Maya Jama Turns 30: Birthday Plans, Hosting Pressure & The Secrets to a Fun Party
Maya Jama, the much-loved presenter known for her *Love Island
wardrobe and infectious energy, is celebrating a milestone birthday this month. As she turns 30 on August 14th, we caught up with the star to discuss her birthday plans, her advice for handling hosting pressure, and the people who always bring the fun.
"Hands down, a good playlist, a good group of people, and food!" declares Jama when asked about the key ingredients for a great party. Her own 30th birthday bash will feature a mix of familiar favourites and a touch of the new: "We're gonna throw a little Charli XCX on the playlist. Also, it wouldn't be a summer playlist at the moment without some GloRilla."
While she's planning an intimate dinner with friends and family for the actual day, the celebrations have already begun with a collaboration with Gordon's Premium Pink. The "GRWMaya Salon experience" launched in Manchester earlier this month, offering fans a chance to get hair and makeup inspired by Jama's iconic looks. The experience is now available nationwide, allowing anyone to recreate their favourite Maya moments at home with the help of Secret Spa.
Hosting a party, especially a big one, can be daunting, but Jama offers a down-to-earth approach: "Hosting pressure is so real; being a host can be really intense sometimes, which is why I went for something chilled this year." Her advice is simple: delegate when you can, opt for low-maintenance events, and avoid overcomplicating things. "Good food, but make sure youâre not spending half the day in the kitchen, and if you want to impress with some cocktails, pick delicious ones that are easy to make," she advises.
As for the milestone of turning 30, Jama embraces it with a mixture of excitement and a touch of humour: "I would say to fully embrace it; itâs a brand-new phase and a chance to discover parts of yourself that you hadnât previously. They also say life begins at 30, so Iâll let you know in a few months if thatâs true." While she acknowledges feeling a bit nervous initially, particularly due to the astrological concept of a "Saturn return," Jama now feels excited for the new chapter. "My 20s were incredible, and I feel like this is going to be even better than that but in different ways," she enthuses.
Of course, no party is complete without a vibrant group of friends, and Jama is surrounded by a network of laughter and support: "I canât lie, my big Leo energy always brings the fun to a party. Iâve got a great group of friends around me though. Abuk is always a fun time, as well as my best friend Chynon. Iâm lucky to be able to travel for work with my friends who are my glam team, too. Rhea, Letitia, and Jay always know how to start a party no matter where we are in the world."
Reflecting on the past year, Jama is overflowing with gratitude: "I have had way too many highlights to just name one, but I would say I was lucky to tick a lot of items off my list. Co-hosting the Brit Awards - that is the one thing in my career I always said I wanted to do, and I was really proud that I was able to do that." She also cites hosting the Fashion Awards, becoming an ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana, and collaborating with renowned photographers Steven Meisel and David Bailey as standout moments.
Looking ahead to the next decade, Jama is brimming with enthusiasm: "Continuing to do more, see more, and surprise myself with what Iâm able to achieve. I love the element of surprise - which is why live TV is my favourite, itâs the adrenaline of the unknown." With her infectious energy and a supportive tribe by her side, Maya Jama is ready to embrace all that the future holds.
To book a "GRWMaya" at-home package and get a taste of Maya's style, visit Secret Spa. Each package costs £125 per person and is available from August 2nd to September 1st, 2024.
