Hidden Gems: Meet Maya Dajon of Chill Vibrations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Dajon.

Hi Maya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to becoming a Wellness Practitioner and Relationship Counselor has been a blend of resilience, creativity, and purpose. I often say that my path wasn’t linear—it was lived, learned, and built from the ground up.

At one point, I made the intentional decision to live in my car for a year while pursuing my associate’s degree. It wasn’t easy, but that experience grounded me in faith and focus. During that time, I worked as a SAG-AFTRA artist and taught theater to middle school students—holding space for both artistry and responsibility while learning what perseverance truly entails. That season taught me the strength that comes from starting over on your own terms.

Later, I became the honorary commencement speaker at Santa Monica College and earned a full scholarship to UCLA, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in World Arts and Cultures with a minor in Film and Television Studies. UCLA opened my eyes to the intersection of creativity and healing—how stories can move people toward transformation.

I went on to become part of the first cohort at UCLA Extension to complete the Behavioral Health Support Specialist program, specializing in supporting the LGBTQ+ community in mental health care. That experience broadened my understanding of inclusive and affirming wellness. Today, I give back as a UCLA mentor, guiding undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of mental health.

As a Caribbean-American woman and the daughter of a clinical psychologist and a social worker, service and healing are part of my foundation. My background reminds me that vulnerability is strength and that connection is the starting point for any growth.

When the pandemic began, I saw how isolation and fear were testing people’s relationships and emotional well-being. That led me to create Chill Vibrations, a wellness practice focused on emotional restoration, nervous system regulation, and relationship healing. My work was later recognized through the UCLA Bruin 100 Business Award for contributions to health and wellness.

Now, as a doctoral student in USC’s Mental Health Leadership program, I continue to support individuals and couples in overcoming emotional blockages, releasing past patterns, and cultivating relationships that feel safe, honest, and alive.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think it was meant to be. The challenges shaped my empathy and gave depth to the work I do now.

There were times when I questioned everything—especially during that year, when I was living in my car. Balancing survival, education, and creative work took everything I had. During that period, I developed social anxiety and depression from the constant stress and isolation. Faith and prayer were my anchors, but I also knew I couldn’t do it alone. I reached out for support and leaned on my therapist at UCLA, who helped me navigate that chapter and rebuild my confidence from the inside out. That combination of spiritual grounding and professional care is what carried me through.
Starting a business during the pandemic came with its own lessons. I was building Chill Vibrations at a time when the world felt heavy, and people were carrying profound emotional exhaustion. I had to learn how to hold space for others while still protecting my own energy and nervous system. That boundary work was hard but sacred—it reminded me that caring for myself is part of caring for others.

There were also cultural challenges—being a Caribbean-American woman in wellness and mental health spaces that haven’t always been diverse. I had to carve out space for my voice and trust that my perspective and lived experience were not just valid but needed.

Looking back, every obstacle was an initiation. Faith taught me endurance, and therapy gave me tools; both helped me refine my purpose. Those experiences shaped Chill Vibrations into more than a business—they made it a reflection of healing, resilience, and the belief that we can always begin again.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Chill Vibrations was born out of a time when the world felt disconnected and uncertain. I created it to be a refuge—a space where people could slow down, feel seen, and begin the process of healing emotionally, physically, and relationally.
As a Wellness Practitioner and Relationship Counselor, I provide non-clinical counseling that takes the pressure off diagnosis and focuses instead on restoration and growth. Although my foundation is rooted in my master’s in psychology with a focus on marriage and family therapy, my approach is intentionally holistic and human-centered. I integrate grounding techniques, somatic awareness, breathwork, and emotional regulation practices to help clients release stored tension and reconnect to their inner stability. I am also a trained Social Emotional Arts Facilitator through the UCLA Arts and Healing Initiative, which adds a creative, expressive layer to my work.

One of the core values of Chill Vibrations is privacy. Because I operate outside of the insurance system, clients have the freedom to explore deeply personal relationship themes without the constraints of clinical labeling or documentation. The space I hold is confidential, creative, and designed for genuine healing rather than diagnosis.
Unlike traditional therapists who address a wide range of mental health concerns, my niche is relationship healing—specifically, relationship trauma. I work with individuals and couples who are navigating heartbreak, emotional disconnection, and patterns rooted in past pain. Together, we focus on rebuilding trust, developing emotional safety, and restoring intimacy.

What sets Chill Vibrations apart is the blend of clinical understanding, cultural depth, and holistic integration that shapes my sessions. My Caribbean-American background and experience as a SAG-AFTRA artist allow me to see people beyond symptoms—to understand their emotional rhythm, their story, and the parts of themselves they’ve learned to hide.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that Chill Vibrations has become recognized as a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals seeking to reconnect with themselves and others. It’s not about “fixing” anyone—it’s about creating room for peace, clarity, and authentic connection to return.

For anyone reading, I want you to know: healing doesn’t have to happen through a diagnosis. You can reclaim your story, rebuild your sense of safety, and experience love that feels mutual, grounded, and true. That’s what Chill Vibrations stands for—healing relationships from the inside out.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is going to Disney World with my family. I was surrounded by my mom, my grandparents, my uncles, and my aunt—it felt like everyone I loved was in one place. I remember the warmth of the sun, the excitement in the air, and the sense that the whole day was magical. We laughed together on the rides, shared snacks, and just soaked in the joy of being together.

What makes this memory so special is how simple and pure it felt. There were no pressures or worries—just a family enjoying each other’s company. It was one of the first times I felt entirely safe, happy, and included, and that sense of connection has stayed with me ever since. Even now, when I think back to it, I can feel that warmth and light—it’s like a little bubble of happiness that I carry with me. It’s the first memory that comes to mind when I think about joyful moments in my life, and it reminds me of the power of family, presence, and being fully present in a moment of love and togetherness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chillvibrations.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayadajon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChillVibeLA/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayadajon/
• Other: https://calendly.com/mdajon/session

Image Credits
I have the credit to use all the photos submitted.