Maya Barbery shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Maya, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
At a recent artisan market where I was vending, I had a moment that really made me both proud and grateful. Several returning customers stopped by specifically to look for new items, and they took the time to share how much they’ve enjoyed the pieces they purchased from me in the past. What touched me most was that they began telling prospective customers about the quality of my work without being asked. Their genuine enthusiasm not only made me smile, but it also contributed to my highest sales day to date. It was a meaningful reminder of the impact of building trust and delivering quality.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maya, and I’m the creator of Angel’s Mystical Artifacts (AMA), a Latina woman-owned pop-up metaphysical shop where creativity, intention, and spirituality come together. I specialize in handcrafted spiritual and decorative items designed to bring a sense of magic, grounding, and meaning into everyday life.
At AMA, I create hand-poured, crystal-infused intention candles, elemental oils, Palo Santo and money sprays—each one an original blend crafted with care. I also design handmade crystal décor pieces, unique fairy- and cottage-core-inspired mirrors, and curate a thoughtful selection of tarot and oracle decks, pendulums with matching boards, crystals, and altar tools.
What makes AMA special is the intention behind every item. Whether it’s crafted by hand or carefully sourced, each piece is meant to support personal ritual, spark inspiration, or help someone create a sacred space that truly feels like their own. I’m continually expanding my offerings and exploring new ways to blend artistry with spirituality, and I’m excited to keep sharing that journey with the community.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I think about who truly saw me before I could see myself, my heart immediately goes to my aunt Nelly. She’s my mom’s youngest sister, and from the time I was little—and even now—she has been the person who believes in me with a kind of gentleness and certainty I didn’t always have for myself.
Whenever I wrestled with self-doubt, she would sit with me, listening with such compassion and without a trace of judgment. She had this way of helping me look inward and discover my own strength, even when I felt at my weakest. Her kindness, patience, and unconditional love didn’t just comfort me—they shaped the person I’ve grown into.
She was there during my first real heartbreak, in a moment when everyone else saw me as ‘strong,’ but she saw the pain I was carrying. She made space for it, for me, and held me together in a way only she could. I still remember sending her a letter in Spanish—she corrected it, taught me, and never once made me feel ashamed for what I didn’t know. That’s just who she is.
She’s the aunt everyone adores… but I like to think I’m her favorite. And she’ll always be the person who helped me see myself long before I fully could
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
For a long time, I dreamed of being an entrepreneur, but I didn’t believe anything I created was good enough to sell. Instead of betting on myself, I joined a few direct sales companies, thinking it would be a safer way to get into business. But I struggled—I never met the sales goals, and I never felt truly connected to what I was doing. There was nothing wrong with the products; I just felt like I was pouring my energy into someone else’s vision instead of my own.
After those failures, I finally listened to the people who knew me best—my friends and family—who kept encouraging me to try selling the candles and crystal crafts I made for fun. Taking that step felt scary, but it was also the first time I allowed myself to believe I might actually succeed on my own terms.
I’m so grateful I took that chance on myself. Failing hard taught me that the real mistake wasn’t in trying and falling short—it was in doubting my own creativity and passion. Once I chose to trust myself, everything changed.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A project I’m deeply committed to—no matter how long it takes—is building my energy-healing practice. For years, I felt called to do this work, and about two years ago I finally took the leap and became certified as a Reiki Master, including animal reiki, distance reiki, and violet flame. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with both local and long-distance clients, and every session reminds me why I chose this path.
My long-term vision is to have a consistent, full-time practice—ideally within a spa, salon, or wellness space where people can come to relax, restore, and reconnect with themselves. I’m already taking steps in that direction by arranging to rent a small space once a month to start building more regular sessions.
I’m committed to this journey for the long haul because helping people heal, find clarity, and feel supported is truly my passion. Whether it takes months or years to grow into the practice I imagine, I’m all in!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve always held myself to high personal standards, and I approach everything I do with the intention of giving my best. I don’t compete with anyone but the version of myself from yesterday. Praise is nice, but it’s never been my motivation. What matters most to me is knowing that I showed up fully, acted with integrity, and put forward the strongest, most authentic effort I could. At the end of the day, I’m committed to being the best version of myself—whether anyone is watching or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelsmysticalartifacts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelsmysticalartifacts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsMysticalArtifacts
Image Credits
Maya Barbery
Through the Lens
