#HerStory: Amaya Beauchamp: Journey in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment

Hi, my name is Amaya Beauchamp, but I prefer to go by Maya. I am a 20-year-old Toledo, Ohio native currently pursuing a marketing degree at Owens Community College. Over the past five months, I've become familiar with Women of Toledo, first engaging with the organization in October 2024 during a nonprofit marketing project with my fellow Owens marketing students.

Our team's primary objective was to support Women of Toledo's marketing department by providing our developing marketing expertise.

As project leader, I successfully completed our goals, which deeply satisfied the organization. This performance led to an internship offer that I enthusiastically accepted, driven by the organization's profound impact on our inner-city community, particularly its focus on empowering young women. I believe it is extremely beneficial for our young girls to have a safe haven where morals, self-respect, integrity, and paths to success are taught. 

I recognize the inherent challenges I may face as well as others due to race and gender. However, I've chosen to approach these obstacles proactively. Instead of dwelling on potential barriers, I focus on creating opportunities and making strategic choices that will build me up rather than break me down. My faith and personal resilience serve as crucial support systems in navigating these challenges.

I own a small online clothing store. My entrepreneurial journey has been a learning experience. Initially, I struggled with branding by trying to please the wrong consumers and succumbing to external "trendy" influences. However, I've learned the importance of accountability. By critically assessing my mistakes, I'm now actively working to realign my business with my original vision of starting a new trend, rather than conforming to existing standards.

My favorite quote is, "I do not want to be a jack of all trades, I want to be a master of a few." I deeply idolize this quote. Pursuing multiple careers, hobbies, or jobs often requires significant time, leaving less opportunity to truly discover what suits me best.

I carefully try out various hobbies and meticulously analyze whether each is something I want to pursue seriously. This deliberate approach stems from my belief that I need to dedicate my free time toward activities that are either relaxing or beneficial to my future.

As a marketing major, I engage heavily in finances and wealth-building strategies. I genuinely enjoy learning about investing and staying current with financial news. In fact, I consider investing not just a potential career path, but also a serious hobby. My commitment to understanding financial markets and investment strategies goes beyond casual interest. It's a focused pursuit of potential long-term growth and stability.

As I continue my journey, my dedication to personal development, community empowerment, and strategic focus will grow. I know I will be successful in both my professional and personal endeavors.

**Amaya Beauchamp is currently the Marketing Intern for Women of Toledo. She is working alongside our Creative Engagement Specialist, Aileen, to develop new skills. We are grateful for her talents and wisdom in helping our marketing efforts. Thank you, Amaya!