Story & Lesson Highlights with Talita Maia of West hollywood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Talita Maia. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Talita, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m someone who finds comfort in rituals. Since my work life doesn’t follow a fixed structure, I anchor myself through habits that bring intention to my mornings. My routine shifts between weekdays and weekends, but during the week it usually starts with feeding my dog and myself. I like to set the table, even if it’s just for one. There’s something grounding about sitting down with my favorite ceramic cup and plate, a cute placemat and my journal. I always make some egg dish, coffee or matcha and something on the sweeter side like oatmeal or yogurt with fruits.

After eating, I set the mood I want to carry into the day by choosing a playlist. Then I take my dog for a walk and get some sunlight to help regulate my circadian rhythm. Once I’m back, I spend a few minutes on breathwork, speak out loud what I hope for the day ahead, and finish with a short meditation. Only then do I shower and truly begin.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Before fully transitioning into film, I began my creative journey in advertising. Today, I’m an award-winning director and multidisciplinary artist, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My most recent short films have been selected for prestigious Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying festivals—including LA Shorts, RIIFF, Carmarthen Bay, and Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival—and I’ve been honored with a Remy Award for Best Drama, along with recognition for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Outstanding Directing.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I have a few early memories, so I can’t say with certainty which came first but I think this one was one of the earliest. I went to a private school in Brazil that had kindergarten, junior, middle, and high school all on the same campus. I was already a year ahead in school, so I was very young, still in kindergarten, when this happened.
One day, I saw a group of much older kids auditioning for a school musical. They were all bigger than me, but I didn’t care, it wasn’t the first time I tried to insert myself into an art project I hadn’t exactly been invited to. So I decided to audition too. When I got up on stage, the teacher kindly explained that the auditions were intended for older students, and that my turn would come in a few years. I don’t remember if I started dancing on my own or if she gently invited me to perform something just so I wouldn’t feel excluded but either way, I danced and sang my heart out.
She made an exception and from that point on, I was included in every school presentation until I changed schools around age 7. Those were the best school years I had. I had total freedom and always felt safe to express myself during those years, it made me so happy.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: ‘Don’t ever dim your light for anyone.’ It may sound a little corny, but for me, it’s incredibly real.

As a child, I was bold and confident but also extremely empathetic. I loved being in the spotlight and naturally gravitated toward performing and creating. But over time, I noticed that my light sometimes made others uncomfortable. Friends would feel hurt or outshined, and even though it was never my intention, I began to shrink myself to make others feel safe. I was even bullied at times for being fearless and standing out. And that slowly turned into a habit, one I carried into adulthood without even realizing. I started trying to take up less space, just to avoid becoming a target.

I still believe I’m above average when it comes to courage, I do me, even when it’s uncomfortable. I try not to fall into herd mentality and stay anchored in what feels true for me. But I also recognize that my boldness to fully take up space took a hit along the way.

So I’d remind my younger self that her light was never the problem, and that she never had to become smaller to be loved or accepted.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Definitely! I’m a pretty private person, so I don’t post much on social media, and my circle is quite small. But what you see is what you get. I don’t play games with people, I don’t do curated personas.
That said, I’ve been trying to embrace the ‘post more, connect more’ era we’re in, though to be honest, I still find it mildly horrifying. It’s a work in progress… one reluctant story post at a time.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I ask myself that question often. This is an incredibly competitive and unpredictable industry, one that demands sacrifices most careers don’t, at least until you reach some level of consistency and financial stability. That said, I believe I’m doing what my heart called me to do. I think every true artist would say the same. Choosing a life in the arts usually means you’re following a pull that’s stronger than reason or logic—because there’s no guarantee of success, and yet, you keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.talitamaia.com
• Instagram: talitamaia

 

Image Credits
Willie Toledo