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"Every day is an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow, turning life's long roads into a journey of endless possibilities. This isn't just a career; it's a lifestyle of constant evolution and connection."
Mia Laren
Can you recall a specific moment or event that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I was in a dark, deep place, contemplating existence and feeling trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts. I felt like I was living but not truly alive. It was two years after I had graduated from UMBC with a bachelor's degree in dance. I knew I was meant for something more, but I didn’t know what it was. I was left searching for answers I didn’t have. I kept searching for love within myself, for my partner at the time, for life, and for everything that surrounded me.I immersed myself in community volunteering, hoping to find clarity and purpose. I worked as a physical therapy volunteer, a medical assistant, and volunteered for the American Red Cross. Helping others brought love to my soul. At the same time, I was teaching dance at my studio, focusing on private lessons and connecting with people who had suffered trauma. I related to their experiences because of the trauma I had faced in my own life, which led me to search for love and healing. I became a Reiki practitioner and a personal trainer, seeking more ways to help people effectively. Despite all this, I still felt an inner void. Dance was my escape, a place where I could let go and feel free, but while my body was speaking, my lips were not. One random day, I woke up with a sudden inspiration to make music—something I hadn’t seriously considered since I was a little girl. I listened to that inner voice and began making music. It felt like a lightbulb switched on in my head, giving me a new way to express myself. Music became my new language. I adopted my artist name and started crafting songs that reflected my inner experiences. I promised myself that I would change my mindset and never give up on myself. Music transformed my life, giving me the purpose and healing I had been searching for.
What strategies did you employ to stay motivated and focused during tough times?
I was on a mission to make music from the soul, but also relatable to others. I wanted to ensure that I was speaking to people through my music. It felt so natural, from producing the music to writing the lyrics to singing the songs. Despite past bullying about my singing voice and negative comments from relationships, I persevered. An ex once told me that 99% of women do the bare minimum and that I was part of that 99%. Another said I could never make it because I had a bunch of okay qualities. These experiences inspired me to write a book titled "He Said What?!" detailing the hurtful things men I dated had said to me. In high school, my drama teacher singled me out during an audition, telling the whole class that not everyone is a singer, and had me sit back down. These experiences left me doubting myself. Yet, I was determined to listen to the voice in my head urging me to follow my dreams. I felt alone in my vision as people around me doubted me, but I looked past it, knowing anything was possible. I knew that if I worked hard and took my time, I would get there. My dad, a musician, inspired my passion. Hearing him perform every weekend and jamming out with him, making up music together, was special. My mom always supported my journeys. I was the weird kid who had to wear an eye patch on her left eye because she was born legally blind in that eye. I couldn't talk until later, and my parents wondered if I might have a mental illness. I had an IEP teacher follow me around in elementary school because I learned to talk late and was extremely behind. I had to sit in a private room away from my classmates while being made fun of for wearing glasses. In high school, I was sexually assaulted before I had done anything with a guy, and that was my first experience. It happened at school, and it became a topic of conversation. It felt like a movie moment when I walked into any room, and everyone went silent and stared at me. I started skipping classes and spent my time crying. By college, I was involved with the wrong people I dated and ended up in situations that hurt me. I experienced domestic violence and struggled to survive. But I remained positive. I asked myself, "How can I do better? How can I grow from these situations?" Instead of turning to drugs or bad habits, I turned to the arts. I wanted to bring positive change into my life, and that motivation kept me strong through tough times. It's your mindset that changes you.
What were the most valuable lessons you learned from your first success?
The lessons I learned from my journey are powerful:
1. Not everyone will like you or your art, and that's okay. Art is subjective; focus on the love of creating it.
2. Do not take things personally. The hurtful things people say often reflect their own insecurities.
3. You are not alone. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. If you feel isolated, seek new friends and communities of like-minded individuals.
4. Work hard, but also give yourself time to heal and grow. Don't let hard work distract you from addressing your deeper emotions. It's okay to be emotional and sensitive; embrace your true self and blossom like a flower.
5. You are the creator of your life. Situations you're in often teach you valuable lessons. Listen, let go, and keep creating through the process.
How do your current projects reflect your growth and evolution as an artist?
As I continue making music, I keep discovering more of my sound. We are constantly evolving, and my music reflects this as an expression of the soul. I challenge myself by learning new skills like self-directing and editing my music videos, producing in different genres, and experimenting with various vocal tones. During the COVID-19 2020 pandemic, I earned my master's in public health through an accelerated one-year program while working two jobs—teaching at Fortis College and serving as a medical assistant at a COVID testing clinic. This experience allowed me to merge my public health background with my music, addressing issues like domestic violence ("Hoping for a Better Man") and mental health ("Better Than Before"). My goal is to show people that they are not alone. Creating the song "Wanna Go Home" for Embodied Mind Studio's opening ceremony, which promoted self-love, inspired me to connect more deeply with the creative and entrepreneurial community. I recognized the need for more opportunities for these individuals to share their voices. I am dedicated to helping people and improving the community in any way I can. With this vision, I collaborated with my partner, Isaac Leo, and we swiftly put everything together. We are excited to launch this platform, marking just the beginning. The future holds endless possibilities—it's up to you to make it happen.
What role does continuous learning and self-improvement play in an artist's journey?
A Nobel Peace Prize winner was once asked what she would do after receiving this esteemed honor, and she replied that she would embark on learning something new. She reflected on the power of the brain and the importance of lifelong learning. Research shows that having a growth mindset is essential, emphasizing that "becoming is better than being." Every day is a new opportunity to start fresh, to learn, and to challenge yourself. Life is not easy; the roads are hard and long, and they do not have shortcuts. I know I make amazing music and dance, but I always ask myself, "How can I do better?" I am here, but how can I keep reaching higher? It's crucial to remember that we have a community to reach out to, ask questions, collaborate with, and continue connecting with. Never stop enjoying the process. This is not just a career; this is a lifestyle.
"Every day is an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow, turning life's long roads into a journey of endless possibilities. This isn't just a career; it's a lifestyle of constant evolution and connection." - Mia Laren
Follow Mia Laren:
Official Site:Â www.mialaren.com
Youtube:Â www.youtube.com/c/mialaren
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