Exploring Life & Business with Maya Axt of Maya Axt Interiors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Axt.

Maya , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into interior design began in the most unexpected way. In 2018, my husband and I decided to build a new home and put our existing house on the market. Our realtor had hired a stager—but they never showed up. So, I took matters into my own hands and staged the home myself. When the photographer arrived, he immediately asked, “Who staged this house?!” I told him I had done it, and his response stuck with me: “You should be doing this for a living.”

A week later, my realtor let go of her original stager and brought me on. What started as a favor quickly turned into a business. I spent the next year and a half staging occupied homes and found that many of those clients began asking me to help design and furnish their new spaces. Through word of mouth and one referral after another, my work naturally evolved—from styling individual rooms to designing full home furnishings, gut renovations, and new builds. By mid-2020, I phased out of staging completely and haven’t looked back since.

Design has been part of my story long before that moment. I attended Design and Architecture Senior High in Miami, FL, where I focused on architecture and earned my AA in the field before going on to receive a BA in Visual Communication and Graphic Design from the University of Florida. After college, I moved to New York City and worked for a major retailer, designing store layouts and leading visual merchandising. In 2014, I relocated to Scottsdale, and after having my daughter in 2015, I found myself ready for a creative chapter that offered more personal meaning. That chapter became the interior design business I lead today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business during the pandemic came with its fair share of challenges—juggling a toddler at home, a husband working remotely full-time, and trying to build something from the ground up in the middle of global uncertainty. In the early days, getting the right systems in place and figuring out which tools and platforms worked best took a lot of trial and error. But through persistence and countless hours of refining our process, I’ve built a streamlined, thoughtful approach that allows our clients to feel supported, confident, and as stress-free as possible—especially during something as complex as a home renovation.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Maya Axt Interiors?
Maya Axt Interiors is a full service boutique interior design firm serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re planning a custom home build or looking for a few hours of expert design advice, Maya Axt Interiors offers a range of interior design services from one room to a full home, to provide your ideal level of implementation and support.

We remove the guesswork from creating your dream home, so the process feels effortless and the final result is better than you’d imagined. We specialize in creating signature timeless designs that use classic elements like warm wood tones and natural finishes, soft textiles and rich textures to creating spaces where quality and luxury meet comfort.

We know an enjoyable renovation experience is just as important as the end result — I’ve spent years honing our processes and systems, ensuring every step of the design process runs smoothly. Initially clients are drawn to our warm, timeless style, but our clients love us (and keep coming back to us) because we carefully, thoughtfully tailor every design decision to their vision and lifestyle.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Step outside your usual circle by joining a local group or organization that connects you with people you might not otherwise meet. I recently became a member of The Copper Club, a women’s social club in Phoenix, and it’s been such a refreshing way to build new relationships and expand my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mayaaxtinteriors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaaxtinteriors
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayaaxtinteriors

Image Credits
Stephanie Studer of LifeCreated