Mayzee Dalton, Founder in Progress
If you want to learn a thing or two about confidence, grit with grace, and empowering yourself and others, this week of Passions, People, and Photography is for you.
(image by @briannatuckerphotography)
You know those serendipitous meet-cute movies where two people’s paths just barely miss each other like ten times before they finally come together in this huge meaningful way? Well, our interviewee of the week for Passions, People, and Photography is someone I met exactly like that!
Mayzee Dalton was one of the first friends I made after moving to Georgetown, Texas to pursue my career as a creative photographer, though she knew who I was before I even met her.
The first thing I did to establish myself in Georgetown was to rent a studio space downtown, so I’d have an indoor space for photography protected from the new-to-me brutal Texas heat. My next task was to start searching for people who would collaborate with me. One thing that photographers often do to help get their name out there is to do something called TFP, or Trade For Print– in simple terms, this means: you model for me to help me create art that I can post and share to get my name out there, and I’ll give you the photos for free. No money is exchanged, but both the photographer and model walk away with something they want. Often with TFP, the people who are photographed end up posting the photos and tagging the photographer, which helps a whole new audience see that photographer. This was my goal– find some Georgetown, Texas locals who would collaborate with me, help me get some exposure, and start building the bonds of community.
I found a few small businesses who seemed like their goals and intentions aligned with mine– authentic, creative, and rooted in service and connection. One of these finds that really stood out was this gorgeous model in Georgetown, Texas named Mayzee who seemed so genuine and kind on her socials that I was drawn to her immediately. She was great at posing and taking her own photos, so I knew immediately she’d really shine in front of my camera. Plus, she had this really unique western flare that struck a chord with my Oklahoma roots. I just knew I had to work with her. I reached out through Instagram, offering a TFP collab and explaining my story, and waited.
It wasn’t long before we struck up a conversation, and became friends quickly. I found out that she was an esthetician alongside her modeling career, and she had so many other creative pursuits that she worked so hard at. I’ve always found her work ethic and passion inspiring, so over a year (and quite a few photoshoots) later, I asked Mayzee if I could interview her for People, Passions, and Photography.
I discovered in our interview how serendipitous our paths crossing actually was. When I asked Mayzee if she remembers the first time she met me, I thought she’d talk about that first photoshoot we did together. Instead, Mayzee remembered something I never knew–
I remember (meeting Korbyn) so clearly. I was walking into my new esthetics space in Georgetown, and as I looked through the window, I saw this beautiful blonde girl inside one of the rooms taking her own portraits. I remember thinking, “I need to meet her.”
Not long after that, I received a DM from a photographer asking if I’d like to collaborate on a creative shoot — and it was her. From there, she invited me to a small women’s group for local business owners, and that’s where we officially met in person at 309 Coffee. It felt very full-circle, like it was meant to happen.
I had remembered sitting across from her at the women’s event, but I never knew about her seeing me taking my own headshots through my studio window! I giggled away a little cringe at the thought of her seeing me take my own photos, but in typical Mayzee fashion, she never made me feel embarrassed. She commended me for taking charge of my business in a creative and confident way, which is something she is so good at– calming your nerves and helping you feel at ease.
My interview with Mayzee was enlightening and inspiring.
She’s the type of person whose personality is so rooted in confidence and authenticity that you feel safe and comfortable in being your own authentic self. She makes space for people without compromising herself, and it’s always a joy to be around her. If you want to learn a thing or two about confidence, grit with grace, and empowering yourself and others, this week’s Passions, People, and Photography is for you.
(image by @briannatuckerphotography)
Let’s dive into the interview.
Mayzee, like many creatives, has an array of professional titles: Licensed Esthetician, Model, Stylist, and Founder in Progress. Throughout our interview, she speaks mostly of her Rigid Aesthetics business, but it’s clear that her work ethic and drive for success know no bounds. Each of her careers informs the others, and she seems to be on an admirable journey of constantly learning and growing.
The first question I always ask my interviewees is this: What is your true passion?
