Tell us about what you do! How did you get into it?
"I am a business owner and designer for Boxing Kitten. Right after I graduated from college in 2005, I started planning the launch of the brand and finally debuted my first collection for spring '09 in 2008. My mother sews, designs, and weaves, and taught me to sew when I was about 11. As a young adult, I knew I either wanted to be in the academic world or to pursue wardrobe styling, which are two very different worlds, but I could not escape my path as a designer."

Teal polka-dot shirt by Marc Jacobs, orange bra from Victoria's Secret, socks from Betsey Johnson, shoes by Osborn for Boxing Kitten, skirt from Boxing Kitten, and necklace from a collection of charms.

Maya considers this one of her favorite summer looks, because the peek-a-boo factor of the bra makes her feel sexy and flirty without being too exposed.

Photographed by Amelia Alpaugh