What type of creative do you identify as?

I identify as a multifaceted artistic creator. Anything that I touch or put my mind to turns into Art. 

How did you first discover your passion for hair artistry?

I discovered my passion for hair artistry by doing my own hair. I’m a model and a lot of the times you have to arrive to set hair and makeup ready. I’ve always been a diy girlie. If I liked something, I would do it on myself but always with my own spin on it. The mind of a creative is endless. 

How would you describe your signature style or approach to hair?

I would center my signature hairstyles around braid sculpting. Braids are endless and sculpting is Art. I love mixing the two because the ideas become infinite. Every time I sculpt braids, I let my hands guide me. I feel so free because most of the time I don’t know where I’m headed but I know the outcome is always beautiful. 

How do you use your platform to empower other creatives or artists?

I use my platform to empower other creatives by posting what I love to do and my journey. My life is all about creating. And that’s what being an artist is. Creating is a part of me. As an artist, a part of your job is to inspire others. When others are inspired by your work, that means you’re on the right path.

What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the creative industry today?

The advice I would give someone trying to break into the creative industry is to try! Try it all. Even if it’s something you once thought was impossible. Like I said the creations are endless but so are the possibilities. If you start to believe, it will become your reality. 

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give my younger self a piece of advice, it would be to continue being me. I know life is hard when you’re trying to find yourself, but never loose yourself. That’s exactly what led me here. Loving myself. Once I let myself be who I am, it led me to something incredible. Something that comes natural to me. Once you discover that, you become whole. Our stories are already written for us and we just have to do the rest. 

What’s a personal project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

All my projects are personal to me but I would say the one I most proud off is when I did hair for Lexa Gates. I’ve worked with her numerous times but she’s gave my hair art so much exposure that others are seeing me for who I am and what I love to do. Her fans are drawing my art work, doing it on themselves, and even promoting it sometimes. It’s exciting having crowds of people point out my work. Seeing others recreate what I do is a blessing because now I know I’ve impacted others. I’ve impacted peoples life’s. I’ve changed people life’s. That’s when it became really personal to me. 

Connect with Maria!

Instagram : @snickerrrrz

Photography by: Xiaohhan Chang

Produced by: Her Studio New York

Interviewed by: Stephanie Rommelt