March Featured Person: Maila Rito

I first met Maila, or Mai as most people call her, 15 years ago when I was teaching in Thailand. At the time, she was an afterschool teacher at another school. Even then, her passion for education and her desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others were evident. Little did I know that her journey would take an inspiring turn – one that would lead her beyond the classroom and into the world of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and self-discovery.

Now at 40, Mai carries with her a wealth of experiences shaped by different phases of her life. Born and raised in the Philippines, she began her career as a Science teacher, dedicating years to education both in her home country and later in the United States. But in 2022, everything changed. Choosing to stay home with her toddler, she took a leap of faith into a new chapter – one that would challenge her, transform her, and ultimately redefine her sense of purpose.

The transition was far from easy. Motherhood, she admits, changed everything. It was the most challenging phase of her life – one she never anticipated would be as difficult as it turned out to be. Struggling with postpartum depression, she found herself in an unexpected battle – one that made her question her strength. The combination of hormonal changes, fatigue, distance from her family, and sleepless nights took a toll on her well-being.

“I looked at myself in the mirror one day when my daughter was two, and I told myself, ‘You got to do something,’” Mai recalls. That defining moment led her to invest in herself and take a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. She met Margeaux Hogue, another Filipina, who became an incredible mentor in her business journey, and through that connection, she signed up and joined Monat – a social marketing company specialising in premium, naturally based haircare, skincare, and wellness products. What started as a side business quickly evolved into something much greater. Within just three years, her Monat business flourished into a global venture, empowering women – mostly Filipinos and women of colour – to step into their own entrepreneurial journeys. Not only did it replace her teaching salary, but it also rewarded her with incentive trips and personal growth she had never envisioned.

As someone who is always seeking new ways to grow and evolve, Mai thrives on creativity and self-expression. A true Enneagram 3, she embodies the characteristics of an achiever – driven, goal-oriented, and always striving for improvement. Whether through her business, mentorship, or personal passions, she embraces opportunities that allow her to connect with others in meaningful ways. One of those passions has always been dance – something she once pursued alongside her teaching career in the Philippines. Now, in her 40s, she is rediscovering that joy, using movement as a form of expression and a reminder that personal fulfilment comes in many forms.

Through her journey, Mai found herself surrounded by mentorship and guidance that helped shape her into the leader she is today. Lindsey Plevyak, her Monat Director, played a crucial role in her growth – not just in business but in personal development as well. Lindsey’s podcast, which focuses on healing and self-improvement, became a valuable resource in Mai’s journey, helping her navigate both the entrepreneurial and emotional aspects of her transformation. In addition to mentorship, Mai also leaned into deep inner work, podcasts, books, and daily spiritual reflection to guide her forward. These elements became not just tools for business success but also stepping stones toward healing and self-discovery.

At the heart of Mai’s drive is her family, but more than anything, it is the vision that God has placed in her heart that keeps her going. She acknowledges that motivation comes and goes, but it is her unwavering determination that pushes her forward. “Success for me is to be able to fulfil God’s purpose in my life,” she shares. “It isn’t about material possession or accolades, but rather to be able to bring impact to someone else so they, too, pursue their God-given calling and purpose.”

Words of Wisdom
For those who are struggling or searching for direction, Mai offers profound advice. “God brings us to different seasons for a reason,” she says. She encourages others to always look ahead, as brighter and better days are still to come. Maintaining a hopeful and positive spirit not only brings individuals closer to the life they desire but also uplifts those around them.

One of the most important lessons she has learned is the power of taking risks and betting on oneself. She challenges people to shift their mindset from “What if I fail?” to “What if I fly?” Fear, she believes, often stems not just from the possibility of failure, but from the realization of the immense potential one holds within. “My life changed because I kept betting on myself – even now, I do it daily,” Mai affirms.

What’s Next?
Having built a thriving business and a supportive community, Mai now has a clearer vision of what she wants for the future. Her passion for mentorship has inspired her to take the next step – pursuing certification to become a life coach or possibly a therapist. She envisions herself guiding others in their personal and professional journeys, much like how she was guided in hers.

In addition to this dream, she and her family are also embarking on an exciting new venture – opening a Filipino restaurant in their hometown. For now, they are starting small by baking and selling cakes locally, but they are eager to turn this passion into a full-fledged business that brings people together through food and culture.

To learn more about Mai’s journey, you can connect with Mai on Instagram.

My Reflection on Mai’s Journey
Like Mai, I also believe that life is about moving forward, even when the path is uncertain and challenging. Her story reminds us that growth often emerges from moments of struggle – that transformation isn’t just about reaching a destination, but about continuously evolving and embracing new opportunities. Whether it’s in career shifts, personal battles, or rediscovering old passions, we are constantly given chances to reinvent ourselves. Mai’s journey teaches us that success isn’t about avoiding failure, but about having the courage to take risks, to bet on ourselves, and to trust that every season serves a purpose. And perhaps the most powerful lesson of all – when we pursue our calling with faith and resilience, we don’t just change our own lives, but also inspire others to step into their own potential.