Meet Mia Upshaw

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mia Upshaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mia below.

Hi Mia , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room isn’t always easy but that’s never stopped me from standing tall in exactly who I am. As a Black woman, I’m often the only one who looks like me in the room and guess what? I’m not shrinking myself to make anyone comfortable.

I don’t mold myself to fit in. I don’t shape-shift my voice, my style, or my presence just to blend in. My hair is different. My nails are long. I may say things a little differently. But that’s me and I’m not apologizing for it. I don’t just belong in these rooms I own my space in them.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a multi-business owner who wears a lot of hats and wears them well. In addition to working in the film industry, I partner with brands and businesses to elevate their digital presence through strategic social media, bold graphic design, and creative brand management that actually connects.

Right now, we’re expanding and looking to collaborate with more influencers and brands especially on YouTube to help grow their video audience with strong visuals and scroll-stopping content. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, we bring the creative vision and strategy to make your brand pop.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My top skills? Resilience, strategic thinking, and self-focused discipline. I don’t crumble when things get hard I adapt, refocus, and keep going. Every move I make is intentional and backed by a plan. Do not focus on what others are doing stay locked in on your own growth. I stay in my lane, focused on building something real, lasting, and uniquely mine.

For advice I would say, focus on yourself. Do not worry about other people and where they are etc. Listen to yourself and what is best for you and your businesses. Every big move or decision I made or wanted to make was always met with people doubting me or giving their unwanted opinion. And if I listened to them I would be miserable. Do what is best for you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We’re always eager to partner with influencers and new business owners who want to elevate and expand their digital content through strategic brand development and creative storytelling.

On the film and video side, we collaborate with visionary creatives looking to bring their film projects to life whether you’re an indie artist ready to tell your story through compelling music videos or a filmmaker with a dream waiting to be realized.

Ready to connect? Send us a message through our website, social media channels, or email me directly with any questions. Let’s make magic happen together.

Contact Info:

• Website: Film & Video: miaupshawprods.com Branding & Creative Content: youreliteagency.com
• Instagram: @miaupshaw @miaupshawprods @youreliteagency
• Facebook: @miaupshaw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-upshaw-07a292202/
• Twitter: @upshawmia

Image Credits

Photograph by Courtland Galore: Mia Upshaw, Simone Jackson, and Uzoamaka Njoku on the set of a music video.

Photograph by Courtland Galore: Luke Puzdrakiewicz and Mateo Fernandez on the set of a music video.

Photograph by Kyron “Lenzlootr” Wilson: Uzo Njoku and Tamia Fontenette with artist Royale.

Photograph by Kyron “Lenzlootr” Wilson: Musical artist Royale.

Photograph by Kyron “Lenzlootr” Wilson: Musical artist Royale.