We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Hawaii and moved to Texas when I was 14. My childhood was far from easy, I was raised in a home affected by addiction and alcoholism, and when I was 13, we lost everything in a house fire. Those experiences forced me to grow up quickly and become self reliant very early on, they also shaped who I am in profound ways.

They taught me resilience, compassion, and a deep understanding of how powerful our stories can be. That’s why I started my business, not just to create, but to connect. I want to help people feel seen and celebrated, especially those navigating sobriety, mental health struggles, or just trying to heal.

Part of my mission is to change the narrative, especially around drinking! I want to help normalize sobriety and show that choosing a clear, intentional life is not only valid, but something to be proud of. Through every design, journal, or message I put out, I hope to spark conversations that matter and remind people they are not alone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art lives in the stories people wear. Whether it’s a hand made hat or a shirt that says Normalize Sobriety, everything I create is rooted in meaning and message. I’m not just making products, I’m creating pieces that represent identity, growth, healing, and strength. With so many others offering custom hats and shirts, I knew early on that I had to find a way to stand out. For me, that meant going deeper, infusing my designs with purpose, intention, and personal connection. Anyone can make a cute shirt, but not everyone is willing to share the heart behind it. That’s where my work lives: in the intersection of creativity and authenticity.

What sets my work apart is that it comes from a deeply personal place. I’ve been through a lot, childhood trauma, loss, addiction in my family, and I’ve done a lot of healing. My work reflects that journey, and I think people can feel the intention behind it. I want someone to wear one of my designs and feel seen. Like, “This speaks to me. This is me.”

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own, how to run a business, how to design and sell products, and how to balance being vulnerable with being professional. There were times I doubted myself or questioned if anyone would care about what I was making. But I kept going, because I knew it mattered. Every challenge has made me stronger and more committed to my purpose.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that showing up authentically is your superpower. You don’t have to be perfect or polished to make an impact, you just have to be real. That’s what I want the world to know about my brand. Bad to the Brim is for the storytellers, the survivors, the people rewriting the narrative for themselves and others. We’re here to wear our truth, wear our story, with pride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting I’d want to give them a mix of creativity, culture, and community. We’d definitely stop by Kava Culture in North Fort Worth, which has become such a meaningful space for me, it’s a great sober social spot with an amazing vibe and community!

Our itinerary would absolutely also include exploring the Stockyards for a taste of Texas history and charm. We’d also make time for the Modern Art Museum and walk around the Cultural District, which has such a cool mix of creativity and history.

When it comes to food, we’d hit Blue Sushi Sake Grill for something fresh and fun, Maiden: Fine Plants & Spirits for incredible vegan food, and DeLuca Gaucho Pizza because who doesn’t love pizza with a twist? Fort Worth has such a unique mix of old-school Western vibe and modern creativity, and I’d want to show them both.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, there are so many people who’ve played a role in my story, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

First, the person I call mom, who came into my life at age 7 and has loved me unconditionally ever since. Bonded by love rather than biology, her support and steady presence gave me a sense of safety and belonging that shaped so much of who I am. I also have so much love and respect for my dad, who’s been on his sober journey for 31 years! His encouragement, wisdom, and ability to stay grounded have been a huge influence on my own journey and in the messages I now share through my work.

And I can’t say enough about the sober community at Kava Culture in North Fort Worth. Finding that space introduced me to some of the kindest, most genuine humans I’ve ever met, people who truly walk alongside each other. They’ve helped me realize that healing, growth, and joy are even more powerful when shared. They also support me in every aspect of my small business.

I’m deeply grateful for all of them, and so many more! This journey might have started as a personal one, but I’ve never walked it alone.

Website: https://www.badtothebrim.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badtothebrim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560170976172&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: Amazon link to Steady a 90 Day Mental Clarity and Sobriety Journal I published- https://www.amazon.com/Steady-90-Day-Clarity-Sobriety-Journal/dp/B0F9DTR69R

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