5 minute read
WALKING WARRIOR
MAYA MCNULTY
Welcome Capital Woman Online Magazine to the 518. Spring is the perfect season for rebirth, bloom and growth. For the past two years, there’s been no secret that globally we’ve all been craving normalcy. As we embrace a new spring season, turning the page to put the novel Coronavirus behind us and transition from pandemic to a shadow endemic. I’m embracing love, hope, and longer warmer days.
Hello, my name is Maya McNulty, ne of the new columnists at Capital Woman Online Magazine. I’m a Walking Warrior from Schenectady, NY. The Founder of Covid Wellness, LLC., CEO, UpTheBiz Marketing & Branding Agency, three times Best -Selling Author, & Podcaster. I’ve worked with thousands of people for more than two decades creating opportunities for entrepreneurs as one of America’s most respected business branding strategists, marketer and international speaker. I battled Coronavirus March, 2020 one of the first young females infected, hospitalized for 69 days, in a 30 day medically induced coma and ventilator for six weeks. These past two years haven’t been easy. As a Covid long hauler, I had to re-learn how to walk, talk and eat again. I think the worst throughout the entire recovery experience was losing all of my hair and voice for ten months. You will hear me say often, “God’s plan” as I am still recovering steadily. After two years of therapy, Covid Wellness Clinic Online Program was created to help long haulers from the comfort of their home. Learn More: www.covidwellnessclinic.com
I was born in Guyana, South America. My parents and my two brothers and I came to America in 1979. I was 6 years old. I can best remember flying on PanAm airlines. It was my first plane ride experience. We landed in New York
City, at JFK airport with our suitcases and a dream for a better life. In 1983 my family and I became American Citizens. My mom worked in a factory and my dad as an Orthopedic Tech. My parents taught my brothers and me about hard work, discipline, and integrity. As a kid, I was often having trouble with running my mouth. My high school guidance counselor suggested I study Law. I always argued to find solutions even at a young age. It’s no wonder I am an advocate for Long Covid and survivors of Covid-19.
I was introduced to Entrepreneurship in 8th grade. Our 8th grade class had an end of year project requirement to raise money for our moving up dance. Our class created a Carnival. We sold popcorn, cotton candy, balloons and handmade crafts. We even had the dreaded parents universally win a gold fish game. This experience taught me about teamwork. I studied fashion in high school through the Vo-tech program at Linton High School. I created my first design portfolio. I had a burning desire to change the fashion industry with sustainable and recycled clothes. In 1991, I studied Fashion Merchandising and Design at Bay State College in Boston, Mass. In 1993, I was privileged to continue my studies of fashion and design in London and Paris. I also had a fashion designer mentor in the North End of Boston, Denise Hajjar. After graduating from College, I returned to Upstate, NY and searched for a real “job” to repay college loans. I worked in insurance for about 18 months and later got fired. After being fired, I desperately tried to find a job in fashion design. With no luck, I was on Unemployment. I took an SBA class with Empire Development, joined SCORE and found a mentor. I opened
my first business Vintage Boutique in Scotia, NY. The fashion lines included recycled jeans and repurposed clothes. We also sold jewelry and a mix of new fashions. The dress shop changed the name from Vintage Boutique to Village Boutique after 3 months of clients and market not wanting recycled or used clothing. I learned a lot about marketing, customer service and running a business through hands-on experience.
I recently traveled to Washington, DC to speak at a press conference with congress and senators about a proposed Bill for Pandemic Prevention Act and Scholarships for the over 220,000 children in the USA and over 15,000 in New York State who have been orphaned because of Covid.
I’m humble to be featured as one of the team members and columnist at Capital Woman. The Walking Warrior column will feature women who have turned their Mess into their Message and their Pain into Potential. I’ve discovered that during my healing process talking about Long Covid survival and sharing my recovery journey has inspired others to share their stories and even saved lives. I’m honored to add value, insight and hope to our readers and community of warriors. Please join me and welcome Capital Woman Online Magazine to the Capital Region.
In Celebration of Walking Warriors Everywhere, Maya McNulty Author, Speaker and Columnist PS. Please feel free to email names of warriors in the 518 to be featured in upcoming columns. All ages and genders are welcome. Lastly, let’s connect on LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/mayamcnulty/
MAYA MCNULTY
