Maimah Karmo • Zen Hustlers Profile
Companies: Maimah & Tigerlily Foundation
Title: CEO
HQ city: Washington D.C.
Website: maimah.com
Fav social: @maimahkarmo
Favorite #: #glowdigger
Where’s your favorite place to visit in the world and why?
I love traveling in general. Anytime I can get on a plane and go somewhere new on an adventure, it excites me!
Who do you want to meet?
I have met Barack and Michele Obama, but I’d love to have more time just to sit and spend with them, talking, learning and maybe going on a trip together!
Who did you want to meet why?
Michael Jackson. He was and is such an incredible icon and human being. The way his mind worked, his creativity, he’s just a genius and I’d love to learn about his perspectives on life and the world.
How does your work fulfill you, what’s your purpose?
I love to love, I love to create, and I love to find solutions to new things and my work allows me to do that.
What books are you reading right now?
I’m reading “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chodron; Neale Donald Walsch, Tim Ferris and a few other books scattered around the house!
What are you watching now?
ID Network. My not so guilty pleasure.
When are you most relaxed?
When i’m with my daughter, laying in bed watching a movie, eating snacks and laughing together… also when I’m reading or at the gym.
When are you most in flow, productive, and energized?
After I work out on the weekends, shower, eat something healthy, put on something comfortable, get back in bed and power up my laptop… it’s on! My team can always tell, because they come in to a lot of emails on Monday!
What work activities drain your energy?
A lot of talking. I love to create, and my mind works really fast. As I’ve grown, I have to delegate, so that the businesses continue to grow, but I know that everyone learns differently; and meetings require energy. So, on days when I have back to back meetings, it’s totally draining. I’ve started doing just 30 minute meetings, setting up meetings only on certain days, leaving other days for work, creation and a slower pace.
Do you meditate or practice mindfulness?
I meditate and pray every morning; and I pray all the time. Prayer is essential for me to staying connected with God. I recently wrote a book, titled “The Badass Girl’s Book of Prayers”.
Who taught you how to hustle?
My dad. He was an amazing businessman.
What keeps you up at night?
I want to do more, do better and make a bigger impact. Also, as a CEO, you’re constantly thinking about business, because you have ownership, so even when everyone else goes to bed, you’re thinking of the future. I have to work actively to take that hat off, and have been getting better at it and having downtime!
Do you exercise?
I work with a trainer 5 days a week for an hour; and do cardio - 5 miles three times a week.
What communities inspire you?
I love Oprah’s community, Goalcast, Lewis Howes, Gabby Bernstein and Brene Brown. I love to be a part of communities of people who are forward-thinking and changing the world.
Are you more Hustle or more Zen lately?
Lately, I’m more zen. I used to be more hustle, but as I grow in my spirituality, I am more focused on staying in a space of balance.
What would you do if you did not do your existing work/business?
I can’t imagine… maybe just travel around the world, write full time and explore.
How do you define a good work/life balance, and how important is it?
It’s putting rest, physical health, mental health and happiness first. It is extremely important and is something most entrepreneurs struggle with. Even the best and most disciplined entrepreneurs have this struggle - some days, weeks or months, you do great and then you might fall off the wagon, but if you have this as a practice in your life, you’re on the right path.
Are you married? Have kids? How has this affected your balance?
I have a daughter, who will be 16 years old soon. One thing I always have prioritized was my time with her. Everything comes afterwards. We have had mommy and me dates since she was a baby, we constantly work on communication and we put our relationship as a priority. Sometimes, it gets very hectic as a single mother, balancing it all, so I practice what I preach - we take rest & relaxation (R&R) time, get away and spend time together.
What is some advice you would give to new or struggling entrepreneurs/hustlers that seem out of balance?
Create rituals - they’ll save you. When you start in business and you’re investing money, staying up late, knocking on doors and building your brand, it is natural to pile so much on that our lives become out of balance, but the truth is this - just by nature of you wanting to be an entrepreneur, you’re giving out so much energy, creating, thinking, working to grow your business - that you sometimes ignore your basic needs. However, your health - mental, physical and spiritual health are everything. Having rituals ensure that you have a practice of committing to yourself and honoring yourself. This also allows you a space to breathe and to make sure you enjoy the journey.
What business advice would you tell your younger self?
”Trust yourself!”
What is one issue you are out to change in the world?
I’d like for the world to be more compassionate. People need to listen more, seek to understand and care for one another. A lot of people are struggling and it takes just a little bit of kindness or care. Most people would rather go to someone’s party than be there for them when they’re struggling and that is something we need to change.
What is your favorite quote, mantra, motto lately?