Maui Bigelow didn’t choose Albany State University; it chose her.

“My initial plan was to attend FAMU,” the author, content creator, and digital influencer explained to OffTheYard.Net. “But my dad lived in Albania, and my mom felt more comfortable with me being around him. I applied to both schools, but I got a small band scholarship at Albany State, so that’s where I went.”

“My initial plan was to attend FAMU,” the author, content creator, and digital influencer explained to OffTheYard.Net. “But my dad lived in Albania, and my mom felt more comfortable with me being around him. I applied to both schools, but I got a small band scholarship at Albany State, so that’s where I went.”

The decision would prove life-changing, grounding her not only in academics but in sisterhood, spirituality, and purpose. Maui played the clarinet in the band until her sophomore year and, more significantly, began building relationships that would carry her far beyond graduation.

The decision would prove life-changing, grounding her not only in academics but in sisterhood, spirituality, and purpose. Maui played the clarinet in the band until her sophomore year and, more significantly, began building relationships that would carry her far beyond graduation.

“The friends I made in Albany are still my friends today,” she said. “Those are the people who helped me with my kids when I was sick. They gave me money when I was broke. They prayed for me. That’s one of my biggest flexes, attending an HBCU and building lasting relationships.”

“The friends I made in Albany are still my friends today,” she said. “Those are the people who helped me with my kids when I was sick. They gave me money when I was broke. They prayed for me. That’s one of my biggest flexes, attending an HBCU and building lasting relationships.”

While finishing her degree, Maui became a mother and navigated college life while raising her son. She vividly remembers the day of her senior final, when her infant son had a 102-degree fever. Unsure what to do, she called her professor, Dr. Shepherd.

While finishing her degree, Maui became a mother and navigated college life while raising her son. She vividly remembers the day of her senior final, when her infant son had a 102-degree fever. Unsure what to do, she called her professor, Dr. Shepherd.

“She told me to bring the baby with me to her office. He was screaming and sick, and this lady held him, sang African spirituals, and played the bongo while I finished my final. I would not have graduated without that.”

“She told me to bring the baby with me to her office. He was screaming and sick, and this lady held him, sang African spirituals, and played the bongo while I finished my final. I would not have graduated without that.”

Life after Albany State included working as a long-term substitute teacher for 14 years before pivoting to content creation. Maui launched her brand “Phat Girl Fresh,” which began as a boutique concept but quickly became a platform for plus-size fashion, storytelling, and empowerment. 

Life after Albany State included working as a long-term substitute teacher for 14 years before pivoting to content creation. Maui launched her brand “Phat Girl Fresh,” which began as a boutique concept but quickly became a platform for plus-size fashion, storytelling, and empowerment. 

Her breakthrough came with a viral blog post recounting an uncomfortable interaction about her exposed midriff.

Her breakthrough came with a viral blog post recounting an uncomfortable interaction about her exposed midriff.

“This girl tried to pull my skirt down and told me, ‘Big girls can’t show their stomachs,’ and I was like, ‘Girl, you can’t show your stomach. I show mine. Leave my clothes alone,’” she recalled.

“This girl tried to pull my skirt down and told me, ‘Big girls can’t show their stomachs,’ and I was like, ‘Girl, you can’t show your stomach. I show mine. Leave my clothes alone,’” she recalled.

She wrote about the moment for The Curvy Fashionista. By the time she returned from a funeral trip, her phone had over 10,000 notifications. “That post ended up in Cosmo, Allure, Vogue. It really helped amplify my voice.”

She wrote about the moment for The Curvy Fashionista. By the time she returned from a funeral trip, her phone had over 10,000 notifications. “That post ended up in Cosmo, Allure, Vogue. It really helped amplify my voice.”

Her work soon caught the attention of major brands like JCPenney, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii, and Maui credits her HBCU network for opening the door to her biggest deal—an $80,000 campaign.

Her work soon caught the attention of major brands like JCPenney, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii, and Maui credits her HBCU network for opening the door to her biggest deal—an $80,000 campaign.

“A FAMU alumna working on the JCPenney project hit me up for rates. I didn’t even have a rate sheet. She sent my numbers back and said, ‘No, we’re not going to let you lowball yourself.’”

“A FAMU alumna working on the JCPenney project hit me up for rates. I didn’t even have a rate sheet. She sent my numbers back and said, ‘No, we’re not going to let you lowball yourself.’”

Her writing expanded to MadameNoire and other publications, and she began using her influence to challenge narratives around plus-size bodies, especially after seeing celebs making critical comments about plus-size dancers of the “Pretty Big Movement.” 

