Teen Social Media Star Takes Hamptons by Storm

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Maya Henry, a Texas teen social media sensation with an Instagram account that has more than 43,000 followers, has turned her sights on the Hamptons.

She spent her first summer in Southampton this year and took her legion of online fans along with her, posting daily about her adventure, which included star-studded meet ups with Katie Holmes, Jon Bon Jovi and Ciara.

But at the same time, the teen helped to support the causes close to her heart.

Summering with her parents in Southampton — her father is a prominent attorney — Maya quickly adapted to Hamptons living. “I enjoyed it so much that I want to come back as much as I can,” she told Patch.

Like most teens during their summer break from school, Henry enjoyed having time just kicking back in the Hamptons. “I love to sleep in and rest,” she said.

But she also likes to be active and loves the beach — where she spent time walking and running. Henry also found the best places to enjoy some of her favorite activities: working out, shopping and eating.

“I love to work out at Physique 57 because the classes are killer and the shopping in East Hampton is awesome. I love Zimmerman and Intermix,” she said, adding that her favorite restaurants are Nick & Toni’s, the Golden Pear and Kozu.

Maya said it was her passion for fashion and beauty that got her started blogging — and once she began, she soared to internet fame. “I’ve been interested in blogging for a while now, but didn’t pursue it until I gained so many followers,” she said. “Blogging just came naturally to me. Plus, I get to meet so many amazing people that have different backgrounds and interests.”

Sharing her thoughts on a range of subjects, including politics and fashion, and also, posting photos of herself with a wide array of notables, has meant a growing audience.

Her website and Instagram account feature images of Henry with Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, George Clooney, Katie Holmes, Ciara and Hillary Clinton, whom she describes as “so down-to-earth and sweet.”

Clinton’s politics are closely aligned with her own, she said: “I am a young woman who is also Latina. I became interested in Hillary Clinton because not only is she a great role model for women, she wants to make sure women have the same opportunities as men. I also like her stance on immigration.”

Helping people is something Henry learned from her father, an attorney who takes on many philanthrophic causes.

Thanks to her dad, known for his philanthropy, Maya attended an event that proved to be a highlight of her Hamptons summer: Ron Perelman’s Apollo in the Hamptons benefit, where she spent time with celebrities like Katie Holmes, Ciara and Jon Bon Jovi and $5 million was raised to benefit the Apollo Theater's education, artistic and community programs.

"It was definitely one of the best events I’ve been to. The food was amazing, the entertainment was beyond my imagination and the people were awesome,” Maya said. “I met Ron Perelman for the first time and he was so nice and friendly. You could tell he was so happy to have so many people support this wonderful cause.”

Now that it’s time for school to start, Henry, like so many teens, is headed back to school, but she's now got another go-to summer destination, hoping to "spend more time in the Hamptons.”

Patch photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan/PMC