination aspirations.

  7. Ever seen an extrovert with social anxiety? Look no further. Whenever I interact with too many people, I feel the need to take a 3 day nap.

  8. I’m fucktous intolerant—a condition that makes it nearly impossible for me to metabolize other people’s nonsense.

  9. In my car, it’s an entire concert: I play music, sing every part (lead and backup vocals), rock out on air guitar, and drum on the steering wheel. And wouldn’t dare turn off the engine before the song ends.

  10. My patronus is a unicorn. Obviously.

  11. When someone is mean, I fantasize about releasing glitter into the air above their head, as a kind of “baptism of kindness.”

  12. I once crossed the Canadian border inside a trash bucket. Ask me all the details. I love retelling that story. 

  13. I have zero patience for critics who aren’t willing to step up and do better themselves. If you think you can do it better, show us—otherwise, keep it quiet.

  14. Elevator doors freak me out.

  15. I carry a San Benito medal on me at all times for protection from bad spirits.

  16. It’s a personal pet peeve when I eat the last bite of something without realizing it—no closure!

  17. I’m a compulsive list-maker. I’ll even add tasks I’ve already completed just to get the thrill of crossing them off. Judge me, I can take it.

  18. Sometimes, all I need is a hug from my husband, a comforting “everything will be alright,” and—oh yeah—I got you chocolate cake.

  19. I’m currently co-creating my first oracle deck.

  20. I’m much nicer when I love my outfit.

  21. Ultimately, I just want to create beautiful things—even if no one notices.