Her writing expanded to MadameNoire and other publications, and she began using her influence to challenge narratives around plus-size bodies, especially after seeing celebs making critical comments about plus-size dancers of the “Pretty Big Movement.” 

“They were like, ‘I don’t see why this is news. Big girls been dancing.’ And I was like, ‘No, we are out here fighting for inclusion every day.’ Frenchie [Davis] wanted to fight me. Loni [Love] blocked me. But I said what I said.”

“They were like, ‘I don’t see why this is news. Big girls been dancing.’ And I was like, ‘No, we are out here fighting for inclusion every day.’ Frenchie [Davis] wanted to fight me. Loni [Love] blocked me. But I said what I said.”

Through it all, Albany State was the foundation.

Through it all, Albany State was the foundation.

“Being at an HBCU taught me I didn’t have to fit in anybody’s box. I could be me—loud, bold, and confident. Seeing other big girls in college slay, dance, and not care about people’s opinions gave me life.”

“Being at an HBCU taught me I didn’t have to fit in anybody’s box. I could be me—loud, bold, and confident. Seeing other big girls in college slay, dance, and not care about people’s opinions gave me life.”

Now, Maui is passing that boldness along through her new book Repeat After Me Btch*, which she describes as “an unapologetic devotional-style affirmation guide designed specifically for Black women ready to reclaim their power and step fully into their greatness.”

Now, Maui is passing that boldness along through her new book Repeat After Me Btch*, which she describes as “an unapologetic devotional-style affirmation guide designed specifically for Black women ready to reclaim their power and step fully into their greatness.”

“I thought I was writing a book for my audience,” she admitted to OffTheYard. “But I realized I was really talking to myself.”

“I thought I was writing a book for my audience,” she admitted to OffTheYard. “But I realized I was really talking to myself.”

Her favorite affirmations from the book? The first: “I am powerful beyond measure.” And the last: “I love you.”

Her favorite affirmations from the book? The first: “I am powerful beyond measure.” And the last: “I love you.”

“That’s simple but sincere,” she said. “We pour into everybody else’s cup and forget our own. But we deserve grace, too.”

“That’s simple but sincere,” she said. “We pour into everybody else’s cup and forget our own. But we deserve grace, too.”

Today, Maui balances her creative work with digital strategy consulting for social justice and non-profit organizations like the Me Too Movement and the Breonna Taylor Foundation.

Today, Maui balances her creative work with digital strategy consulting for social justice and non-profit organizations like the Me Too Movement and the Breonna Taylor Foundation.

“I want to make sure our messaging is strong and reaching the people it’s meant for. Because if we don’t talk to ourselves and affirm who we are, the world will decide for us, and it usually gets it wrong.”

“I want to make sure our messaging is strong and reaching the people it’s meant for. Because if we don’t talk to ourselves and affirm who we are, the world will decide for us, and it usually gets it wrong.”

As if shifting culture and writing books weren’t enough, Maui is also gearing up for the 12th and final edition of Life Styled Honors, an event she’s produced for over a decade to celebrate Black women in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and empowerment. 

As if shifting culture and writing books weren’t enough, Maui is also gearing up for the 12th and final edition of Life Styled Honors, an event she’s produced for over a decade to celebrate Black women in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and empowerment. 

Titled The 12th and Final Life Styled Honors: In Full Bloom, the event is expected to draw its usual sold-out crowd while honoring a legacy that includes past honorees like Tarana Burke, Lisa Price, and Nzinga Imani. 

Titled The 12th and Final Life Styled Honors: In Full Bloom, the event is expected to draw its usual sold-out crowd while honoring a legacy that includes past honorees like Tarana Burke, Lisa Price, and Nzinga Imani. 

With over 19,000 attendees across the years and 20M+ social impressions, Maui is closing this chapter with the same heart, hustle, and intention that defines all of her work. 

With over 19,000 attendees across the years and 20M+ social impressions, Maui is closing this chapter with the same heart, hustle, and intention that defines all of her work. 

“This is your final opportunity to be part of history,” she says. And she means it.

“This is your final opportunity to be part of history,” she says. And she means it.

Now that the semester is in full swing, it’s important to start thinking about ways to build your resume. While being active on campus is great, having real-world experience in your desired field will really set you apart from the rest. Summer break is the perfect opportunity to explore what life would be like in your career. Having an internship gives you hands-on experience with everyday tasks, while gaining insights on the dynamics of a professional environment. You’ll be able to establish connections with industry professionals, learn more about your industry, and maybe even be offered an extension or full-time employment afterwards. Even though there are so many opportunities and resources out there, many don’t even know where to start looking. They’re actually easier to find than you think! 

