Minolta Araya

Minolta Araya (MARAYA ) is a professional Model, Actress, Chef and Artist based in Los Angeles, California. She believes in the interconnection of all life and strives to display this harmony in her work through a wide variety of creative mediums. Maraya attributes her artistic inspiration to "an elevated frequency or love vibration"; you can see, hear, taste, and feel this energy in her work.
Born in Queens, NY Minolta began her modeling career very young, at age one she was named Ms. Baby New York and chosen as a representative for the American Red Cross. At age four she competed and won a scholarship to attend the Dance Theater of Harlem; which prompted her love for creative movement.
It was also at this young age that she began her love for the culinary arts. Acting as Grandma Sallie's special helper she learned traditional southern cooking. Minolta then followed the spicy aromas of Berbere and sweet onions, learning Eritrean Dishes from her father. Her mother, a former model herself, instilled in Minolta the value of making healthy cuisine choices. These elements combined to form the foundations of Minolta's unique health conscious Afrocentric fusion style cuisine.
Minolta's journey into the entertainment industry continued throughout her developmental years, this included features in multiple national advertisement campaigns and commercials. In her early teens, she relocated to North Carolina and focused on education. Minolta maintained her artistic energy by participating heavily in local theater organizations and events. At sixteen, she was named the NC winner of the Elite Model Look Contest. After graduating from high school, she began attending College of Charleston as a Theater and Biology major.
Minolta was scouted by Ikon NY Model Management while on summer break in New York. After signing a 1 year contract, she was featured in several digital, print and televised advertisements. This included Word Up Magazine, Hype Hair Magazine, Seventeen Magazine and many others. She was a top 20 contestant on America's Next Top Model (Cycle 13) - (Ep. 1/2); walking in a runway show for designer Yotam Solomon. Minolta then worked with Tout Talent Agency on print campaigns and runway shows nationwide. Her credits include editorials in major publications, Surface Pad for iPhone commercial by Twelve South, Charleston Fashion Week, featured model for Tisdale + Verona and collaborative projects with prominent talents such as Alexandra Coffroth, Benjamin Stone, and more.
Whilst pursing her career in entertainment Minolta continued to refine her culinary skills by holding multiple positions in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. With over ten years in combined front and back of house operations, in addition to valid Food Handler and Alcohol Service certifications, Minolta has gained the practical skill set necessary for success in the industry. Focusing on high-end events, she has learned how to exceed clients expectations by catering to every detail of a meal presentation from start to finish.
Minolta is currently offering personal chef services in Los Angeles, CA. She specializes in Southern, African, and healthy meal preparation. In addition to high-end cannabis infused (at no additional charge) culinary creations for CA medically recommended patients. Minolta is available to host small dinner parties, giving presentations for guests on the culinary and cannabinoid origins of each course.
Minolta is also available for brand representation and promotional marketing.