“I’m every woman, it’s all in me.” – Chaka Khan

If you’ve ever watched confidence walk in heels or passion drip down a runway, chances are, Maria Hayes was behind the scenes cueing the lights.

This month, we broke tradition. Instead of covering someone else’s story, we asked Maria to turn the mic on herself. She did what she always does: spoke truth, walked fire, and left glitter in her wake.

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Q: Maria, how did Palette8 Productions come to life?
“Started from the bottom, now we here.” – Drake

It didn’t begin with a spotlight. It started with rejection. With wanting to be seen and realizing I had to build the stage myself.

Palette8 Productions was my way of saying, “There’s room for you here. Pull up a chair—or I’ll build you one.”

We started grassroots: in living rooms, on Instagram, hustling sponsorships. But we were never small. Even when we were broke, we were brilliant. And now? We’re producing shows at New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Week, and still throwing some of the most powerful fashion events right here in Columbus, Georgia.

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Q: What makes your productions stand out?
“This girl is on fire…” – Alicia Keys

Because we don’t do basic.

Every Palette8 show is infused with storytelling, second chances, and soul. I’ve seen single moms, breast cancer survivors, and first-time designers walk out on our stage like they’ve been doing it forever.

We don’t just showcase fashion—we showcase freedom. Every walk is a win. Every spotlight is someone’s breakthrough.

We aren’t trying to be like everyone else. We’re trying to be the reason someone believes in themselves again.

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Q: What’s been the hardest part?
“You don’t know my life, my story, my struggle…” – Mary J. Blige

People see the glam but don’t always see the grit.

There were nights I was sewing last-minute pieces at 3 a.m. Mornings I cried before interviews. Days I questioned if I was even making an impact.

But then I get a DM from a model who says, “You gave me my first walk—and now I’m signed.”

That’s when I remember: this isn’t just fashion. This is faith in motion.

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Q: Why does Columbus, GA still hold your heart?
“Ain’t no mountain high enough…” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Because no matter how far I go, Columbus keeps me grounded.

This city gave me roots before it gave me wings—literally, I’ve built wings for the runway!

I bring big energy to every show, but it’s Columbus that raised my work ethic. The kind that says: Be kind. Stay late. Don’t ever let them outwork you.

I carry that with me from Broad Street to Broadway.

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Q: Advice to women waiting for the “right time”?
“I’m coming out, I want the world to know…” – Diana Ross

Stop waiting.

You are not too old, too broken, too late, or too loud. You are exactly who the world needs right now.

The version of you with the stretch marks, heartbreak, and wild ideas? That’s the one we’re rooting for.

You don’t need a seat at the table. Chop down your own tree and build one yourself.

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Final Thoughts?
“I’m not afraid to take a stand.” – Eminem

I didn’t come this far to play it safe.

I came to build something that doesn’t just turn heads—it changes lives.

Palette8 Productions was never about fashion alone. It’s about power, purpose, and proving to every underdog that you belong in the spotlight.