We were lucky to catch up with Semaj Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Semaj, 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?
I honestly don’t know, lol… maybe I’m stubborn but I’ve always had a pretty strong belief in myself and my ability to make my life better. I do consider that to be one of my superpowers, the resilience not being stubborn. It’s one I wish I didn’t rely on as often because the story of my life, sometimes, feel like a bunch of great highs followed by devastating lows. But I stopped dwelling on the bad things, nowadays no matter how hard the blow or uncertain things feel, fortunately I’m able to will myself into showing up and push for something better. I guess, if I had to pinpoint where that comes from, as a kid, I read a lot because I didn’t have a lot of friends and I loved stories about people overcoming crazy odds and being better for it. So, yea, that’s where that comes from- being inspired by other peoples’ journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an actor/writer by trade, of both the stage and screen, but it feels as if that’s doesn’t quite capture what I do.
I’ve started calling myself a lonely kid in recovery and I share that because, at the heart of what I’m trying to do is build community. My personal belief, if that’s okay, is that the primary job of an artist is to make people feel less alone.
In the spirit of that I’m writing a couple pilots, my first feature, and prepping to do a play in Seattle. For the work I’m developing, I hope it brings people together. I brought my cabaret Sweet Bea’s to LA back in December and we presented it like a BBQ. We actually ordered BBQ for the audience and it made for a pretty dope night at the theater.
Of course, as a creative everything is not within my control, and I need to be able to make my rent. But my hope is that my work aligns with my purpose of making people feel less alone.
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?
Finding joy in everything, even in times of uncertainty, asking for what I need, and learning to embrace my fears without being shackled by it have really impacted this part of my journey. I also carry a belief that I got from “The Alchemist” that basically says that the universe conspires in your favor when you pursue your own personal legend.
For me, believing that the universe isnt’ against me while reminding myself to find joy, even in the rough patches, and to ask for what I need (even though I hate asking for help) actually keeps me in community and by moving through my fear and shame that can develop more authentic connections has helped me a lot.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m still very much new to LA and am still trying to build my community here. I’m very much interested in connecting with folks interested in curating/creating/strengthening community through art. The best way to connect… IG: @Semaj__M
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.semajmiller.com/
- Instagram: Semaj__M
Image Credits
Headshots: Nogen Beck Three Musketeers at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Joe Sofranko
