Photo Credits: Kifah Ballani

Maya Nassar is a Dutch-Lebanese competitive fitness model, entrepreneur, and radio host. She gained recognition as Ms. Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas and has a background in various fitness competitions, including winning first place at the 2014 Pure Elite UK Championships.

Maya Nassar was born in Long Island, New York to a Lebanese father and a Dutch mother. She grew up in Nigeria, and spent several years in England before moving to Lebanon for high school, where she has lived since.

Nassar began her fitness journey in 2010, following a training program and diet regimen that resulted in a significant weight loss.

She first competed in the Miami Pro European Championships in 2013 and returned to the competitive scene in 2014, becoming the first Lebanese athlete endorsed by the Lebanese government to participate in a bodybuilding event outside of Lebanon.

In addition to her competitive achievements, Nassar has built a substantial online presence through her blog, “Start Living Right,” which focuses on fitness and wellness. This platform led to the development of the Start Living Right fitness application, which has been endorsed by the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports and has achieved high rankings on the Apple Store. Nassar is also a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist. She opened a physical location for Start Living Right in 2017 in Antelias, Lebanon, which offers various fitness services, including personal training and nutrition counseling.

The gym is notable for being sponsored by Nike and providing Nike Training Club classes.

Nassar conducts workshops and talks focused on health, nutrition, and fitness. She has spoken at various events, including conferences and initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and health awareness.

Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up Maya Nassar an exceptionally talented, Ms. Fitness Universe 2025 and Founder of ‘Start Living Right’ here she highlight her unique life journey, professional milestones, and the values she hold dear.

Namita Nayyar:

You were born in New York, grew up in Nigeria, spent years in England, and finished high school in Lebanon.

How did that multicultural upbringing shape your sense of identity, discipline, and ambition?

Maya Nassar:

Identity & Heritage

On my multicultural upbringing:

Moving from the chaos of Nigeria to the structure of England and the resilience of Lebanon taught me that adaptability is a superpower. Growing up across three continents forced me to find my identity within myself rather than a single location. It built the discipline needed to start over in new environments and the ambition to make a global impact, regardless of where I am standing.

Namita Nayyar:

You have a Lebanese father and a Dutch mother. Which values from each culture have influenced your approach to fitness and entrepreneurship the most?

Maya Nassar:

On Lebanese vs.

Dutch values:

I credit my Dutch heritage for my directness, punctuality, and no-nonsense approach to business and training. From my Lebanese side, I inherit the warmth, the “never-give-up” spirit in the face of adversity, and the deep passion for community that drives my gym and media work.

Namita Nayyar:

Your fitness journey began in 2010 with a significant weight loss. Was there a specific trigger or emotional turning point that made you commit to a training and diet regimen?

Maya Nassar:

The Professional Journey

The turning point:

In 2010, I reached a point where I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. There wasn’t one “trigger,” but rather a realization that I was living far below my potential.

I decided to stop making excuses and treat my body with the respect it deserved. That shift from “dieting” to “discipline” changed everything.

Full Interview is Continued on Next Page

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