Perfect Your Resume

Perfect Your Resume

Before submitting any type of application, it’s crucial to make sure that your resume looks clean and professional. Most companies want it to be only a page long with a list of your experience and skills. Putting your campus involvements and positions helps too, especially if they are geared towards your field. In the case that your work opportunities and experiences don’t fit on one page, it’s best to keep your most recent work. Employers want to hear about what you’ve been doing lately to create stepping stones towards your career, and they are likely to ask you questions about what’s on your resume during an interview. When submitting your resume, make sure you can send it as a PDF file; it’s easier for the company to download and view! 

Before submitting any type of application, it’s crucial to make sure that your resume looks clean and professional. Most companies want it to be only a page long with a list of your experience and skills. Putting your campus involvements and positions helps too, especially if they are geared towards your field. In the case that your work opportunities and experiences don’t fit on one page, it’s best to keep your most recent work. Employers want to hear about what you’ve been doing lately to create stepping stones towards your career, and they are likely to ask you questions about what’s on your resume during an interview. When submitting your resume, make sure you can send it as a PDF file; it’s easier for the company to download and view! 

Linkedin and Handshake Are Your Best Friends!

Linkedin and Handshake Are Your Best Friends!

Now for the burning question: Where should I look to find internships? Many are already familiar with Linkedin, but don’t realize that it’s more for just connecting with people. Internships and job openings are often posted here, oftentimes by the hiring manager directly! The ‘Jobs’ section is really easy to navigate, and you can filter out your search for better results. Handshake is another job platform specifically designed for college students who are trying to find internship and job opportunities. Think of it like a Linkedin for Gen Z! You can connect and message recruiters, students from other schools, and even see opportunities that your school may post. While you might see the same jobs on both sites, Handshake is definitely easier for students to use, in my opinion. However, more industry professionals are active on Linkedin, so still be sure to utilize both. 

Now for the burning question: Where should I look to find internships? Many are already familiar with Linkedin, but don’t realize that it’s more for just connecting with people. Internships and job openings are often posted here, oftentimes by the hiring manager directly! The ‘Jobs’ section is really easy to navigate, and you can filter out your search for better results. Handshake is another job platform specifically designed for college students who are trying to find internship and job opportunities. Think of it like a Linkedin for Gen Z! You can connect and message recruiters, students from other schools, and even see opportunities that your school may post. While you might see the same jobs on both sites, Handshake is definitely easier for students to use, in my opinion. However, more industry professionals are active on Linkedin, so still be sure to utilize both. 

Use Your Network

Use Your Network

Aside from the websites, it’s also helpful to reach out to your network. I know it’s said all the time, but many people love to help students that are serious about advancing professionally after college. Reach out to alumni that work at companies you are interested in, or connect with them on Linkedin. Make your presence known in a respectful manner, and don’t be afraid to follow up with them. Most HBCU campuses have career fairs and events where recruiters come to campus to speak to students directly. Resume reviews and on the spot interviews tend to happen at these events too! 

Aside from the websites, it’s also helpful to reach out to your network. I know it’s said all the time, but many people love to help students that are serious about advancing professionally after college. Reach out to alumni that work at companies you are interested in, or connect with them on Linkedin. Make your presence known in a respectful manner, and don’t be afraid to follow up with them. Most HBCU campuses have career fairs and events where recruiters come to campus to speak to students directly. Resume reviews and on the spot interviews tend to happen at these events too! 

When searching for summer internships, don’t be afraid to also look at the company’s hiring section on their corporate website. Positions are sometimes posted there instead of job sites. Finally, do your research on programs and fellowships that are specifically for HBCU students! Programs like HBCU in LA and the Emma Bowen Foundation are perfect for those that are interested in media and the entertainment industry. Starting early is key for setting yourself up for success; don’t wait until the last minute to apply! With great preparation, comes big opportunities. 

When searching for summer internships, don’t be afraid to also look at the company’s hiring section on their corporate website. Positions are sometimes posted there instead of job sites. Finally, do your research on programs and fellowships that are specifically for HBCU students! Programs like HBCU in LA and the Emma Bowen Foundation are perfect for those that are interested in media and the entertainment industry. Starting early is key for setting yourself up for success; don’t wait until the last minute to apply! With great preparation, comes big opportunities.