The IIN Community of Well BeIINgs: Maya Claiborne, on Finding the Courage to Change Lives

Q: What inspired you to enroll at IIN?

In 2018 I experienced severe gut health issues that my doctors couldn’t diagnose. I decided to seek out a naturopath who suggested I try an elimination diet. This started the slow journey of healing which lasted around 3 years. It was an extremely lonely time in my life, and I realized that I wanted to be able to hold people’s hands through the difficult healing process - to have a support system that would truly show compassion and empathy for that pain makes all the difference. So, I started looking into programs and saw that there was an emphasis on holistic wellness at IIN and I was sold!

Q: How are you using your Health Coach Training Program education?

I am currently a full-time Health Coach and content creator in the health and wellness field. I coach clients 1-on-1 in person and virtually in areas surrounding nutrition, gut health, hormone health, stress and anxiety, sexuality and sensuality, and more.

Q: How did your understanding of Health Coaching expand upon taking the program?

I had no prior knowledge of what Health Coaching could encompass until taking the program. It truly gave me the confidence and skills required to hold space for someone and ask the right questions to guide someone toward positive and sustainable change in their life. I had no intention of completely shifting my career path, but saw through the program how prosperous and supportive Health Coaching could be for the life I wanted.

Q: Did IIN help you find a way of eating that works for you? If so, tell us more about that journey.

I was already in a good flow with my own nutrition, but IIN provided me more insight on intuitive eating and how that is really the end goal when it comes to my own nutrition – it's also what I express to my clients. To know what our body needs (and doesn’t need) and when our body needs it is the most powerful tool when it comes to personal nutrition and adequately fueling our bodies.

Q: How do you nourish yourself beyond your plate with primary foods?

Some ways that I nourish myself are through being outside in nature - I crave grounding in water and breathing in fresh air. I love both calm practices like journaling, meditation, slow stretches, and the livelier ones like ice baths, strength training, and spending time with loved ones that make me laugh. It is all about balance for me.

Q: How are you living a life you love? How did the program help you achieve this?

I am living a life I love by practicing utmost presence and mindfulness in all things I do. My favorite quote is: “The way we do one thing is the way we do everything,” so that keeps me honest with myself and is a good reminder that every moment/action is special. That concept on top of what we learned in the program brings me to feel healthier, happier, and clearer on what areas of my life need love and attention.

Q: Health is not a destination; it's an evolution and a journey—how does this resonate with you?

Although I thankfully feel over the hump of the worst of my health journey and am now packed full of knowledge, I feel so far from where I would like to be. Learning to be comfortable with that while enjoying where I am now is the best of both worlds. I have no idea what the future holds, and I believe there is more out there than what I can even fathom for myself - so focusing every day on what I can do now will push me toward the blessings that are meant for me in the future.

Q: If you could tell your pre-IIN self one thing, what would it be?

I would tell myself that every painful experience was exactly meant for you and not only will you survive but learn how to thrive through it all. Trust your gut.

Q: What is your morning routine?

My ideal morning routine is I get up (no scrolling on my phone!), then I make myself a cup of tea and drink a glass of water while the tea cools. If I wake up with any sort of anxiety or stress, I will do an ice face bath along with some breathwork. Next, I like to get in a little bit of movement so I will incorporate slow stretching and depending on the day I will journal or meditate on my daily/weekly intentions. This routine can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half.

Q: What music do you play to get out of a funk?

I love to play any and all eras of R&B/Soul. Real loud.

Q: What's your favorite on-the-go snack?

This is hard because my favorite snacks are anything charcuterie board related - but if I am on the go and it needs to be handy, a trail mix with nuts and dried fruit can hit the spot. Salty and sweet.

Q: What's one thing you can't run your business without?

Courage. It is so easy for imposter syndrome and doubt to slip in while you are growing your own business. But I know I am here for a reason and was called to this profession to make a difference because I have the passion, and that is what keeps me showing up for myself, my clients, and my community.

Q: We are calling our IIN graduates and community members Well BeIINgs - how do you embody well beIINg?

I embody well beIINg by being authentic in who I am and my path on this earth. Learning to honor myself on a small scale through my daily needs to a large scale by pursuing my hopes and dreams is what I believe makes waking up worthwhile. IIN gave me the path to learn what would bring me prosperity and purpose on levels that are not physical but felt with the heart, and that is what I want to embody every day on this Earth and help others do the same.