Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Ortega
Hi Mia , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Mia Ortega and I was born in South Central Los Angeles. I was raised by my Grandmother until I was adopted by my Aunt and her partner when I was 10 years old. It was tough at the time, but I knew being adopted would be for the best. At that age, I didn’t really didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to do with my life. Coming from a rough childhood, my Moms wanted so much more for me. They taught me how to believe in myself and that possibilities were endless. They didn’t want my past to define me. My Moms introduced me to traveling, trying different sports, acting summer camps and even new languages like Spanish and Chinese. They created a space for me to decide what made me happy and what made me me. In High School, I fell in love with Show Choir! I thought to myself, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life” Singing and performing were the only two thing that I truly felt passionate about. After High School, I joined a non profit organization called The Young Americans. I fell in love with the idea of helping kids and bringing out the best in them. I completed 9 international Music Outreach tours. Our goal was to help students from Kindergarden to High School attain self confidence, self-esteem, and respect for others through music, dance and performance. I owe the YA’s for where I am in my career today. After spending 4 years with YA’s, I went on to performing on cruise ships. I was a Principal Vocalist in numerous production shows. I worked for Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises. My most recent roles have been Nala at Disneyland Paris and Diana Ross in a Studio 54 themed show in Singapore. I’m currently spending a lot of time in London pursuing the West End. I’ve fallen in love with the UK and it’s always been a dream of mine to be in a Broadway show. I’m so grateful for how my life turned out. There have been ups and downs, but I’ve never given up. I’m pretty proud of that lost little girl I used to be. She’s still inside me, but she’s so proud of where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was challenging for me to understand why I had to leave my grandma who was raising me. I saw her as my Mother. I knew it was for the best, but I was so attached to her it hurt so much.
I knew I wanted to be a performer, but I didn’t have the confidence for a long time. It held me back from booking a lot of jobs I felt I was perfect for.
I struggle with anxiety from time to time and it gets in the way of my daily productivity. I’m in therapy, and I’ve found so many holistic approaches that help me tremendously.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d have to say I’m known for being a performer. I am most proud of playing Nala in The Lion King. My empathetic personality and how I can make anyone feel comfortable being themselves is what sets me apart from others. I also have an amazing work ethic and I go above and beyond when it comes to any I. I truly care about people and I always try to see the best in them.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always open to collaborating with creative people. My Wife, IndigoHz is a Producer/Songwriter from the UK and we’re currently working on an EP in my home studio. We’re always open to working and meeting new people in LA as well as London.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @themiaortega_
Image Credits
Headshots Photo Cred: Luis Ribeiro and Clara Eaton Ribeiro
2 Diana Ross Photos Cred in Red:
Vogue Singapore (one with mic in hand)
IndigoHz (the one without the mic)
