Maya Gilbert is the grand prize winner of the CosmoGirl! Mind Your Own Business Entrepreneurial Challenge. She describes her winning idea, Surprise Industries, as a web based business that provides ‘surprising’ experiences to its customers. For a fee, one will select their area of choice where they would like their experience and Surprise Industries matches you up with fun and unique activities ranging from glass blowing to an engaging charity event like painting an elementary school. The purpose of this innovative business would be to give its participants the opportunity to meet new people, visit different places or even find a new passion in life using the element of surprise.

Maya describes herself as a creative problem solving enthusiast who enjoys exposure to novel experiences such as learning how to eat fire or living only on raw food for two months. While valuing the perfect balance between order and originality, her working experience includes summer camps to holistic medicine to art direction.