We had the good fortune of connecting with Everret Maxine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Everret, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
On June 19th, 2018, I was confronted with an image I will never forget—the decomposing body of my mother. In that heart-wrenching moment, I became a motherless daughter. At the time, I was already in therapy, navigating personal struggles and dealing with the separation from my husband. The weight of grief added another layer of complexity to my healing journey.

Though I sought solace in therapy, working through my personal challenges, I still felt a profound emptiness. Last year, I participated in GriefShare through my church, a program designed to support those mourning the loss of loved ones. It was a meaningful experience, but even with therapy and grief support groups, something inside me still longed for a deeper connection—a space specifically for women like me, those grappling with not just the death of a mother but also her absence in daily life.

This realization sparked a vision. I knew I wasn’t alone in this feeling. There were other teen girls and women who had either lost their mothers or lived with the emotional void created by her absence, whether through death, estrangement, or abandonment. The need to fill this void led me to create The Absence of Her Community—a community designed to provide the comfort, understanding, and support that only those who have walked the path of motherlessness can truly offer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After my mother, Talma Stanford O’Neal, was found deceased on June 19, 2018, I used the life insurance money to pay off my debt to Texas Southern University. This allowed me to return to school in the fall of 2018 to complete my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies—a goal that had been placed on hold for over five years.

Juggling life wasn’t easy. While enrolled in school, I worked the night shift as a protection officer at Texas Children’s Hospital and made extra income by delivering for DoorDash to make ends meet. After my shifts, I would often sleep in my car until classes started, just to ensure I wouldn’t miss a lecture. Then, on November 5, 2018, just five days before my 38th birthday, my divorce was finalized by default, adding yet another layer of emotional weight to carry.

By the time I reached my final semester in Fall 2020, more challenges came my way. I began student teaching in North Houston while living in Alvin, Texas, a long commute that left me with very little sleep. Then, on September 30, 2020, I was involved in a five-car accident, which left me without transportation. Desperate to keep up with my student teaching obligations, I used my rent money to rent a car and took on extra food deliveries to cover the costs. Thankfully, a month later, I was able to purchase a new car.

In November 2020, I was set to graduate, and though the university initially planned an in-person ceremony, it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, my friends and I gathered in a hotel room to watch the virtual ceremony, celebrating my achievement in an intimate, but still meaningful, way.

Throughout this process, my life has been a testament to faith. Every trial—whether financial, emotional, or physical—has been a lesson in perseverance. Prayer has been my constant companion, and God’s strength is what carried me through. The scripture that has guided me through these storms is James 1:2-5: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Since 2021, I have been a middle school teacher, starting my career as a 7th grade Science teacher. However, the journey has not been without its difficulties. This past year has been particularly challenging after being placed on medical leave and receiving a diagnosis of occipital neuralgia, a painful condition that affects the nerves in my head and neck. My doctors recommended that I find another profession, but I decided to place my condition in God’s hands. On September 12th, 2024, I returned to the classroom, this time as a 7th grade math teacher, determined to continue the work I believe God has called me to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Though I’m not a social butterfly, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures. A good margarita from time to time, paired with my top favorites—Mexican food and seafood—brings me contentment. If I were taking someone out, I’d likely choose The Famous Crab or Gringos, two of my go-to spots where the food never disappoints, and the atmosphere is relaxed. I’m satisfied with the simple things in life; I don’t need anything extravagant to feel fulfilled.

If it’s a Wednesday, I would definitely invite them to join me for Bible study. Faith plays such a central role in my life and sharing it with others in a casual setting like this feels natural. It’s not just about deep conversations, but about creating a space where spirituality and friendship intersect.

The beach is another place where I find peace and connection. There’s something about the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand that rejuvenates me. I’d happily spend a few hours by the water, soaking in the calm and resetting my mind. Whether I’m with friends or enjoying solitude, the beach is a sacred space for me—a reminder of God’s vastness and the beauty in simplicity.

In these moments—whether enjoying a meal, diving into scripture, or relaxing by the ocean—I find balance. These are the spaces where I feel most connected to who I am, where I can recharge and reflect. It’s not about doing a lot, but about doing things that genuinely feed my spirit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am deeply grateful to my mother (my angel), Talma Stanford O’Neal. Her perseverance through her own struggles gave me a powerful lesson: the importance of education and preparing for a better life. Her journey, though imperfect, has shaped my understanding of resilience.

I also want to thank my One Church Family for being an incredible source of spiritual strength and support. In moments of pain and uncertainty, they have stood by me, nurturing my faith and helping me grow.

Website: https://www.theabsenceofhercommunity.org

Instagram: @iameverretmaxine @theaohcommunity @theabsenceofherpodcast

Facebook: @iameverretmaxine

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamEverretMaxine

Other: TikTok @iameverretmaxine

“The Absence of Her” podcast https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-absence-of-her–3602151

“Crawling to the Cross” by Everret Maxine https://a.co/d/75w75RX

Image Credits
Light Dream Productions

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.