You’re about to see Maya Henry take over the modeling world
Model, actress, activist, Instagram gal, and new Galore Cover Girl, Maya Henry, may not be on your radar yet, but she sure as hell should be.
Already modeling for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana (a dream), this 18-year-old cutie from Texas is straight killing it.
Maya also runs her own charity, named Maya’s Corner, which helps bring food, supplies and education to young children in need in Texas.
We got to sit down with Galore Cover Girl, Maya Henry, about her charity, her modeling and acting aspirations, her heroes (hint: it’s in the family), and her beauty and skincare dos-and-don’ts. Check out the exclusive interview and photoshoot below!
What products do you swear by for your skin?
I don’t really swear by anything because my skin changes so much due to traveling, being a woman, etc. I always exfoliate my skin with Dr. Lancer’s scrub before washing my face with the morning burst face wash by Clean & Clear.
I also use IS Clinical active serum because it really helps clear my skin when it’s breaking out. Lastly, I always use moisturizer with SPF in the morning to protect my skin.
What have make-up artists backstage at the shows and on shoots taught you on beauty?
The artists I work with are all my good friends. I usually work with the same ones all the time. I’ve learned what colors to use on my eye color to make them pop, how to put on individual lashes, and also I like to buy the foundations they use on my skin to match my tones and make sure it looks natural. Less is always more.
What are your winter make-up must haves?
My winter must haves are 111 Skin Space anti-age day cream because it keeps my skin moisturized. Also a good red/berry lip. Black Magic 630 by Dolce and Gabbana is great for winter.
Bodysuit: Stylist’s own, Earrings: White Fox, Rings: Anne Sisteron & Ben Bridge
Bralette: House of CB, Shorts: White Fox, Belt: Diesel, Boots: PF Kaufman, Earrings: Daniel Espinosa, Fur: Vintage
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How was it walking for the iconic designer, Dolce and Gabbana? How did this opportunity come about?
It was so surreal. The first show I walked was the Alta Moda show in Mexico City. I actually opened the show which was so unexpected. I met them in New York after I watched the Alta Moda show there. Instantly the designers and I had a connection and it just all went on from there! I love everyone at DG. It’s like a big family.
What brand are you dying to collaborate or work for next?
For now I love working with Dolce. They are so kind and caring. They have amazing clothes and shows! I’m not too set on one brand but I will see what comes my way in the future!
How do you keep your skin and hair flawless while jet setting across the globe?
I try not to blowdry or use hot tools on my hair if I don’t need to. I like to let my hair air dry and I love Bay Breeze hair treatment shots by the Dry Bar. My hair is so soft after I use them.
Also, I love a thick moisturizer while I’m traveling because my skin gets so dry. Washing off makeup also is a key for me. So, always wash off your makeup no matter how tired you are!
Bodysuit: Stylist’s own, Earrings: White Fox, Rings: Anne Sisteron & Ben Bridge
Bralette: House of CB, Shorts: White Fox, Belt: Diesel, Boots: PF Kaufman, Earrings: Daniel Espinosa, Fur: Vintage
Favorite hair product at the moment?
I love the shampoo and conditioner by Sun Bum. Also, their leave in conditioner spray is amazing. The smell of all of their products is my favorite. Smells like the beach!
What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?
I love the Tatcha luminous skin mist! I love to spray it on when my makeup is done because it gives you a nice glow. It’s just so expensive, but it’s worth it.
Are you a lipgloss or lipstick kind of girl?
I love a good lip gloss. I love how it makes your lips look juicy. But, I also like to put on lipstick and layer it with gloss for extra color and stay. One of my favorite lip glosses is the Victoria’s Secret beauty rush in Candy Baby. It is a pretty light color and it smells and tastes like candy!
What is your go-to nail color?
Dolce and Gabbana nail lacquer in Innocence. I wear it when I walk the runway because it’s a great nude color.
What make-up product do you think is the most underrated and why?
Maybelline clear mascara. If you want a no makeup look you can use it on your lashes, and I also use it as a brow gel. It’s a very affordable product!
Top, bottoms, shoes, & earrings: Dolce & Gabbana, Ring: Eriness, Bracelets: Ben Bridge
Top: TLZ L’Femme, Earrings: White Fox, Choker: Anne Sisteron, Chaps: KSLAM, Gloves: Ritual, Boots: Dolce & Gabbana
Top, bottoms, shoes, & earrings: Dolce & Gabbana, Ring: Eriness, Bracelets: Ben Bridge
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What product in your makeup bag do you never leave home without?
