Creative Woman Spotlight: Mia Raye Smith

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Our next creative spotlight is Mia Raye Smith, a playwright and actress, born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Queens, New York. She studied acting at the William Esper studio before developing her own solo play, “I Am Hope.” Smith has toured all over sharing her talents with many audiences alike (NOW, CBC, Shedoesthecity.com, Fordham Observer, Mooney Theatre, etc) and receiving a critic pick from the NOW Toronto magazine. She was also the recipient of a grant from the Queens Council on Arts to create and perform her second solo play. You can find more on her and her upcoming projects on her website: https://www.miarayesmith.com/ .

What exactly led you to present your story in the form of a one woman show?

Mia Raye Smith: I went to school for acting, and I’ve always had a desire to tell my own stories, but it wasn’t until I was enrolled in Matt Hoverman’s Go- Solo workshop that I was able to write, produce and perform my first solo play, I am Hope.

Can you talk a little about yourself and your journey with mental health?

Mia Raye Smith: I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Queens, NY. My family roots are Creole and African American from Louisiana. I’m rooted in gumbo, family and faith. Being raised in Queens has allowed me to develop characters in my work from multicultural backgrounds. In my teenage years, I was immersed in musical theatre, and that experience forced me to learn my way around Manhattan and to meet other kids from different boroughs. I felt unstoppable at the time, until I had my first panic attack at 18 years old. At the time, I was convinced that something was medically wrong with me.

The beginning of my mental health journey was spent in emergency rooms and doctor offices because I couldn’t accept the diagnosis of anxiety. My anxiety lives more in my body than in my mind. I’ve dealt with a variety of physical symptoms throughout my years of healing, but I made a choice to continue to pursue my dreams despite the challenges I’ve faced with my mental health. Writing and performing about my story has been a rewarding journey. I am so grateful for the time and space that I’ve had to live authentically in my truth while inspiring others to do the same.

My mental health journey is always changing, evolving and expanding based on who I am becoming and what that season in my life requires of me. Managing my anxiety disorder is a full-time job, even with the help of a therapist. There is so much that has to be done outside of my sessions in order for me to function and to find a healthy balance.

What are some ways you try to be mindful/continue on your wellness journey?

Mia Raye Smith: I recently incorporated practicing mindfulness into my daily routine because I constantly found myself thinking about the future. My therapist recommended that I start practicing mindfulness to be more present. Being mindful means that I’m more present in whatever task I’m doing at that moment. There are plenty of times throughout my day that I look for moments to be mindful. You can cook and be mindful, walk and be mindful and take mindful showers. It’s all about being in that moment without any distractions. This has been helping me to avoid the trap of destination happiness.

What are some tips you would give other young women/people in general in regards to their own mental health and expression (through arts or any lens you would like to take)?

Mia Raye Smith: My advice to anyone looking to share their mental health journey through any creative lens is to realize that your story matters and there is room for you tell it. There will be rejection and loneliness, and at times you will feel doubt, but never lose hope in telling your story. Be consistent and find people who can support you through this process.

What is some advice you might have given your younger self regarding wellness and/or your truth?

Mia Raye Smith: I would tell my younger self to slow down and to enjoy this journey because ultimately, you will end up where you are supposed to be, and the job you dread going to is here to prepare you for all the tasks you will have to complete as a solopreneur.

If you want to know more about Mia’s work, follow her on twitter @miarayesmith.

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Gabrielle

Ford

Gabrielle Ford is the SBG editorial assistant. She attends St. John’s University in New York City where she is a junior and majors in English. Gabrielle enjoys writing poetry and creative works as well as exploring the city in her free time. You can follow her @_xogabrielle on instagram.