Designing My First Homeware Collection: Behind the Scenes of Mayajoy: Part 1

Hello again my loves, and welcome back to the Mayajoy blog.

If you're new here, let me introduce myself. I'm Maya, founder and designer behind Mayajoy, a colourful British homeware and lifestyle brand inspired by colour, food and family life.

Today I wanted to take you behind the scenes and share the story of designing my very first homeware collection.

Looking back now, it feels slightly surreal. Like many small creative businesses, Mayajoy didn't begin with a grand plan or a team of experts. It began with a childhood dream that had been quietly sitting in my heart for years and a decision to stop waiting for the perfect moment.

In 2020, I decided it was time to stop playing small and start backing myself. As a mum to two daughters, I realised that if I wanted them to grow up believing they could achieve their dreams, I had to be brave enough to pursue my own.

The first products I launched were a range of positive affirmation sweatshirts designed to remind us all how valuable, unique and loved we are. To my surprise, they sold out. That small success gave me the confidence to keep going. Do you recognise the logo? That’s right- it’s still one I use today and has become the strap line for Mayajoy. 

Then, in September 2021, I was made redundant.

What initially felt frightening, quickly became an opportunity. With a degree in Interior Design and a Masters in Surface Pattern Design, I finally had the chance to build the creative business I had dreamed about for so long.

My vision was simple: to create colourful homeware and gifts that bring joy to everyday life.

That journey led me to the Jamaican heritage collection that you know today.

Using a colourful yet organic colour palette, I have used high contrasts that will work well in both bold or more neutral schemes if you prefer just a pop of colour. I have been inspired by the changing seasons and tropical landscapes, from my dual British/Jamaican heritage.

Here are just a few sneaky peaks of my early work that formed the basis of my debut collection. It was such a hugely exciting time of seeing my ideas come to life. Who knew that some of my early designs would go on to be best selling products? 

Lots of Love

Mayajoy x