Several weeks ago, Janna and I were interviewed on Waco’s CBS affiliate KWTX, by award-winning anchor Taina Maya. We were both quite impressed by the polish and professionalism of this young woman.

Last week’s blog on poise, named one of the defining characteristics of a poised person as “his/her confidence and ability to put others at ease.” Poised people are not only self-aware, they are fully aware of those around them.

When Janna and I met Taina before the show in the Green Room (yes, there’s really a green room), Taina put us immediately at ease, almost as if by osmosis. Her own relaxed self-assurance seemed to steady the nerves of everyone around her.

Taina, who has been morning news anchor for KWTX for the past five years, hopes her style–on-camera and off–communicates: reliability, trust, and approachability.

When describing a personal style that is decidedly ‘her,’ she says, “I like colorful clothing, and I’ve been told that my voice carries, so I would say my brightly-colored clothes are a nod to my loud voice!” She also loves and lives in high heels. For her,  they are a “must.”

Taina admits she’s had her fashion faux pas moments, just like the rest of us.(Except, thousands of people aren’t watching us.) In the photo on the left, she confesses there was just too much going on–pink, black, a belt, a necklace. She adds, “I don’t know what I was thinking that day!”

“Finding your personal style takes time,” says Taina. “I’ve learned to stay away from trends, since I have to wear my clothing long after ‘teal chevron’ fades into the distance!” She shops resale a lot. “Why not bank on another woman’s splurge? Or score a staple skirt that someone bought but didn’t like after she got it home?”

When Taina shops, she consistently asks herself, “Would this look good on camera?” She buys on a budget and she can’t afford to waste money. “I know what I like and what I don’t like. I also know what I will allow myself to splurge on. I love interesting necklines and blouses, and I stay away from large prints because they just don’t fit my look.”

“I had to come to terms with the fact that if I wanted to shop as much as I liked, I’d better learn to find some good deals.”   ——-Taina Maya

This 28-year-old powerhouse of inspiration is not only a mom with a full-time career, she’s also an avid volunteer. She serves as vice president of the board for the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children. The organization provides free counseling to crime victims and their families. Taina says volunteering is her way of, “balancing all the heavy newscasting she has to report every day.”

It isn’t surprising that the first time I met Taina she was volunteering at a fundraiser sponsored by Altrusa International of Temple. If you are ever lucky enough to meet this young woman, who is wise beyond her years, you will notice in a flash her sincerity, her warmth, and her style which is quintessential Taina.

Taina admits she doesn’t have much time for hobbies. “Life is always busy.” Her idea of relaxing? “I like to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the news…that’s relaxing’ to me!”

Find our more about news personality Taina Maya at https://www.facebook.com/TainaMayaKWTX/photos