AUSTINWAY.COM 77
The write stuff:
When she's not serving on boards like
the Austin Public Library Friends Foundation or the
Texas Book Festival and Literacy Coalition of Central
Texas, Maya Payne Smart can be found reading and
writing inspired content for her powerful lifestyle blog.
On MayaSmart.com, she tackles hot topics with social
commentary, interviews, and book reviews for "world-
changing women."
In the (libr ary) cards: "One thing I'm particularly
excited about in Austin is the New Central Library,
opening later this year," says Smart, wife of UT Men's
Basketball coach Shaka Smart. "It's a really phenomenal
building with a lot of cool features in terms of sustainabil-
ity." The library, which is pursuing platinum-level LEED
certification, will house a Recycled Reads boutique and
a cookbook-themed cafe run by ELM Restaurant Group.
The next generation: Smart spends time talking about
books and ideas with her daughter. "I want her to grow
up in a world that is better than the world I grew up in,"
says Smart. "I want her to have the kind of skills and
perspective she needs to contribute to a better world."
website: mayasmart.com; twitter: @mayasmart
MAYA PAY NE
SMART
The Wordsmith
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
HAKEEM
ADEWUMI