Maya Smith is more than a multi-million-dollar beauty entrepreneur—she’s a stylist, graphic designer, and cultural visionary whose passion lies at the intersection of technology and culture. While she has built The Doux into the fastest-growing textured haircare brand in the U.S., her focus extends beyond beauty. She is deeply invested in how innovation, AI, and digital tools are reshaping creativity, identity, and consumer experiences. 

With over 30 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, Maya’s journey began behind the chair, working with diverse hair textures in both the U.S. and Germany. Her global experience highlighted a frustrating gap in the market—most products catered to specific textures rather than embracing the full spectrum of hair needs. Determined to create a solution, she developed The Doux, a high-performance, multifunctional haircare brand designed to simplify styling for all hair types without compromising results. 

Based in Atlanta, The Doux reflects Maya’s expertise and cultural influences. The brand blends salon-quality performance with a bold aesthetic inspired by ‘90s hip-hop, paying homage to the music and art that shaped her creative lens. Products like Mousse Def and Big Poppa don’t just stand out on the shelves; they embody the brand’s commitment to authenticity and innovation. 

Today, The Doux is a globally recognized brand sold in professional beauty retailers such as Cosmoprof and Salon Centric, as well as mass retailers including Target, Walmart, Sally Beauty, and CVS. As the brand grows, Maya remains committed to advancing textured haircare alongside technology. She is especially focused on the role of AI in beauty, advocating for Black creators to actively shape the digital landscape to reduce bias and misrepresentation. Through her work, she champions greater visibility, representation, and ownership in the evolving beauty-tech space.

Beyond business, Maya’s greatest role is that of a wife and mother. She co-founded The Doux with her husband, Brian Smith, and together they have built not only a thriving brand but also a family of five children. Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, Maya embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and cultural impact—both in her industry and at home.