Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Sydney.
Hi Mia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m an actor, singer, die-hard maximalist and personal style enthusiast.
I’m 20 years old now…But at 19, I dropped out of college, left home, and became financially independent. Now it’s been a year supporting myself in Los Angeles, and let me tell you, there is a lot to learn from the College of Life.
My story began on April 4th, 2003…but the most interesting part started last year, in the Summer of 2022. Returning home to San Diego after a year in a highly respected acting program, I had high hopes that college would allow me to exercise my passion for performing. After three years of no live shows, I should be dying. Little did I know I’d be faced with the unexpected challenges of the underclassman. Instead of being on stage, I found myself relegated to the sidelines, watching and observing. Don’t get me wrong; those skills are vital, and I honed them diligently. Yet I was never allowed the opportunity to bring my artistic dreams to life.
It became apparent that I don’t thrive in institutionalized settings, where conformity is often mistaken for dedication. My independent spirit and unwavering self-confidence clashed with the mold college seemed to impose on its students. I realized that I would spend the next three years proving myself to people who didn’t honestly know me. That was my epiphany.
So, I took a bold step. I dropped out of college, leaving behind the structured world that stifled my creativity. I decided to forge my own path and become financially independent, taking the leap into the vibrant city of Los Angeles. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but the College of Life has been my most excellent teacher.
In another daring move, I decided to part ways with my manager when I relocated to the city. The reason behind this bold decision stemmed from a familiar problem I faced during my college days: the pressure to conform. They were trying to shape me into the quintessential HBO love interest or a Netflix sweetheart, but that was simply not who I am. As a result, I found it challenging to secure not just meaningful work but any work at all.
So, I took matters into my own hands. I joined Backstage. I started applying for every role that even remotely piqued my interest. And guess what? This independent approach paid off handsomely.
Since severing ties with my manager, I’ve been involved in three short films, one feature film, numerous music videos, and countless advertisements (one of them even featured Travis Scott). The best part? I’ve managed to support myself entirely through this work, successfully paying my rent without any external assistance.
It’s a journey I embarked on alone, taking control of my career and steering it in a direction that truly reflects who I am. And it has been an exhilarating, fulfilling experience, proving that sometimes, the boldest moves are the ones that lead to the greatest successes.
Embracing my independence has been an illuminating journey, unveiling my authentic self and unveiling the essence of the artist I aspire to become. My true education has come through hands-on experiences, independent exploration, and wholeheartedly embracing the distinctiveness that distinguishes me. Each day unfolds new revelations, teaching me that success often lies in forging my own path rather than adhering to conventional routes. It’s akin to carving a unique trail through uncharted territory.
Over the past year, I’ve experienced a profound journey of self-healing, both emotionally and physically, while also reigniting my love for the arts. Throughout this process, I’ve come to embrace my unique identity, finding freedom in being true to myself without feeling bound by others’ expectations.
I’m at the outset of my journey, eagerly anticipating the unfolding of life’s grand stage and embracing the unknown paths ahead. For those questioning their own journey, let it be known that valuable lessons often stem from life’s unpredictable adventures, transcending traditional sources like books or classrooms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s not a single smooth road in the entity of Los Angeles, literally and metaphorically, and I’ve literally and metaphorically popped many tires.
Here’s the thing; when you’re in college, you have the safety net of a system. Life in LA has been a whirlwind of challenges, forcing me to confront the harsh realities of survival at a young age. From dealing with late payments for jobs I completed months ago to budgeting for essentials like gas, food, and healthcare, I’ve been adulting before I even felt like a genuine adult. The stereotypical LA landlord’s monthly eviction threats and unexpected water issues added to the stress, making me fear losing my home over something beyond my control. However, I’ve realized that these hardships are all part of life’s learning curves, and I’ve always embraced the concept of learning through brutal discoveries.
