Maya Nassar is a Dutch-Lebanese competitive fitness model, entrepreneur and radio host. She won recognition as Ms. Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas and has a background in various fitness competitions, including winning first place at the Pure Elite 2014 UK Championships.
Maya Nassar was born in Long Island, New York to a Lebanese father and a Dutch mother. He grew up in Nigeria and spent several years in England before moving to Lebanon for high school, where he has lived ever since.
Nassar began her fitness journey in 2010, following a workout and diet plan that resulted in significant weight loss. She first participated in the Miami Pro European Championship in 2013 and returned to the competition scene in 2014, becoming the first Lebanese athlete sanctioned by the Lebanese government to participate in a bodybuilding event outside of Lebanon.
In addition to her competitive accomplishments, Nassar has built a significant online presence through her blog, “Start Living Right,” which focuses on fitness and wellness. This platform led to the development of the fitness app Start Living Right, which has been approved by the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports and achieved high rankings in 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 Andelia, Lebanon, which offers a variety of fitness services, including personal training and nutritional counseling. The gym is notable for being sponsored by Nike and offering Nike Training Club classes.
Nassar conducts workshops and speaking engagements 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 meets Maya Nassar, an extremely talented Ms. Fitness Universe 2025 and founder of ‘Start Living Right’ here she highlights her unique life journey, professional milestones and the values she holds dear.
Namita Nayar:
You were born in New York, grew up in Nigeria, spent years in England and finished high school in Lebanon. How did this multicultural upbringing shape your sense of identity, discipline and ambition?
Maya Nassar:
Identity & Heritage
About my multicultural upbringing:
Going from the chaos of Nigeria to the structure of England and the resilience of Lebanon taught me that adaptability is a superpower. Growing up on three continents forced me to find my identity within myself rather than a location. It created the discipline needed to start over in new environments and the ambition to make a global impact, no matter where I am.
Namita Nayar:
You have a Lebanese father and a Dutch mother. What values from each culture have most influenced your approach to fitness and entrepreneurship?
Maya Nassar:
On Lebanese vs Dutch values:
I credit my Dutch heritage for my directness, precision and no-nonsense approach to business and education. On my Lebanese side, I inherit the warmth, the “Never give up” spirit in the face of adversity, and the deep passion for community that guides my work in the gym and in media.
Namita Nayar:
Your fitness journey began in 2010 with significant weight loss. Was there a specific trigger or emotional turning point that made you commit to a training and nutrition program?
Maya Nassar:
The Business Trip
The turning point:
In 2010 I reached a point where I was uncomfortable in my own skin. There wasn’t one “trigger,” but rather a realization that I was living far below my means. I decided to stop making excuses and treat my body with the respect it deserved. This shift from “diet” to “discipline” changed everything.
The full interview continues on the next page
This interview is exclusive and conducted by Namita Nayyar, President of womenfitness.net, and may not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or within complete anywhere without express permission.
All written content Copyright © 2026 Women Fitness
Refusal
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
