Happy Wednesday!
This fall I'll be profiling people you may or may not know about and I'm calling it Exclusive Wednesdays. My first subject is a model, actress, producer (is there anything that she doesn't do?), and my good buddy. Some of you may know her from Ashley Stewart and from the cult movie classic "Road Trip". Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mia Amber!
Mia, thanks for sitting down with me for this Q & A. Tell everyone how you got started in the business called show.
I started off as an intern for Geraldo Rivera's, "Geraldo Specials." After college, where I majored in communications I parlayed an internship at the Ricki Lake Show into a career as a producer. Along the way I have also worked on numerous productions including Russell Simmons' HBO Def Comedy Jam, Its Showtime at the Apollo, VH-1 Hard Rock Live and most recently I served as the Senior Booking Producer for Star Jones on Court TV.
That sounds like a lot of fun, and a lot of work. Did you ever feel discriminated against in the workplace?
I have never felt any discrimination. Actually I was somewhat unique at some productions due to my ethnicity and my physical stature. For the most part my ideas were well received and nurtured or developed when they needed to be.
Tell us about your transition from behind the camera producing to being in front of the camera.
While producing at Ricki Lake I auditioned for the role of Rhonda in the DreamWorks feature film, "Road Trip." I landed the role and was subsequently offered the cover of Belle magazine and I was bitten by the modeling bug. I was still producing and I was a size 24. Up until that film and photo shoot, I'd never thought there was a place for me in the industry in front of the camera. I visited agencies and I was told that if I was serious about modeling I'd have to get down to a size 20. I got down to an 18 and started submitting myself for work.
Who were your influences in the modeling world?
I have always been a fan of Lisa Scott. I used to collect her Belle covers. I consider her and Sharon Quinn industry mentors and friends. I also have been a fan of the legendary Gail O'Neill since I can remember. No matter where she was on location or no matter what she was wearing she always owned it and looked like she was born to be there. Tyra Banks is also a great influence on me. We're both actors, models and producers. She has transitioned into a brand and that is also one of my goals.
What are some of the projects that you’ve done where people may recognize you?
I have been blessed to be an Ashley Stewart campaign model for the past four years. I have also had the pleasure of working with Curvation for Queen Latifah, Monif C., Project Runway, The View, Today and many others.
MIA FOR ASHLEY STEWART:
People think that the world of modeling is easy, but those who are in the plus modeling industry have a different perspective.
Being a model is not easy. I tell women all the time that it's not like it is in the movies where the photographers tell you exactly what to do and often times it's definitely not as glamorous! It's hard work and you have to prepare for it like any other job you would want to make a career out of. If you're interested in getting started I've blogged about it on www.myspace.com/Mia_Amber .
A lot of aspiring models want a hook up but there is no such thing...there's no getting around doing the work and being prepared for your own journey.There has NEVER been a time in my life that I have wanted to give up on my dreams of modeling acting or producing. There are definitely times where I want to pull my hair out but I never want to quit!
You’re currently the spokesmodel for Ashley Stewart’s Butterfly Bra collection. What has that experience been like?
I feel quite blessed to have been chosen as the face of the Butterfly Bra campaign. Jill Scott and Ashley Stewart designed the bra with the full figured, ample woman in mind and the nationwide tour we did to promote the bra was a dream come true. I got to meet so many women who had the same issues as I do. I strongly urge women with issues finding a great, affordable bra to log onto http://www.ashleystewart.com/ and take a look at the Butterfly collection.
With everything that you’ve done so far what has been your biggest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
My biggest accomplishment has yet to come. I don't ever want to settle for anything in life. As soon as I conquer a goal it only creates another opportunity for me to reach higher.
Last question: Do you still get recognized for “Road Trip”?
I get recognized from Road Trip just about everyday and most amazing is that sometimes my voice gets recognized before my face does! Recently I was swarmed by a group of guys visiting from Australia. It's amazing how many people you can reach with the telling of a story. I'm truly thankful.
Check out Mia at her myspace page: www.myspace.com/mia_amber.
More pix of Mia...
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