Sasha Paul started Mauya the Fine Arts Tribe to bring together creators of colour locally, and from around the world.
When Sasha Paul considered studying abroad, she knew where to start: “I always wanted to come to Canada, so I only applied to universities here,” she says.
While Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, or Halifax were tempting options, she was advised to attend a school with smaller class sizes. That’s how she ended up in a quiet, rural corner of Nova Scotia at St. Francis Xavier University, far from the bustling city of Harare, Zimbabwe, where she was born and raised.
Paul studied business administration, but her academic pursuits soon evolved into a deeply personal entrepreneurial journey that resulted in the creation of Mauya The Fine Arts Tribe—an events business that blends creativity, connection, and mindfulness. (On Eventbrite, and informally, it’s also known as Mauya The Abstract Tribe).
Finding her footing in Canada
At first, she wasn’t aware of exactly how rural her new home would be. In a town nestled between farmlands and the ocean, 160 kilometres from Halifax with a population of fewer than 5,000 people at the time, she was immediately struck by how different life was there.
“I was honestly so shocked,” she says, recalling the long drive from the airport through fields and forests, seeing little more than grass and trees on the horizon.
The small, tight-knit community made it difficult to connect with people, especially as a student coming from across the world. Despite the initial challenges, her ability to adapt eventually became one of her superpowers and the key to overcoming her feelings of isolation.
Luckily, she also knew someone. She connected with two other Zimbabwean students who helped her find her footing. But it wasn’t until she made the move to Halifax that she truly began to thrive.
The birth of Mauya The Abstract Tribe
While studying at St. FX and working part-time as an accountant at KPMG Canada, Paul began to feel inspired to create something deep and meaningful. She had tried her hand at other ventures—most notably, a hair and wig business—but they didn’t satisfy her need for creativity and connection. So, when she found herself living in Halifax and enjoying city life once again, she began to think about events that could bring people together to enjoy food and art.
Mauya The Fine Arts Tribe started as a series of small, intimate gatherings in Halifax but quickly blossomed into much more. The first events were mostly her friends and acquaintances gathering for simple paint-and-sip nights. But when the events sold out repeatedly and attendees began asking for more, Paul realized that she was onto something. Mauya was no longer just a passion project; it had the potential to become a full-fledged business.
She still had the challenge of balancing her studies, work, and business. Paul remembers working 9 to 5, studying for her CPA exams in the evenings, then hosting events late into the night. But her determination and love of creative connection kept her going.
“I really wanted to think about this business intentionally,” she says, reflecting on how, at one point, she took a brief pause from hosting events to strategize and focus on what Mauya could become.
Where creativity and connection meet
The first event was held at a small distillery and bar in Halifax’s North End—a cosy mezzanine upstairs. She walked past Compass Distillery one day and had a conversation with the venue owner about hosting a ‘paint-and-sip’ event where attendees could make art and socialize.
“I was amazed at how quickly people responded,” she recalls. “We sold out the first event, and from there, things just took off.”
The success of the initial gatherings set the stage for a series of events over the next several months, from paint-and-sip sessions to guided nature walks, each one focused on finding deep inner and outer connection.
What surprised Paul the most was how these events resonated with such a diverse crowd, from newcomers to Halifax to long-time residents. The beauty of Mauya was in its inclusivity, bringing together people of all backgrounds to share in creative experiences.
One of Paul’s greatest joys has been watching the impact her business has on others. “Our events are all about connection—whether it’s through painting, poetry, or nature walks, we create a space where people can relax, focus on the moment, and leave with new friendships,” she says. The intimate, mindful nature of the events is what sets Mauya apart from other social experiences in Halifax, offering attendees a chance to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life and let their imaginations explore.
Reflecting on the journey
As Mauya continues to grow, Sasha Paul remains focused on her core values of mindfulness, connection, and community. The company now hosts a range of events, from corporate team-building activities to workshops on entrepreneurship and financial literacy. But at the heart of it all is her desire to create spaces where people can gather, share, and grow together.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, she feels an immense sense of pride and gratitude. “This journey has shown me how adaptable I can be, how many different skills I have, and how important it is to embrace the journey, not just the destination,” she says. Mauya has not only transformed her life but also the lives of those who have participated in its events—fostering a culture of creativity, connection, and mindfulness in a world that often feels disconnected.
From the quiet rural town of Antigonish to the bustling streets of Halifax, Sasha Paul’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, perseverance, and the importance of finding a community where you truly belong. Through Mauya, she has not only built a business but also created a platform for others to find peace, connection, and purpose—one event at a time.
Follow Mauya the Abstract Tribe on Eventbrite, sign up for their mailing list, or view their forthcoming website on Linktree.
