Welcome to the world of LA MAIA, where elegance meets functionality in the realm of hair accessories. Known for their stunningly crafted hair clips, LA MAIA is a go-to brand for those seeking to elevate their hair game with a touch of sophistication. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, drawing inspiration from Moore’s time in both Asia and New York City. Below, meet Moore and explore all things LA MAIA.

1. Tell me about yourself and LA MAIA. How was it created? Where does the name come from?

I’m Moore, the founder of LA MAIA (pronounced la my-ah), a modern accessories brand based in New York City that recently launched its first collection of hair accessories. Just launched in February 2025, and barely a month old, LA MAIA started as a passion project inspired by my love for accessories and the pretty little things in life— plus a healthy dose of frustration with the lack of stylish, durable hair accessories in the U.S. market.

As someone with long hair and a penchant for the little details, I’m always on the hunt for the best accessories that were the perfect blend of aesthetics, innovation, and quality. After going through clip after clip—and having many break on me—I started talking to other women who shared similar frustrations. I realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality, stylish hair accessories that could withstand the demands of everyday life. This inspired me to create LA MAIA, blending the need for functional, beautiful hair accessories with my creative vision.

Our designs are inspired by the vibrant energy of city life, combining classic sophistication with contemporary flair. Drawing from my experiences living in New York and Asia, LA MAIA captures the creativity and spirit of urban fashion. We believe hair accessories are more than just functional—they’re a way to express your unique style and confidence. The right accessory doesn’t just transform a look; it can brighten your day. My hope is that LA MAIA brings a little extra joy to whoever wears it.

At its core, LA MAIA is a celebration of self-expression and the beauty of the little details. Each piece is designed to reflect a a commitment to quality- all of our products are made by hand using biodegradable acetate (a more sustainable and durable alternative to traditional plastic clips) with tiny diamond crystal stones attached by hand. Our clips are more durable, comfortable, and have a stronger grip (we guarantee you’ll feel the difference!). Our dedication to creating accessories that are both stylish and functional has resonated with women who value authenticity and craftsmanship. Through LA MAIA, we hope to inspire others to embrace their unique style and find joy in the everyday moments, one beautifully designed accessory at a time.

The name “LA MAIA” has a fun and meaningful backstory. When I first started this project, I jokingly called it “Project Hot Girl Accessories.” In Chinese, a “hot girl” is called lamei (辣妹), which describes a bold, charismatic, and confident woman. The word “Maia” also carries rich cultural significance. Derived from the Greek word ma, meaning “mother,” Maia symbolizes bravery, greatness, and confidence across various traditions. In Roman mythology, Maia represented the earth and the rejuvenation of springtime. Together, LA MAIA embodies femininity, strength, and empowerment—values that are at the heart of the brand.

2. What does the design process look like? How long have you been designing hair accessories?

I didn’t have any formal experience in designing accessories before starting this project, but I’ve always had a deep love for art and drawing. The design process for LA MAIA started with rough sketches, which I used to shop around for a manufacturer. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to create accessories that were not only stylish but also exceptionally well-constructed and high-quality— something I felt was missing in the market. Working with manufacturers and going through multiple rounds of sampling and R&D, we refined the designs step by step. The process took much longer than I anticipated, but it was an incredible learning experience. While I’m not a professional designer, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my ideas come to life over the past six months and to finally hold pieces that I designed in my hands. It’s been a journey of growth, creativity, and a lot of trial and error, but I’m so proud of how far LA MAIA has come.

3. What is the LAUNE (mood) of LA MAIA?

The mood of LA MAIA is fun, limitless, free, empowering, and creative. I want people to feel a sense of joy and liberation when they see or wear LA MAIA products. It’s all about celebrating the pretty little things in life and embracing those special moments that make life beautiful. Whether it’s through a bold hair clip shaped like a star (like The Starry Clip) or a uniquely shaped hair claw (like The Maia Claw Clip), LA MAIA is designed to make you feel confident, inspired, and unapologetically yourself. We’re here to remind you that life’s too short not to sparkle a little!

4. What inspires you?

I’m endlessly inspired by the incredible women around me—my mom, my sister, my friends, and all the amazing women who constantly show up for others and themselves, redefining what it means to be a modern, successful woman. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering support have been my greatest blessing, and I feel so lucky to have them in my life. They inspire me to be a better person every day and remind me of the power of being a woman.

This is something I hope to pass on through LA MAIA. Even in a small way, I want to inspire women to embrace their individuality, celebrate their strengths, and find joy in the little details that make life beautiful.

5. Who is the LA MAIA girl?

Anyone who loves pretty things too!

6. You are based in NYC. What do you love about New York?

I’m a born-and-raised New Yorker, so this city will always feel like home to me. No matter where I travel, New York is always on my mind and serves as my benchmark for comparison. I think the thing that makes New York so different than other cities is the vibration and frequency of the culture and people here you can meet so many different types of people, and you will also meet different versions of yourself. New York allows you to be whoever you want to be. While it can feel fast-paced and overwhelming at times, it’s also the most vibrant, diverse, and creative city in the world—a bold statement I’ll always stand by!

7. What’s next for LA MAIA?

Right now, we’re preparing for our first cafe pop-up event at the end of this month on March 30th—Café LA MAIA—to celebrate the one-month launch of our first collection. It’s an exciting milestone for us, and we can’t wait to connect with our community in person!

Looking ahead, we’re constantly working on new accessories and exploring fresh ideas to expand the brand. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, there’s a lot in store for LA MAIA, and I’m thrilled to share more very soon! I’m excited to experiment with new designs, materials, and concepts that align with our vision of creating beautiful, functional pieces that empower women. We’re also focused on building meaningful connections with our customers and growing LA MAIA into a brand that inspires confidence and joy through the little details. The future is full of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!