Maya Rogers: Turning Lupus Battles into Beauty, Purpose, and Power

When you first meet Maya Rogers, you notice her energy — the kind that says “I’ve been through it, but I’m still here shining.”

She’s a former standout softball player at Harris-Stowe State University, now coaching high school athletes.

She’s earning her master’s at Morehouse School of Medicine.

She’s the founder of Mocha Beauty, a brand specializing in organic wigs, facials, and hair products designed with chronic illness warriors in mind.

And through it all, she’s navigating life with lupus — an unpredictable, invisible autoimmune disease that took six years to diagnose.

From “Allergic to the City” to an Actual Diagnosis

At 16, Maya started noticing strange symptoms: painful rashes on her elbows during volleyball, unexplained swelling, and flare-ups that got worse in the sun.

In college, her skin would break out, her hair would fall out, and fatigue hit hard.

“I honestly thought I was allergic to the city I was in,” she laughs now. “But it was lupus all along.”

-Maya Rogers, Lupus Warrior

It wasn’t until after graduation that a rheumatologist finally confirmed the diagnosis: systemic lupus — a disease that attacks healthy tissues and organs.

Finding Purpose in the Middle of Pain

Like many of us in Gen Z and Millennial circles who juggle side hustles, school, and dreams, Maya didn’t wait for perfect circumstances to take action.

During COVID shutdowns, she turned her passion for hair and skincare into Mocha Beauty.

Every product is organic, inspired by her own battles with hair loss and skin issues caused by lupus and psoriasis.

“It was slow, jobs were closed, and I had to make money somehow,” she says. “I started braiding hair, taking lash courses, and creating products that actually work for people like me.”

Redefining Success — One Small Win at a Time

For Maya, success isn’t about massive milestones anymore.

“Now, success is the little things,” she says. “Like when my softball players finally get a drill right, or when I knock out my school lectures before the deadline. I give myself grace. I get things done when I can — and that’s enough.”

The Everyday Habits That Keep Her Thriving

Maya’s daily health playbook is simple but powerful:

• Fruits first – “Fruit takes my flares from 100 to 15%. It’s my go-to.”
• Hydration always – Water before bed, water upon waking.
• Organic living – From apple cider vinegar shots to ginger root and Epsom salt baths.
• Trigger awareness – No red meat or pork, minimal dairy.

And maybe the most important? Protecting her energy. “I used to be hot-tempered. Now I live calmer. Junk food and stress make me feel worse, so I let both go.”

Her Advice for Young Chronic Illness Warriors

“Live like it’s not there,” Maya says. “We know we have a condition that may never go away, but don’t let it take away your life. Do as much as you were doing before you knew you had it.”

Her biggest wish? That people would extend more grace to those with invisible illnesses.

“You might see me looking fine today, but tomorrow I could be in bed, and I can’t even tell you why. This is a physical, mental, and spiritual battle.”

Big Dreams on the Horizon

Maya plans to apply to medical school, with her sights set on dermatology or cardiology, and a vision to build a three-story Mocha Beauty Dream Lounge — a place where she can see patients upstairs, run a salon downstairs, and offer a cozy community space in between.

She’ll keep coaching, keep building, and keep proving that unseen doesn’t mean unstoppable.

If you’re navigating chronic illness, Maya’s story is a reminder:

✅Your condition doesn’t define you.
✅Your dreams are still valid.
✅And your invisible strength might just inspire the world.

🔔 Listen to Maya’s Full Story

🎧 Invisible Strength Podcast — 🎙️Living with Lupus & Chasing Dreams: Maya Rogers’ Inspiring Story (Athlete to Entrepreneur)

📌 Chapters Include:

• 0:00 Introduction to Maya Rogers and Her Journey
• 2:31 Living with Lupus: Diagnosis and Challenges
• 4:57 Redefining Success: Small Wins Matter
• 7:19 Faith and Support: Overcoming Tough Times
• 9:59 Healthy Habits: Diet and Lifestyle Changes
• 12:11 Advice for Young Athletes: Living Beyond Illness
• 14:13 Mocha Beauty: Turning Pain into Purpose
• 15:28 Future Aspirations: Medical School and Community Impact
• 18:03 Closing Thoughts and Community Support

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: Invisible Strength Podcast

📺 Watch on YouTube: 🎙️Living with Lupus & Chasing Dreams: Maya Rogers’ Inspiring Story (Athlete to Entrepreneur)

👉 Or search “Invisible Strength Podcast” on your favorite platform!

Dance on, friends,
Karin

P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone.

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