We recently had the chance to connect with Meredith Miranda and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Meredith, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The peace and quiet I’ve cultivated is what I’m most proud of. I’ve always been a hard and typically smart worker. Lately I’ve been working slowly but with more intention than ever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Filipino-American storyteller. I sometimes wonder what those words mean exactly, but it feels true, and I am proud to say them. I feel very Filipino, and American in a nostalgic and hopeful spirit. I’m constantly discovering more about myself as a storyteller. Writer, director, actor, photographer—whatever the vision or vessel may be on any given day, I live to tell stories that are true to my experience, with a sprinkle of magic and drama anywhere I can get away with it.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My theatre directing mentor, James Rice, always says, “Good. Better. Best.” I’ve learned from incredible directors and teachers, and I’ve had some really challenging and rewarding experiences learning to act and direct, but my work with Rice over the years taught me that telling stories doesn’t always have to be totally painstaking work. He taught me that the work can be as fun, nurturing and enjoyable as it is fulfilling and rewarding.
Rice’s “Good. Better. Best,” tenant encapsulates everything I embody in my work ethic today. Do good work everytime you can. Then do better work; grow. Then make sure you’re doing your best, to achieve the best. I hope that’s what he meant.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are times I feel like doing so. But my curiosity, love, and passion for the work endures through all of the natural challenges. I know I’m going to keep doing this until I’m an old lady.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to telling stories that inspire spectral human connection but also speak strongly to people like me. I grew up watching classic American and Filipino films; this shaped my cultural identity early on. I was fortunate to have parents who were just as proud to be from the Philippines as they were to have made it to America. I will be forevermore in love with telling stories that represent the heart and soul, and tragedies and triumphs of that experience.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MeredithMiranda.com
- Instagram: @meredithmiranda
- Other: https://Backstage.com/MeredithMiranda
Image Credits
Photography by Sam Kozel
