Meet Mirage

We recently connected with Mirage and have shared our conversation below.

Mirage, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from a wealth of life experiences and a compassionate heart. I recognize that not everyone shares my journey or perspective, particularly in maintaining faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Like many, I have faced challenges and hardships, both personally and professionally. However, my steadfast beliefs in GOD, the universe, and the power of manifestation, coupled with the understanding that I am not meant to resonate with everyone, empower me to persevere and move forward.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hello and welcome! My name is Mirage, and I am a professional cruise line performer and model. Although I am not currently signed to any agency, I am actively seeking representation in both talent and commercial fitness modeling. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and attribute my success to the highest power and the supportive universe. I am dedicated to excelling in both performing and modeling and am committed to continuing my journey.

I grew up in Fresno, California, and later graduated from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I have always strived for a fulfilling and impactful life. With many years of freelance modeling experience, I have participated in various projects across Las Cruces, Los Angeles, and Fresno. I am eager to join an agency that will help advance my modeling career. My goal is to represent numerous clothing, skincare, and fitness brands. I bring a unique blend of edginess, professionalism, fun, and ambition, and I aspire to see my face in brands such as Zara, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fashion Nova, JCPenney, Forever 21, H&M, Macy’s, Rue 21, Target, and Walmar and many more.

As my own brand, I hold myself to the highest standards of professionalism and understand that I am responsible for making my dreams a reality. Over the past nine years, I have performed for two cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line and my current company, Royal Caribbean. My passion for performing began in church at the age of eight, and after my first cruise at twelve, I knew I wanted to sing and dance for a living. Achieving this goal, I have become one of the top singers for both companies. My ultimate ambition is to perform my own show with my music and to land a Broadway gig in NYC or the West End.

Modeling and performing are not just paths to fame for me; they are platforms to share my story and inspire young girls who look like me. My resilience comes from a wealth of life experiences and a compassionate heart. I understand that not everyone shares my journey or perspective, but my unwavering faith in GOD, the universe, and the power of manifestation, along with the realization that I am not meant to resonate with everyone, empower me to persevere and move forward.

In the near future, I plan to be signed to a commercial/fitness modeling and talent agency. My journey continues, and I am not stopping anytime soon.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you are interested in getting to know me or booking me for online or land projects, please visit my Instagram profile at [@mirage_miragee](https://www.instagram.com/mirage_miragee) or email me at miragemiragee24@gmail.com.

Best regards,

Mirage

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

D.R.A: The Pillars of Success

Discipline, Resilience, Ambition. these are the three most crucial qualities and skills for achieving success. Each one supports the other, creating a foundation for personal and professional growth.

**Discipline** is the cornerstone of success. It enables you to maintain your routine and stay focused on your goals, even when circumstances are less than ideal. For example, it’s easy to stick to your workout routine when you’re feeling great, but true discipline is shown when you push through despite feeling down or facing personal challenges. Discipline ensures that you keep moving forward, regardless of the obstacles.

**Resilience** is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and distractions. It builds on discipline by helping you recover and continue striving toward your goals. I’ve faced significant losses and hardships, but my discipline has taught me to be resilient. I know that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and that I can overcome any negative energy or challenges that come my way. Resilience makes you strong enough to withstand any hardship or obstacle, no matter how big or small.

**Ambition** is the driving force behind both discipline and resilience. Without a clear goal or aspiration, it’s challenging to maintain discipline and resilience. Ambition fuels your desire to succeed and keeps you motivated. It ensures that you get up every day, remain disciplined, and bounce back from setbacks. Ambition pushes you to chase your dreams relentlessly, preventing you from merely watching others achieve what you’ve always wanted.

These three qualities—Discipline, Resilience, and Ambition—are interconnected and essential for professional success. They also tie into the importance of professionalism. Being professional means being punctual, appropriately dressed, confident, and humble. It means showing respect in every interaction and maintaining a positive demeanor.

Never let others dictate how you should live your life, what to think, how to speak, or what to believe. You are in control of your own journey. Embrace D.R.A, and you will find yourself equipped to handle any challenge and reach any goal.

Remember D.R.A: Discipline, Resilience, Ambition.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The Impact of My Parents on My Life

The most significant contribution my parents made to my upbringing was ensuring I was raised in a healthy, supportive household. They provided for me in every way possible, which I consider the greatest gift they could have given me.

My father epitomized hard work. Despite growing up poor and having to pick cotton, he managed to provide opportunities for me that I couldn’t fully appreciate at the time. I participated in a wide range of activities—soccer, track and field, ballet, gymnastics, basketball, swimming, science classes, theater, and modeling. Despite working 11-hour shifts, he still trained me on weekends, focusing on my stability, stamina, and overall fitness. Even with minimal sleep, he cooked for me and massaged my sore muscles. He was always my biggest supporter, constantly reminding me to have faith in God and myself, emphasizing that with belief, anything is possible.

My mother is my best friend to this day. Growing up, I didn’t always understand her actions or words, but I knew she wanted the best for me. As a sheriff’s dispatcher for 28 years, she faced immense stress, worry, and anxiety. Despite this, she was always there for me, addressing my issues at school and on the field. She worked 12-hour shifts from 10 PM to 7 AM, yet she still made breakfast, prepared us for school, and maintained the household. Her unwavering dedication meant she rarely had a full night’s rest. My mother is a God-fearing woman, steadfast and virtuous, and she remains my confidante and honest advisor. Her truthfulness and support have been invaluable.

As a child, I didn’t grasp the importance of parenting. I felt restricted by their rules and constant questioning, not realizing they were protecting and shaping me. My parents’ sacrifices and discipline were for my benefit, even when I couldn’t see it.

I am profoundly grateful for my parents, who were willing to give their last dollar for my well-being. They provided me with a life filled with opportunities and support. When I expressed my desire to become a model and performer, they supported me wholeheartedly, despite their lack of knowledge in these fields. Their unwavering belief in my potential drives me to work hard and achieve my goals.

I strive to make my parents proud. I want them to see my face on billboards in retail or skincare stores, to watch me on television or on a bigger stage , and to proudly say, “That’s our daughter! We are so proud of the young lady you have become. Well done, baby girl.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mirage_miragee
• Facebook: Mirage_mirageè
• Youtube: Mirageè

Image Credits

hotsnaps.rojae_
DaniLaceyphotography