Today we’d like to introduce you to Maivena Gaye.
Maivena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Maivena Gaye.
When I was 10 years old, my mother and I came to the United States of America as refugees from Ghana, carrying little more than our hopes for a better life. Though our roots are in Liberia, we were forced to flee to Ghana during the civil war, when I was just a baby.
We settled in Hudsonville, Michigan, where I was immediately enrolled in a private Christian school, sponsored by various churches in the community till i graduated high school.
My childhood experiences taught me the value of hard work and gave me a deep desire to be a source of help and hope to others
I’ve always dreamed of traveling the world, not just to see it, but to be a helping hand to those living in unfortunate and impoverished situations. I want my success to be a bridge — allowing me to reach people in need and make a real, lasting impact in their lives, I want to make a difference in the world.
Four years ago, I left Hudsonville, Michigan, once again stepping out in faith — searching for a place to build a foundation , and start making my dreams a reality.
After two years of soul searching, I received a divine message from God leading me toward the path of becoming an artist.
At the time, I was confused — I only knew how to doodle — but God told me to trust Him, and He would teach me all the necessary skills to embark on my artistic journey. I stepped out in faith, and soon I began creating paintings that amazed everyone who saw them.
Around that time, I met Ms. Melaine Savage, who was putting together a fashion show. Together, we decided it would be both beautiful and groundbreaking to feature my paintings on the runway.
That’s how Art on the Runway was born — a trend we started right here in Minnesota, and one I hope to carry all around the world.
After participating in shows like Fashion Week Minnesota, Black Fashion Week, and Sonder, God connected me with Nancy Korsah, the CEO of Black Business Enterprises (BBE).
I often call her “Lioness,” because she’s not only a powerful woman of God but also a true destiny helper in my life and many others. Nancy immediately took me under her wings and made me the in-house artist for Black Business Enterprises (BBE).
As the in-house artist for BBE, my mission is to highlight the importance of art within the community — celebrating diversity, encouraging cultural exchange, and fostering mutual respect and understanding across different communities.
That’s how “Walk With Purpose” came to be. The purpose of the “Walk With Purpose” fashion show is to create a beautiful, safe space where artists of all backgrounds and mediums can freely express themselves, be celebrated, inspire others and walk in their purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy in life. I grew up sheltered during my adolescent years, but shortly after moving to Minneapolis, I realized the world was very different from the life I had known in the country. I had to unlearn certain behaviors, strengthen my discernment, and develop the ability to set healthy boundaries. I also learned the importance of surrounding myself with trustworthy individuals who are on the same journey of growth and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mixed medium artist, specializing in blending materials like mirrors, glass, and clay to create effects that are rarely seen. What I’m most proud of is that I never had to take any formal classes — my growth has been completely divine. When I look at the difference between my work from just a year ago to now, it’s like night and day.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Art is my worship, it’s my way of showing the world what can be accomplished through faith in God.
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