Balance, Art, Food culture and parenting with Lifestyle Journalist Maya Kerthyasa

As part of our decision to live in Bali for the many moons ahead.  We wanted to meet and introduce you to some of the most inspiring women we come across on the Island of Bali. 

Empowering women is something that is literally in the fabric of everything we do and using our platform to showcase women who are being creative and sharing their gifts is something makes our hearts swell. 

Today we are excited for you to meet Maya Kerthyasa. 

Photo Above: Maya Kerthyasa adorned in the Virgo Gown 

Photo by Zissou

Maya Kerthyasa is a Bali-based writer working across print and digital. She specialises in food, travel, lifestyle and luxury brands.

Maya reviews for the Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, contributes to Broadsheet and writes for Potato Head.

Here is what the Local Tonque shared about her. 

"Born and raised in Bali, food and lifestyle journalist Maya Kerthyasa is passionate about sharing her island’s food culture.

She co-hosts Indonesian food video series Masakan Rumah; is co-creator of The Dinner Series, an events program that celebrates and connects the island’s brightest culinary stars; and contributes to publications throughout the region. Whether you’re after local breakfasts or Italian by the beach, follow Maya’s guide to avoid the tourist traps and make the most of your time on the Island of the Gods." - The Local Tonque (Food Writers Guide To Bali)

We got a chance to ask her a few questions to learn more about her work, passion and life. 

MP: Please share a little with our audience the work that you do in the world today.

Maya: I am a writer and a newly minted illustrator. I used to work in magazines, but since moving back to Bali I’ve worked a lot more with brands. Food has always been my favorite topic to write about. It’s a wonderful bridge to culture and even spirituality, and I love that I am able to share this through my work.

MP: What inspired you to do the work you do today? 

I come from a family of artists and writers. So, I guess you could say my upbringing inspired – and continues to inspire me – my in a big way.

Maya: What’s your major challenge right now and what are you doing to overcome it? 

Balance – dividing my time between parenting, my various work projects, cultural life, and quiet time for my own thoughts and feelings to be nurtured. I normally overcome this by speaking to my father.

He’s a wealth of knowledge and we live together, so when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I often turn to him for advice. I also make sure I clear my energy every night before bed, no matter how late it is or how tired I am.

This brings me back to my truth and sets me up for a fresh start the next day.

MP: What's one daily ritual you are practicing right now that helps you in your day to day wellness?

Maya: I make sure I move my body every morning before I leave the house or start working – even if I only have five minutes.

MP: What do your morning rituals look like?

Maya: My mornings always begin with cuddles. Then I prepare breakfast for my son, go for a walk or do yoga, then begin working. I usually write by day and illustrate at night.

MP: How has motherhood changed your outlook on life? 

Maya: Motherhood has taught me about the significance of duality. It’s softened me and at the same time, it’s made me stronger. I’ve had to become more flexible, but I’ve also had to apply more structure into our life. It’s tears and it’s laughter. So, motherhood has taught me to accept the good and the bad in all circumstances and accept that life is an undulating journey.

MP: As someone born of mixed heritage, what Balinese traditions are most meaningful to you and how do you keep them alive? 

I believe all traditions are meaningful as they each play a unique role in the balancing of the Universe. I am constantly in awe of the level of devotion on this island and how the Balinese culture manages to coexist with the distractions of modern life. The best way to keep traditions alive is to execute them with purpose. We are fortunate that philosophy is interwoven into almost every aspect of life here in Bali. Spirituality is not a privilege or a goal, but an intrinsic part of being human. 

MP: What is your favorite dish to cook at the moment and why? 

Maya: I’m loving cooking over wood-fire at the moment. There’s something so nourishing about working with those raw elements. We’ve been growing taro root at home. My son and I like to throw a handful into the fire and let them roast slowly under the embers. Once we can poke a stick into them, we pull them out, break or cut them open and sprinkle some sea-salt over the top. 

Where can people find you?

On Instagram @mayakerthyasa or via my website mayakerthyasa.com