Maya Abdullah: fitness trainer, entrepreneur, and influencer
Maya Abdullah is an inspiring fitness trainer, entrepreneur, and influencer who has carved a unique space for herself in the fitness and business world. Known for her dedication to empowering women, she is now using her platform to break societal barriers and motivate women to take control of their health and well-being. From her early passion for fitness to her current ventures in real estate and cosmetics, Maya’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and empowerment.
A Turning Point in Fitness
Maya’s career in fitness didn’t begin overnight. Growing up, she was always on the move, restless and eager to pursue something that challenged her physically and mentally. Her love for fitness was always there, but the defining moment came when she first stepped into a gym. “I felt empowered by my own strength,” she shares. This moment sparked the beginning of her journey towards becoming a fitness trainer and influencer. She not only realized her own potential but also discovered her mission to empower women to feel strong and confident in their bodies.
Recognizing the Need for Change
Maya’s decision to become a fitness trainer and influencer was born out of a recognition of a gap in the fitness industry, particularly in the Middle East. “I noticed the lack of female representation in the fitness space, and through social media, I saw a strong desire from women to learn about fitness,” she recalls. It was this realization that fueled her desire to create a platform where women could feel empowered and learn how to become physically fit. Maya knew that this was where she could make the biggest impact, and it quickly became her calling.
Breaking Barriers as a Female Fitness Influencer
One of Maya’s proudest achievements has been becoming one of the first female fitness influencers in Jordan. Her success is particularly meaningful because she was able to break through the barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. “Being a woman in fitness in Jordan was not easy, but it taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance,” Maya says. Her influence has inspired countless women to pursue their fitness goals and embrace their own power. Her work has not only reshaped perceptions about women in fitness but also helped to foster a supportive and empowering community for women in the region.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Maya’s professional journey began with creating content on Instagram, where she shared fitness tips and her personal fitness journey. However, entering the fitness industry in Jordan came with its own set of challenges. “As a Arab woman in a conservative society, I faced societal expectations and skepticism,” Maya admits. Despite the resistance, her passion for fitness and the encouragement she received from close friends kept her going. Her perseverance paid off, and she quickly gained a loyal following who appreciated her honesty, authenticity, and determination to break barriers.
Expanding Horizons: New Ventures
While Maya continues to build her fitness brand, she is also venturing into other industries. Recently, she co-founded a medically-based cosmetics line and has started developing her own gym wear line. But her ambitions don’t stop there. Maya is also working on expanding her reach into real estate, diversifying her business portfolio while staying true to her mission of empowering women. “My goal is to help women lead healthier, stronger lives while achieving financial independence,” she says. Maya’s passion for women’s empowerment continues to drive her to take on new projects and create opportunities for others to succeed.
A Constant Source of Inspiration
Maya has always been inspired by those around her, but her greatest influence has been her mother. As a single parent, her mother taught Maya the values of resilience, self-confidence, and the importance of supporting others. “She was the foundation of my strength and determination,” Maya reflects. The sacrifices her mother made for her and her brothers were not fully appreciated when she was younger, but now Maya understands the depth of her mother’s influence on her life and career. Her mother’s example continues to fuel Maya’s desire to empower women and help them break free from limitations.
Staying Motivated Through Setbacks
Like all entrepreneurs, Maya faces challenges. However, she believes in the power of perseverance. “Challenges are part of growth,” she explains. “Setbacks are opportunities to learn and become stronger.” Maya keeps a positive mindset by focusing on her bigger purpose—empowering women. She also reflects on the lessons learned from her struggles, acknowledging that sometimes setbacks are necessary for greater success. “Had one negative thing not happened, another positive thing wouldn’t have followed,” she says.
Learning from Early Failures
Maya faced a significant setback early in her career, dealing with resistance from a society not always open to women in the fitness industry. “It was tough, but I learned that doubt should never stop you from pursuing your goals,” she shares. This experience reinforced the value of persistence and believing in her vision, even when others doubted her. Her early challenges shaped her into the determined, goal-driven individual she is today.
The Importance of Consistency
Through her experiences, Maya has learned the value of consistency and determination. Whether it’s in fitness, business, or modeling, Maya emphasizes that showing up every day and putting in the effort is essential for long-term success. This belief is at the core of her disciplined approach to both her career and personal life. “Great achievements begin with dreams and are only realized through ambition and determination,” Maya reflects, quoting His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Redefining Success
Initially, Maya’s definition of success was about gaining recognition and building her personal brand. Over time, however, she has come to understand that true success is about making a positive impact on others, especially women. “Success is not just about building a name for yourself, but about empowering others and creating lasting change,” she says. Maya’s focus has shifted towards leaving a legacy that encourages future generations to pursue their passions fearlessly and create opportunities for themselves.
Advice to Her Younger Self
If she could go back and give advice to her younger self, Maya would tell her to trust the process and not rush success. “Stay confident in your unique path, and never underestimate the power of persistence,” she advises. She also recognizes that in today’s social media-driven world, it’s important not to get caught up in the opinions of others. “There will always be people who want to tear you down, but don’t let them control your future,” she says.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Maya hopes that her legacy will be one of inspiring women to break barriers and pursue their dreams. “I want to be remembered as someone who redefined women’s empowerment in fitness and business,” she says. Her goal is to inspire others to challenge societal norms, follow their passions, and create their own opportunities for success. Maya’s legacy will be one of strength, empowerment, and the unwavering belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Do follow her journey on instagram .