It was only when I randomly stumbled upon a video from an Alabama Cheerleader on Youtube. It was a try-out vlog in which this college student took us through the process of getting on to the team. At the end of the video, there is a display of hundreds of girls standing outside a window, waiting for a list to be posted. When the list is finally published, they lose their minds with excitement. All of them. I remember thinking, “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about anything.” Then I realized why I was so depressed; I wasn’t putting any time into acting, music, or any projects that fulfilled me. And thus, it was the start of paving the road back to success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist with a rich tapestry of skills and experiences that span various creative realms.
My professional expertise lies in acting and modeling, backed by comprehensive training and extensive on-set knowledge in both fields. I possess a strong comfort level in handling intense scenes, be it portraying violence or intimacy, and I approach potentially challenging shoots with resilience.
As a born actor, I thrive as modeling in avant-garde and experimental photography, where I embrace unconventional concepts fearlessly, including nudity and elaborate prosthetics, if it aligns with the artistic vision. Nevertheless, I am equally adept at capturing simplicity and elegance when the occasion demands it.
Rediscovering my passion for modeling was an incredible journey that unfolded unexpectedly during a casual and spontaneous photoshoot with my dear friend, Evers Pund, the talented photographer. Together, we explored the charming beach town of Encinitas, where I playfully donned a black wig and a vintage floral dress, creating an atmosphere of laid-back elegance accentuated by swirling smoke. The experience was nothing short of amazing.
Upon viewing Evers’ final photos, a realization dawned upon me—I possess a distinct essence as a model. My profound dedication to encapsulating the essence of a story within a single image fills me with immense pride. This commitment, stemming from my background in acting, enables me to skillfully convey emotions and narrate compelling stories through my work.
Yet, this gratifying experience wasn’t solely about my individual prowess; it also showcased the genuine delight of collaborating with like-minded creatives who share my passions. Working with Evers reignited my love for modeling, and I will forever cherish the opportunity to collaborate with such a visionary and inventive artist.
Beyond the realms of acting and modeling, I am also a skilled musician and songwriter. My signature style revolves around haunting melodies and intricately crafted lyrics, adding another layer to my artistic identity.
My uniqueness as an artist lies in my versatility and boundless creativity, effortlessly moving between various artistic disciplines. My brand and future are deeply rooted in authenticity, reflecting my sincere passion for artistic expression and my eagerness to embrace diverse forms of creativity. These defining traits set me apart from others in the industry.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What captivates me most about your city is its rich and diverse culture, which infuses the entire atmosphere with a genuine and one-of-a-kind charm. The city is a treasure trove of family-owned shops and hidden thrift spots, each contributing to its unique character. I especially love exploring Santee Alley and the fashion district, where creativity flourishes, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredibly talented and generous individuals. The city’s dedication to supporting artists is truly commendable, offering not just physical spaces but also numerous opportunities to showcase their skills. The dynamic environment ensures exciting possibilities, like unexpectedly landing a job the very next day, a thrill any artist would appreciate.
However, there are aspects of the city that pose challenges. The road infrastructure leaves much to be desired, leading to frustratingly long commutes, even for short distances. Entitled behavior among some residents and the prevalence of potholes add to the inconvenience. Moreover, as someone involved in the entertainment industry, I’ve witnessed the hurdles caused by nepotism, limiting opportunities for genuinely talented individuals. Additionally, navigating social circles can be daunting, as some groups tend to be exclusive, making it crucial to find the right connections to flourish in certain circles.
Overall, the vibrant culture, diverse communities, and wealth of artistic opportunities make LA an extraordinary place to live and work. Still, it’s important to address the infrastructure and social challenges to create an even more inclusive and efficient environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mia-sydney.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mi4sydn3y/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVUiOGkcZkI&pp=ygUfd2FrZSBub3QgdGhlIGRlYWQgbW92aWUgdHJhaWxlcg%3D%3D
Image Credits
ALL PHOTOS SHOT AND CREATED BY EVERS PUND. https://evers.work https://www.instagram.com/ev.ers/