For most people, it’s almost never exactly what they do. A wood carver, for example, likely isn’t passionate about scraping or sanding wood, but instead finding and revealing the art that is already hidden inside the wood– moulding, shaping, and creating with their hands. Finding that deeper meaning and passion in our work is where Passions, People, and Photography began. Here’s what Mayzee said about her passion:
My true passion is freedom — being able to become whoever I want to be, regardless of where I come from, while still honoring and appreciating my past. I believe you can create a life beyond your circumstances without resenting what shaped you.
That mindset shows up in everything I do. In esthetics, even if someone’s skin is broken out, we can work through it and enhance their natural beauty. In fashion, clothing allows you to decide who you want to be that day — your job, your past, or where you’re from doesn’t have to define you. And through modeling, I’m constantly healing and reminding my younger self — the girl who struggled with insecurity and self-doubt — that she is beautiful.
When I asked how that passion related to her esthetics business, Mayzee said:
My business is an extension of that belief. Whether it’s skin, style, or self-image, my work is about reminding people that they are not limited to one version of themselves.
I help women feel confident in their own skin — literally and figuratively. Esthetics enhances what’s already there, fashion gives you permission to express different sides of yourself, and modeling represents visibility and confidence for the version of me that once didn’t feel seen. Everything I do is about transformation without losing authenticity.
Remember how earlier I was talking about that contagious confidence? This is exactly what I mean. This developed sense of confidence and desire to share it and model it for others is something most people don’t come by naturally. Curious about how this developed for Mayzee, I asked her what sparked her interest in sharing this confidence with others? How did she feed that fire in the beginning, and how does she continue to nurture it today? Here was her response:
“It started with my own experience. I had acne growing up, didn’t always feel included, and was often labeled as “the country girl” because of my background with horses. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t also love Nike, be athletic, or explore other sides of myself.
I constantly felt like I didn’t fit into just one box.
That’s where the passion began — realizing that style and self-expression can tell your story without limiting it. I fed that fire by experimenting, learning, and leaning into creativity, and I still nurture it today by showing others that they don’t have to fit into one identity to be confident or successful.”
What a story. And who doesn’t relate? Then I asked Mayzee how long she’d officially been in this industry, and with such a creative and versatile drive, what were her future goals for her business. Here’s what she said:
I’ve been licensed in esthetics for five years, and modeling has been part of my life since high school. Beauty and self-expression have always been around me — my mom is a hairdresser, my sister is an esthetician, and I’ve always had a natural love for outfits and creativity.
Looking forward, my goal is to continue growing a brand that blends beauty, fashion, and confidence — creating spaces where women feel empowered, seen, and free to express who they are in every season of life.
What a beautiful answer and a beautiful life motto. In order to help you get to know Mayzee a little more on a personal level, I asked a few questions unrelated to business. I always think this helps us see past the products and get more in tune with the person. First, I asked her what her perfect day would look like.
Here’s what Mayzee said:
On a weekday, my perfect day has structure and intention. A clear to-do list, sunlight, a cute outfit, hair done, and the feeling that I showed up motivated and disciplined. It’s not about doing everything — it’s about ending the day knowing I was productive, present, and proud of how I carried myself.
(image by @lousimagery)
Next, I asked her to tell me something completely unrelated to her passion— something to help our audience get to know her better. She said:
Outside of work, I’m currently planning a wedding and really enjoying this season of life with my fiancé. My two dogs are a huge part of my everyday, and most of my favorite moments are simple ones spent at home or on the road with Anthony. I love traveling, road tripping, and experiencing new places — seeing new things is what inspires me most and keeps my creativity alive.
(image by @lousimagery)
I just loved this answer. I’m constantly inspired by Mayzee, especially her posts on social media that get me thinking in ways I never considered before, especially about fashion! Knowing Mayzee is one of my great honors, and I’m always proud to talk about my friendship with her, but I hope it’s clear through our interview that I’m capable of withholding that bias and sharing her story with you. Mayzee is an inspiration to many women, of all ages and backgrounds, through her unstoppable confidence, creativity, and work ethic. If you’re in need of a new esthetician, find Mayzee in Cedar Park at her brick and mortar business, Rigid Aesthetics, but most importantly, follow Mayzee on instagram @rigidcowgirl for life updates that will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and like your cup has been filled.
Thanks for reading another week.
Love y’all!
-Korbyn McKale
