As a young girl, Maria began to look for external sources of self-worth.  She began studying celebrity how-to’s tips for makeup and hair in teen magazines.

She believed if she looked and dressed like “somebody”, she would be “somebody.”  No matter how skinny, pretty or trendy she was, it never was enough.  The feeling of being unloved and alone still lingered. 

Halfway through high school, she started experimenting with drugs.  Her excuse was to have fun.  Partying created a connection with her friends and gave her a sense of belonging.  However, it didn’t take long for her to feel trapped and controlled by the drugs she was using.  Deep down, she knew she was in over her head, and she needed help.  As she began to trust God in her brokenness, He brought significant people in her life who gave her the courage to walk away from the lifestyle she was living.

At 19, Maria accepted God’s unconditional love for her. 

It wasn’t easy believing He loved her just as she was.  Encountering His acceptance and grace through Jesus, revealed to her how valuable she truly was to Him.  Maria started seeing herself through God’s eyes: “whole and complete, beautiful and cherished.”  As time progressed, Maria realized she is beautifully imperfect.  She loves being the woman God meant for her to be.

Maria has a passion for speaking truth into people lives. For over 15 years, she has mentored younger women to be their best selves.  projectWORTH was created by Maria’s desire to share with others about their infinite worth and God’s immense love for them.  

Maria never dreamed it was possible to have a career she truly loves.  As a hairstylist, she gets tremendous satisfaction in making a person feel beautiful. Her talent and aspiration has allowed her to travel internationally and learn from the best in her industry.  She is inspired by a career that lets her create transformation on a client’s hair,  while reminding them of their beauty within.