Early Life and Cultural Diversity

Born on October 3, 1986, in Long Island, New York, Maya Nassar’s life journey is as diverse as her background. With a Lebanese father and a Dutch mother, she grew up in Nigeria, followed by years in England before ultimately moving to Lebanon for her high school education. This multicultural experience shaped her perspectives on health, community, and resilience, fueling her drive to make a difference in people’s lives. Today, she is a well-respected fitness model, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who connects with people across cultures through her work.

Overcoming Personal Struggles and Embracing Fitness

In her late teens and early twenties, Maya struggled with weight management, a challenge that left her feeling dissatisfied with her health and appearance. Determined to change, she embarked on a personal fitness journey in 2010. Through consistent training and a structured diet plan, she lost 20 kilograms and drastically transformed her body, confidence, and lifestyle. This success ignited her passion for fitness and inspired her to compete on a global stage.

Her first foray into competitive fitness took place at the Miami Pro European Championships in London in 2013. Though she did not place in her first competition, Maya’s determination pushed her to return the following year. In 2014, she achieved her breakthrough victory at the Pure Elite UK Championships, where she won first place in the “Bikini Babe” category, making her the first Lebanese athlete to be endorsed by Lebanon’s Ministry of Youth and Sports for international competition. This win symbolized not only personal triumph but also a milestone for Lebanon in the international fitness scene.

Innovating Fitness Through Technology

Maya’s commitment to fitness extended beyond personal goals, leading her to launch her blog, Start Living Right. She shared her experiences and advice with her followers, gradually building a supportive community. Recognizing a gap in digital resources for Middle Eastern fitness enthusiasts, Maya took her platform further by creating the Start Living Right app—the first fitness app to originate from Lebanon. The app quickly gained popularity, offering exercise routines, diet plans, calorie counters, and video tutorials designed to guide users toward healthier lifestyles.

Endorsed by the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports, the app is a revolutionary tool for fitness in the Middle East. The Start Living Right app has consistently ranked high in the Apple Store and has become an essential fitness resource, symbolizing Maya’s dedication to making fitness accessible and approachable.

Expanding Her Reach as a Motivational Speaker and TV Host

Maya has also made her mark as a motivational speaker and former TV host. She previously presented Get Fit on MTV Lebanon, where she shared fitness insights, practical tips, and encouragement for healthier habits. Although she no longer hosts the program, Maya’s warm and relatable style left a lasting impact on viewers, making fitness accessible and enjoyable for many. Today, she continues to inspire audiences through workshops and speaking engagements, reaching people across borders with her empowering message.

As a motivational speaker, Maya frequently appears at workshops and events. In addition to her work in Lebanon, she has led workshops in places as far as Russia, aiming to inspire a global audience. Her workshops are known for their focus on resilience, positivity, and empowerment, drawing from her own journey to encourage others to persevere through their challenges.

Advocating for Animal Welfare and Women’s Empowerment

In addition to fitness, Maya has become a leading voice in advocacy, particularly in the areas of animal welfare and women’s empowerment. She serves as a board member for Animals Lebanon, the largest animal welfare NGO in the Middle East, dedicating her efforts to improving the conditions and rights of animals in Lebanon. Her involvement with the organization underscores her commitment to creating a compassionate and supportive community, not only for people but for animals as well.

Maya is also deeply invested in empowering women. She collaborates with NGOs like Maryam & Martha, which focuses on supporting women in shelters. Through initiatives like these, she aims to help women rebuild their lives, reinforcing the importance of self-worth and resilience. Maya has worked with Elle Fiesta, a women’s empowerment organization, running motivational workshops that offer both inspiration and practical tools for women facing challenges.

A Strong Media Presence and Role Model for Many

Maya’s influence extends to her media presence, with her frequent appearances in Middle Eastern magazines and interviews. Known for her openness and authenticity, she shares her fitness routines, motivational insights, and personal stories, offering followers an honest look into the realities of balancing career, fitness, and advocacy work. Her story of overcoming adversity and achieving success in competitive fitness, business, and media has made her a role model for many young people across the region.

As a public figure, Maya is committed to helping people embrace health and happiness. Her work has earned her recognition and respect in the fitness industry and beyond, positioning her as a leading figure in wellness in the Middle East. Whether through her app, her TV program, or her workshops, Maya’s message remains the same: achieving a healthy, fulfilled life is possible for anyone willing to take the journey.

Personal Life and Ongoing Aspirations

Personal Life and Ongoing Aspirations

Today, Maya lives in the northeastern suburbs of Beirut with her husband and is a proud mother of four children. Despite her bustling family life and professional commitments, she remains dedicated to her fitness regimen, advocacy efforts, and business ventures. Maya continues to push boundaries and inspire those around her, proving that balance is achievable with determination. Her vision for the future includes expanding her advocacy work and leveraging her platform to promote fitness and social good on a larger scale.

Maya’s journey from a young woman struggling with self-image to a celebrated fitness icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist is a testament to resilience, dedication, and passion. Her story is one of transformation and triumph, encouraging others to start their journeys toward healthier, happier lives. Through her work, she has empowered countless individuals to “start living right” and continues to inspire those who aspire to make meaningful changes in their lives.

To stay updated on Maya’s journey and explore her latest ventures, you can follow her on Instagram .