January's Mina Maven Cristy Ayala

We couldn't be happier with our selection for this months Mina Maven, Cristy Ayala. From being a top producer at one of the world largest cruise liners to helping raise over $35,000.00 for the Toys for Tot's foundation, Cristy keeps it cool and classy the whole way through. She's an amazing friend, sister and colleague and a role model to any young lady aspiring to succeed in her career and personal life and keep it all in balance. Check out our awesome interview with the very down to earth and lovely, Miss Cristy Ayala. 

1. Tell us a little bit of your background. Where did you grow up?
 
 I was born and raised in beautiful sunny South Florida. I am half Cuban and half Ecuadorean but with my strawberry blonde hair and freckles I am often confused for a "gringa". I'm a happy-go-lucky energetic person who always has a smile on her face. I have a huge family (seriously, I meet a new cousin that just came from Cuba at every family function) and a large circle of friends. I'm always on the go. 

I have been working for Carnival Cruise line for the past 9 years in their consumer sales department. I go with the flow and don't take my life to serious. You only live once, live it up and have fun. 

2. If you can describe Miami in 5 words or less what would you say?

"Others vacation here, we play here." 

3. I know you have raised money and helped organize great events for the Toys for Tots foundation for several years. Can you tell us more about that?

I love to do whatever I can to help out others. I feel I have been very blessed in my life and I like to give back.  At my office, I serve on the Toys for Tot's committee and help organize two months of fundraising events. It's no easy task. There are bake sales, poker tournaments, happy hours, lunches and trunk shows. Any way that we can think of to try and raise funds for the foundation, we are doing. This year we raised over $35,000.00 and provided over 300 bikes to the organization.

As a kid Christmas was my favorite day, and knowing that I did something to help bring a smile to someone less fortunate is always the best gift I can receive each year.  

4. What is your dream job?

Dream job would be to be a stay at home mom living off my Powerball winnings. LOL. One can dream right? 

I would LOVE to be an event planner. I get a rush out of the excitement and stress of putting any party together. All of the details that go into a wedding, baby shower or birthday, you need to have an eye to take an empty space or blank canvas and transform it into the venue and event of someone’s dreams.

5. Could your dream job become a reality?

Maybe one day, my mother is always talking about wanting to start a business together and I get my creative eye and ideas from her. I am hoping one day we can start our own event planning company together.

6. Who inspires your style?

Right now, I love Kate Middleton. She has this classic down to earth style. She is effortless with her looks. She is not afraid to wear the same piece twice, She just styles it different.

Also, my Mina girls. Three  amazing girls, with 3 unique styles. They aren't scared to try all  the different looks that you see in a magazine and wonder "who would wear this?!?". Well,  they can wear just about anything and rock it. I love that about them. 

7. Trying to balance a full time job and a healthy social life can get tricky. What are some of your tips to balance them?

It's not easy, that's for sure. I'm actually writing this at the gym and it's 7:30 in the morning. I sometime’s wish I had a clone or more hours in the day. I like to keep a healthy balance of things.

While I'm at work, I work hard and make sure to take care of things while I am there. You work to live, not live to work. My family is very important to me. I will make sure to always to go to my mother’s house at least twice a week. Even if it's for 5 minutes, you need that love to stay sane. 

My friends also help keep me grounded. I get together with my girls at least once a week to vent and laugh about the crazy things that go on in our lives. But the most important is my Cristy time. As long as you don't overdo any one area, you are golden. Moderation is KEY, in everything in life. 

  

8. What is your favorite article of clothing hanging in your closet?

OMG! What kind of a question is this? I love everything I own!!! 

Truthfully, I don’t think I have just one thing I love and can’t live without  but if I had to pick one, I would say my plain, white v neck tee’s. You can dress it up or dress it down. You can basically wear it with anything and wear it anywhere!
 

I can't go without mentioning some of my other favorite pieces, my cut off jean shorts, my black platform pumps, my Gucci Boston bag and my diamond hoop earrings.


10. What do you love about shopping at Mina Miami Beach?

It’s a one stop shop. You can get a whole amazing look and not break the bank. I always love that they have a great eye and know how to style you. I can just go there, walk in and tell them “DRESS ME” and I know I will come out with amazing outfits. They don’t lie to you. They will be honest and tell you what looks good and what doesn’t work.

11. What advice would you give to young girls today?

Learn to laugh at yourself. We all make mistakes in life, but we live and learn. Life is a journey. It’s not about the destination but it’s all about the ride there. Enjoy it!