Meet Mia Laren | Singer & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia Laren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I was always more on the artistic side. Even though I was a tomboy, I spent my time singing at talent shows, making arts and crafts with my family, putting on self-directed plays, and creating fashion designs for fun with my sister. I still remember recording a duet with my sister and choreographing a dance for my mom as a Christmas present. We also recorded a talk show, dressing up as funky characters and having the best time just being goofy. These little moments of self-expression have significantly influenced my life today.

When I was 16, I created a small dance studio in my parents’ basement and found clients on Craigslist, which is quite unheard of now. I taught multiple people for only $20 a lesson and even taught the neighborhood kids for fun, leading to us winning second place in a local talent show. Those memories are incredibly special to me.

In a world that often feels very rigid and demands conformity, I’ve always had the attitude to be my own person. Pursuing an artistic career allows me to embrace and express my individuality. It’s a way for me to bring joy, creativity, and authenticity into my life and the lives of others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started making music at the age of 27, which goes to show that you are never too old to begin something new. My main message is that there are no strict guidelines or rules—just be yourself and keep creating, and the world will respond. Getting to where I am today has not been easy; it has been very stressful at times. I had to sacrifice going out on weekends to sit at my computer and create songs, learning the process along the way. You must love the process and love creating.

The most stressful part for me is releasing my music. I get anxiety every time I release a song because writing music makes me my most vulnerable self. Sharing my music feels like shedding a part of me that I’m unsure people will like. At one point, I didn’t even like who I was. But I allow myself to speak from the heart so that others can recognize it, listen, and feel that they are not alone.

Every story has challenges. Every story has a road filled with stones, hills, and rivers. How we travel that road is what’s important. In life, we must sacrifice things to get what we want later. I’ve spent thousands of dollars—my own money—investing in music to remain an independent artist so I can own all my music and have full control of my artistic expression. Instead of spending on new clothes or shoes (which I buy once every two years if needed), I invest everything in my music. So no, I don’t have much to show for my work other than minutes of music and words that come from a vulnerable heart.

I want the world to know that anything is possible based on the choices you make. You can make it happen. If you haven’t done it yet, it’s within you to change the outcome. Many people ask me how I do it, and while I might make it look easy, I am constantly trying to get to the next level with sweat, tears, and lots of hard work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d plan a week filled with fun, meaningful, and memorable experiences. We’d start with a dance lesson, as I’ve been teaching dance since I was 16, which is a great way to express ourselves and gain confidence. Following that, we’d enjoy deep, meaningful conversations over a relaxed meal at a local café, and then spend the evening cooking a meal together at home. We’d explore the outdoors with a hike and a picnic, visit a local art gallery or museum for some intellectual stimulation, and take a cooking class to try new recipes and learn about the history of dishes, which I find fascinating.

Immersing ourselves in the local culture by attending a festival, visiting historic sites, and experiencing live performances would be next on our agenda. We’d also spend time at a bookstore or library, visit a thought-provoking exhibit, and have a game night at home. A day of relaxation with yoga, a spa visit, and a quiet dinner with a beautiful view would help us unwind. I’d also introduce them to Reiki, offering a session to help balance and harmonize their energy, as I’m a Reiki practitioner. Finally, we’d end the week with a leisurely brunch, a spontaneous adventure like a road trip to a nearby town or hiking at a waterfall, and a farewell feast.

For me, the best experiences come from connecting deeply with people, enjoying great food, and engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, body, and soul.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my incredible parents, who have been the most supportive figures in my journey. My dad was a rockstar in every sense of the word—working as a superintendent in construction by day and playing music by night and on weekends. I still remember watching him perform with his band around the local area. We even have a VHS tape of him holding me as a baby while performing a song on stage. Having a rockstar dad who loved the arts was truly inspiring. We would jam out together, with him on the guitar and me singing alongside him. It was the perfect dad and daughter duo. To this day, we still jam together, and I’m incredibly proud of him for making his own album of music. Shoutout to Panama Rex!

The other shoutout goes to my amazing mom, a NASA engineer who inspired me to work really hard. I was born with a speech impediment, which caused me to fall behind in school and become an IEP student. On top of that, I was legally blind in one eye, making things even more challenging. My mom studied with me tirelessly before and after school to get me on grade level so I could be with my friends in middle school. She always engaged us in arts and crafts, and she would bring us to work often. I remember decorating her office with as many pictures as possible, covering each wall.

She has always encouraged us to follow our dreams, especially after facing her own health challenges, including vasculitis and a kidney transplant. She taught us to live day by day and appreciate the special moments. I love my mom and dad so much—they are truly the best parents. Late nights staying up and talking about life, calling them up randomly because I need to talk about what to do next—they are always there, ready to listen. They are my heroes.

Website: https://www.mialaren.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mialaren_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-laren-73a622264/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mialarennn/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mialaren

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RhO2uPNAkiDUILtScdDVF?si=M_Ee3AbVRc-A0S3ovMKW_Q