We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Myah Daniels. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Myah below.
Myah, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I did not come from a lot growing up. I was raised by a single mother who worked incredibly hard to support my brother and I by herself. Women have always been the leaders in my family, so I think I naturally took on a lot of work very early in my life because that’s what I saw.
On top of that, I was raised in a town that lacked diversity. I constantly felt the need to prove myself as one of the very few black students at my school. I was never going to adhere to other people’s stereotypes, so I graduated top 10% of my class, I gave the first speech at graduation and received the largest scholarship that year. I also joined every artistic class/club you can think of.
Being in the arts instilled a very strict work ethic in me. In the words of my middle school band teacher, Mr. McKay, “If you’re not five minutes early, you’re late.” To this day, I arrive at all of my auditions at least 15 minutes early.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
When people ask me what I do, I always want to quote “Rose in Harlem” by Teyana Taylor. “What do she do?’ I do everything.” Jokes aside, I can confidently say I am a storyteller. I am most known amongst my community for my work as an actress and a writer.
I moved out to Los Angeles from Northern California in 2019 to go to acting school. That journey took a crazy turn six months into my program when the pandemic hit. How do you think acting on Zoom went? I can tell you… not great. Nonetheless, I persevered and graduated into an industry unknown. I worked diligently to get representation, which was successful. I actually had to leave my full-time job so I could manage the number of auditions I started getting.
Fast forward to May 2023 and boom there’s the WGA strike followed by the SAG strike (which is still going). During this time I have focused on developing a new pilot, networking, and taking classes. Oh, and I assistant teach a business of the business course, which I am loving. Arts and education is a huge passion of mine, and what better way to learn yourself than to teach?
My goal for the new year is to expand my network of BIPOC creatives, specifically in the Los Angeles area. You can find me on Instagram @myahdaniels_.
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?
Looking back, I would say developing multiple skill sets, having a supportive community, as well as maintaining a positive mindset have been incredibly impactful on my journey as an artist.
I have a BA in Communication as well as minors in Theater and Professional Writing, along with an MFA in Acting. Though it is an interesting mix of credentials, having so many skills has allowed me to support myself. Acting and writing gigs are often fleeting, so as an artist, you must learn to support yourself financially in between projects. I worked in the corporate field using my degree in Communication throughout my MFA program so I could pay for school. I knew I wanted it so I used what I learned to get it. Currently, I use my MFA to teach fresh actors about the industry. I also do freelance writing gigs. Long story short, I can’t audition if I can’t pay the bills.
Having a supportive community is also essential in such an unstable career. It is so important to surround yourself with people who uplift you and believe in your dreams and vice versa. You want to be around people who inspire you and make you want to push yourself even further toward your dreams. If you find yourself in situations with people who bring you down or doubt yourself, cut them off. If their actions or behaviors make you question their morals, cut them off.
Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude has kept me going even when things seem hard. It seems like such a woo-woo thing to say, but your mindset is everything. If you don’t believe in yourself or live in fear, there is no way you can get where you want to be. Anxiety and gratitude can’t exist at the same time. Believe in yourself!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I recently joined an actor’s accountability group and wow, it has helped me grow so much! Once a month I meet with a group of fellow young actresses and we go through everything from finances, to how we feel about our latest auditions, to sharing creative assignments from the previous month. Going back to having a supportive community, I highly recommend having one that holds you accountable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myahdaniels.com/
- Instagram: myahdaniels_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myahdaniels/
- Other: Casting Networks: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/30ff2ede-9159-11ea-9bfa-0291f623b406
Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/myahdaniels
Image Credits
IMG 1 (GREEN): Molly Pan Photography IMG 2 (COMMERCIAL): Nu Context Media Production Company IMG 3 (FACE WASH): Oddli IMG 4 (THEATRE): Joey Snap Photography
