Meet Raven Miles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Miles.

Raven, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey started exciting right from the start. I was born June 2nd, 1995 in Omaha Nebraska. I was born 4 months premature with a very unlikely chance of surviving the night. The doctors told my mother that if lived through the night I had a 5% chance of living to be a “ normal child “. I wouldn’t be able to play and interact with other children, I’d have learning disabilities, wouldn’t be able to play sports or socialize. My mother was facing many health complications and her life was at risk as well. My father, unfortunately, couldn’t be there as he had just gotten drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and needed to complete a training camp. Thanks to God and the wonderful doctors my mother and I survived.

My family ended up moving to Canada where I spent 19 years moving around different Provinces. I was a competitive gymnast and won a Gold medal in vault and silver medal in the all around the category. I became fluent in French and placed top three in our provincial French speech competitions. I was determined to prove that I could do anything I set my mind to. Being born prematurely was not going to hold me back. I recognized that many young girls were suffering from some of the issues I was worried about; bullying, low self esteem, body insecurities, and social anxiety. I decided to create a fitness camp to empower these young girls to appreciate everyone’s differences, uplift one another, and learn a healthy lifestyle with exercise and clean eating.

While moving around Canada I always made sure to pursue acting classes and auditions. When it came time for me to decide a career path I knew acting is what I wanted to do. I moved to LA to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I act to share stories that people may overlook, shy away from, escape, or need. Sometimes it’s difficult to acknowledge our struggles and fears. I hope to share stories that encourage people to find the humanity in each other again. To watch my character and feel hope that what you’re going through will get better. To inspire reaching your goals and spread love.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been some bumps in the road but I believe that’s what makes the destination worth it. It’s really about the journey. Everything that you overcame to reach your dreams. I’m extremely close with my family so having them be so far away has been difficult. The day to day rejection of auditions can weigh on you. However, every rejection is pushing you that much closer to a “yes”.

Please tell us about your work.
I’ve been blessed to portray characters that have beautiful and rich stories. Characters that I admire for their strength and fight. One of my first films was with director Astor Stark. One of the things I loved most about that film was the crew was mostly women. It was amazing being on the predominately female production. It’s extremely empowering knowing that we are making great strides to affirm our place in this industry. Women are powerful and inspiring and together I believe we are capable of some beautiful and brilliant things!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I define success by the quality of stories I am telling. If just one person tells me they didn’t give up on their dreams or they pushed through a difficult situation then I would feel like I was successful. Also because I grew up in such a sports minded home I would love to find a way to combine my love for sports and lessons I’ve learned with my love for acting!! That would be the ultimate dream.

Contact Info:

• Email: raemiles09@yahoo.ca
• Instagram: Raemiles

Image Credit:
Sheldon Botler Photography

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