Ones To Watch: Mia Rose Morgan
Photos: Lee Clower | Writer: Taylor Kate
On the topic of Mia Rose Morgan, a thought begins to form around her head of gorgeous curly hair, striking blue eyes, and the heart and talent that trumps both. The thought? That Mia—the latest addition to the “Ones to Watch” series in partnership with La Petite Magazine & Lee Clower —seems to be a step ahead.
The dancer and musician has added her own personal spark to the industry strutting down various runways including Bonnie Young, MonnaLisa, and Alivia Simone, as well as featured in ad campaigns like Brooks Brothers, Gap and Nike.
Mia's proven her ambitions stream far beyond the world of fashion. Modern dance, hip hop, ballet, tap, composing, and drumming all seamlessly meet with her life in front of the camera-- and she wouldn't have it any other way.
As she let me inside her world, hair surrounding her face in perfectly undone curls, she sweetly gushed about fashion, dance, travel and the future. And then I realized, not for the first time, that Mia Rose Morgan is always one step ahead.
Q&A:
pP: What’s your favorite part about being on a shoot?
MRM: The best part about shooting is the different people that I get to meet. It’s amazing how close you get to the people you work with. Once I was in a short film, and by the end of the shoot I was in tears because I was so upset that I wasn’t going to see the cast and crew every day anymore.
pP: Do you remember your first shoot? What was that experience like?
MRM: My first shoot was for Capezio. They had chosen me from my dance school. I had never modeled before so I was a little anxious, but it ended up being a really cool experience. Not only were the people really nice, but instead of typical poses they had me doing jumps and dance positions, which made me really comfortable. I had a blast.
pP: What was the most memorable experience in your career so far?
MRM: When I modeled for Brooks Brothers during the holidays. I didn’t realize that in addition to the photo shoot they were also doing a short commercial that aired in NYC taxi cabs. It was a big surprise and super exciting to see.
pP: Is there anything that you have learned on a shoot that you have taken with you, not just in fashion, but in other aspects of your life, like in school or sports?
MRM: Confidence goes a long way. When I am shy or hold back, I feel like I didn’t do my best. When I am myself and know I gave it my all, I always feel good. This has helped me in dance and school too. Just realizing that when I believe in myself I am able to accomplish so much more.
pP: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing during your free time?
MRM: I dance at Rod Rodgers [Dance Company] all afternoon Wednesday, and all day Saturday. I take modern, hip hop, ballet, pointe, tap, composition and conga. My best friends dance there, too. It’s a really amazing school, and the people there are like family to me.
pP: If you could see the front page of a national newspaper dated, April 7, 2100, what do you think the main headline might say?
MRM: “Jets Win the Super Bowl” because it would make my aunt and my grandpa really happy.
pP: What do you want to be when you grow up?
MRM: A model or an actress or both. And also a dance teacher.
pP: What's your favorite place you've visited?
MRM: I don’t really have a favorite place, but I really like to travel any place my whole family goes together. It is the one time my older brother and I really get to hang out. We are all really close and have such a good time. We always come back with the funniest stories.
pP: What's your favorite shop?
MRM: My favorite shops are Mikey Likes It Ice Cream and The Bakery at 740 Bergen Street. Mikey Likes It Ice Cream on Avenue A names their ice cream flavors after singers, rappers or movies. The best ones are the Foxy Brown and the Ice Ice Baby. The Bakery at 740 Bergen Street in Brooklyn has the best macaroons ever and the owner, Akim, is so nice.
pP: Who do you admire?
MRM: My aunt. She can draw beautifully, is an amazing dancer and writes well. She’s not afraid to be silly, and she can talk to anyone. She is athletic and always treats people really well. I am always learning from her. I have so much fun whenever I am with her. She teaches me how to do things better and why being a good person is important. I hope that when I am older, someone will look up to me the way I look up to her. She’s the coolest person after Beyonce.
pP: How would you describe yourselves in one word?
MRM: Silly.
pP: What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
MRM: Ms. Kim, the artistic director from Rod Rodgers, always tells us to do our personal best. Each semester, we are forced to push ourselves and our limitations, and it makes us grow as dancers and people.
pP: If the whole world were listening right now, what would you say?
MRM: If there is anything you want, go for it, even if it’s a lot of work because to see your dreams come true is like nothing else in the world.