We’re celebrating our diverse network of Social Native creators with our new series: The Creator Journey.
Women’s History Month Spotlight: Meet Influencer & Creative Director, Ivy Coco Maurice
To honor Women’s History Month, we are highlighting a few of our exceptional women creators who, fueled by their creative passions, are transforming their online and offline communities. From entrepreneurs, doctors, mothers, small-business owners, and more, our community of female creators is made up of extraordinary and awe-inspiring women.
Ivy Coco Maurice, is a successful influencer, entrepreneur, and creative director of non-profit clothing brand WalkGood LA. On Instagram she shares aesthetic fashion snapshots and thought-provoking conversations that highlight her West African and Jamaican heritage. Her fresh perspective and growing influence has caught the attention of brands like NYX, Dick’s Sporting Goods, US Bank, 7-Eleven & more.
Q: What led you to become a Creator?
I have been a creator practically all my life. I come from a family of creators so being a creative person is in my DNA. As a child, I would always go into my grandmother’s clothing factory and start making play food out of clothing remnants. She taught me how to knit and hand stitch at 5 years-old, so I knew I was born to be a creator at a young age.
Q: What’s the most difficult thing you’ve encountered or had to overcome in your journey of being a Creator?
I remember in 2016, I genuinely wanted to give up when it came down to creative consulting and content creation. I fell into the trap of comparing myself to others. I saw so many creatives and content creators getting brand deals and I hadn’t received anything. A mentor of mine and fellow content creator, inspired me to keep going. She reminded me that in those moments of doubt, to tell myself that what is for me, will never miss me. She also shared that building as a creative is hard and things don’t always happen overnight, so being able to face the fear and keep on keeping on, will always make me stronger.
“Being authentic will never go out of style. Produce and create content that is near and dear to you. Always be real, because being real is relatable.” – @ivycoco23
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would like to give aspiring female creators?
Being authentic will never go out of style. Produce and create content that is near and dear to you. Always be real, because being real is relatable.
Q: What is your favorite campaign that you have worked on with Social Native and why?
I enjoyed working on the dorama campaign, where I received the Canon Ivy printer and I was able to print images from my phone through a portable printer. It was so much fun being able to work with a company I admire and receive a product that shared the same name as mine.
Q: Who’s the most influential woman in your life?
My mother is the most influential woman and person in my life. She is a woman who redefines the word diva. She is Divinely, Inspired, Victoriously, Alive.
Q: As Creative Director of Walk Good Wear, a brand embracing your Jamaican culture, where do you find most of your creative inspiration for your work?
As a West Indian, West African, from West LA, my culture and my family are my inspiration. I love the people I was raised by, the environment I was raised in, and the roots and culture that made me. I never have to look far for inspiration because I’m constantly surrounded by it.
Q: Can you name three women influencers who inspire you?
@ayshasow, @jadegodbolt, @skylarmarshai
Q: Has there been a moment in your career as a creator when you felt you made an impact?
When I receive messages from young girls telling me that I inspire them, those are the moments I feel I make the biggest impact. When creating content, I never know how things will be received, so when people actually reach out with sincere messages, I receive them will a full heart
Q: What business advice do you wish you could tell your younger self?
BE PATIENT! It will all work out.
