Maxine Goynes on Self-Care, Authenticity, and Personal Style

describe your style in four words.

Elevated. Minimal. Effortless. Structured.

Tell us the story behind your favorite wardrobe pieces.

My favorite piece is a beautiful structured oversized blazer designed by Oleg Cassini which I found in a vintage shop. I was so in love with the silhouette that I looked up the designer and learned that Cassini established his reputation by designing for films. He became particularly well-known as a designer for Jacqueline Kennedy while she was First Lady of the United States. The "Jackie Look" was to become highly influential and much admired. Among Cassini's inspirations were sports and Native American culture.

How do you prioritize your mental health and self-care, and what are some practices you find helpful?

There is nothing I love more than a daily walk and immersing myself in all things design. I also enjoy soundscape meditations, harnessing the breath, and lifting weights.

Are there any daily rituals you can't live without?

I'm not the same person if I am not able to move/work out; I find the whole experience therapeutic. I also NEED solitude. I feel recharged when I have time alone to read or look up archival imagery.

Can you share a moment in your life when you felt particularly empowered as a woman, and what led to that feeling?

There isn't any one moment but instead, an accumulation of self-trust that has reminded me that I am resourceful, creative, collaborative, and completely capable of ANYTHING I am intentional about. My courage typically precedes my confidence and then it follows closely behind. I love feeling brave.

What's a small way you've introduced sustainability into your lifestyle?

I have incorporated a principle "Little Things Often" ^TM that has become foundational in almost every area of my life. It's the incremental contribution that we show up for consistently that contributes to phenomenal growth long term.

What advice would you give to women starting their own businesses?

Actively invite, recruit, and align with people who have varying skills to your own. Initially, we are attracted to people who think and operate like we do because they feel familiar. I've noticed the most growth occurs when you have designed an ecosystem of diversity in thought and skillset. Believe it will all work out and you'll see every opportunity for it to.

Acknowledge that the "job" will include aspects that we often resist. Find people who don't avoid the areas that make you uncomfortable. There ARE people who feel alive when they are creating systems, enhancing cash flow, negotiating contracts, strategically executing administrative tasks, etc.

What does it mean to be a modern woman?

For me, that means staying curious, compassionate, and conscious. It's being in truth and trusting you are a miracle worth exploring.

When do you feel most at peace?

When I can design structure it allows me the most space to be creative and free and that feels peaceful. Each morning, I wake up and smile because I truly am grateful to be alive. When you have experienced great challenges or trauma in your life it really does also bring forward an opportunity to understand the fragility of this existence. I'm so grateful to be healthy and inspired even on my most challenging days.