Concealer. Even if I don’t wear any makeup, I always have concealer in my purse. My favorite one is the Cle de Peau in ivory.
What’s your girl power motto?
Women supporting women! I think this is important because I don’t think it’s good for girls to tear each other down. I think we should support and encourage each other. Being mean or tearing each other down won’t get you further in life, and in the end you will have no friends to help back up you up.
Who’s your fashion icon?
Rosie Huntington Whitley. She dresses classy, but in a cool and sexy way. She definitely has been my favorite since I was a young girl.
Who’s your hero and why?
My mom and grandma are my heroes. They are such strong, powerful women. With my grandma going through breast cancer, everyone was devastated. She kept such a positive attitude throughout all of her treatments and she beat cancer!
My mom is such a hardworking and caring mother. She raised my brother and I by teaching us to care for others and to give back. I think she will still be traveling with me for the rest of my life. We are inseparable! I would say she is my best friend.
Top: KSLAM, Shorts: White Fox, Belt: Diesel, Boots: PF Kaufman, Earrings: Daniel Espinosa
Tell us more about your charity, Maya’s Corner?
I started Maya’s Corner when I was around eight years old. I would always help at my dad’s turkey giveaway, and I felt so bad for all the little kids standing in line for hours just to get a turkey to eat on Thanksgiving. I decided to have a section cut off where all the kids could wait, play with animals, and have some food.
It then turned into me raising money for animal shelters and handing out school supplies to lower income schools in Texas. This is definitely something I want to expand to Mexico and around the US. I want young children to have the opportunity to know how important it is to have an education.
What emoji best describes you?
I would say the 🤠 emoji. I’m always happy, and of course it has a cowboy hat, because I’m from Texas!
What’s the secret to self-confidence?
I used to struggle with confidence as a young girl being overweight. I was never the “popular girl” in school and I didn’t really have friends. As I got older, I realized just because you have a bunch of friends it doesn’t mean you are happy in life.
I think just staying true to where you come from and who you are is important. Sometimes you find yourself on Instagram looking at other girls and being like, “Oh, her body is perfect and I need to look like that.” No! Everyone is different in their own way. I always tell myself I want to be the best version of Maya Henry, not someone else.
I think as you get older you become more self-confident. It’s important to not listen to negative things others have to say. My grandma would always tell me everyone is beautiful and God made everyone special in their own way. There is no secret – it’s just something you have to build overtime.
Who would be in your girl band and what would you name the band?
My girl band would be my grandma as a backup dancer because she loves to dance. My mom I feel would be a rapper/hype girl. I would also want Hannah Montana, because I grew up watching her and no matter how old I am I will still love her music. I think we would be called The Divas.
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Bodysuit: Stylist’s own, Earrings: White Fox, Rings: Anne Sisteron & Ben Bridge
Your family loves a big party. Who would be your ideal party guest (dead or alive) to play or attend your next family bash?
My family does love to throw parties!! I would definitely want George Michael. His music was the best and you can dance to it.
What’s the last song you played on Spotify?
“Me&U” by Cassie.
Since moving to NYC, how is the dating scene compared to LA or Texas?
I don’t date boys that much because I am always traveling. Also I’m still 18, so I feel like I’m in no rush to date anyone really. If I meet someone, then great! It’s just not something I want to rush.
Boy crush at the moment?
I don’t have one at the moment but young Leonardo DiCaprio is always my boy crush!
What’s your favorite come back to haters?
I don’t even have a comeback. I just ignore them. Honestly, hate comments make me laugh and they have never upset me. It’s best not to give haters any time or energy!
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Bathing suit- I.AM.GIA., Boots: Dolce & Gabbana, Top: Abodi, Sunglasses: Bonnie & Clyde, Rings: Bea Bongiasca, Necklace: Zoe Chicco, Earrings: Michael John
Top & bottoms: The Blonds, Earrings & bracelet: Dolce & Gabbana, Boots: PS Kaufman
If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be and why?
Kate Middleton. It would be so cool to be a princess for a day that has an awesome family with cute kids and also gets to do charity work and help people. How perfect would that be?!
What is next for Maya in 2019?
What’s next for me is to continue modeling and start trying to act more. I definitely will continue charity work and would love to be able to work with UNICEF. I also plan to continue with college and pursue my dream of being a human rights attorney.
Photos: Prince and Jacob
Styling: Manny Jay
Hair: Christian Wood
Makeup: Francesca Colot
Styling Assistant: B. Corleto
