Meet Maria Wamuyu, a Kenyan-American who prides herself in having various tools in her bag and juggling them all with ease. She is the first born in her family, and a first-generation immigrant.
Her introduction to modeling was orchestrated by a very good friend by-way-of a birthday photo shoot in 2016. She quickly realized that the camera loved her, and the feeling was mutual. While located in the Baltimore area, she was able to work with talented photographers who provided a space of safety and self-expression that continues to fuel her passion till this day.
Through the years, she has attended New York Fashion Week and was featured in Refinery29. She has also worked with local clothing brands in Baltimore where she lived. Through these experiences, she has developed an even deeper love for fashion and networking with other creatives that doesn’t stop when the camera shuts off.
Now she feels that the world is her oyster and is looking to work with photographers all over the world. Traveling, creating art and beautiful bonds that go beyond photography.
In addition, Wamuyu has also studied psychology. Her education propelled her into the mental health space when she realized the effect of trauma on her community and the dangers of keeping quiet about it. In 2018, she created a podcast that documents her journey through healing and freedom. This experience has been so rewarding for her and uplifting to members of her community. This work allows her to start the work of breaking the stigmas surrounding seeking therapy and speaking out against abusers with the goal of freeing herself and her community from the shame and guilt of putting themselves first for a change.