We recently had the chance to connect with Maya Balan and have shared our conversation below.
Maya, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I think I’m walking a path, one that might twist and turn, but it’s still leading somewhere meaningful. My food blog is part of that journey, created to spread joy and connection through every recipe and story I share. I’m living my passions one day at a time, savoring each moment, and finding purpose in the simple act of creating and sharing what I love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
During Covid, I started taking cute photos of my meals and sharing them on Instagram, just for fun. What began as a creative outlet soon turned into a real passion! I started experimenting with new recipes and sharing them online, connecting with others through food. Now, it’s my dream to travel the world, discovering and sharing the diverse cuisines and stories that bring people together.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was back in high school, when I was constantly stressed about grades and obsessed with getting into a prestigious college. One day, I stumbled across Bob Ross on TV, and something about his calm voice and gentle outlook stopped me in my tracks. Through his paintings, he taught me that beauty is everywhere, even in our “happy little accidents.” I learned that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re part of the process, and that slowing down to appreciate the world around me can make life so much richer. Now, I try to live with that same sense of calm curiosity and appreciation every day.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, empathy, and the strength that comes from vulnerability, lessons success alone never could. It showed me how to sit with discomfort, to grow through it instead of running from it, and to recognize the quiet resilience that lives inside me. Success can be loud and exciting in the moment, but it is fleeting. Suffering taught me depth, the kind that makes joy more meaningful and gratitude more lasting.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that playing it safe was the best way to live, that if I avoided risks and stuck to what I knew, everything would turn out fine. But over time, I realized that mindset kept me small and closed off from so many beautiful possibilities. Letting go of that belief taught me that growth only happens when I step outside my comfort zone. Now, I try to stay open-minded and embrace uncertainty, trusting that even when things don’t go as planned, they still move me closer to who I’m meant to be.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had ten years left, I’d stop worrying so much about doing everything “right” and let go of the pressure to have it all figured out. I’d start living more boldly, traveling to new places, tasting new foods, and sharing those experiences through my blog to spread joy and connection. I’d paint, cook, laugh, and take risks without overthinking. Most of all, I’d focus on living my passions one day at a time, finding beauty in the little moments and trusting that every twist in the path is part of something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldsbuffet?igsh=cXdscDYwanZkaGo0
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldsbuffet?_t=ZT-90JYtvkWiab&_r=1
