“The Heart Specialist”, a romantic comedy based on a true story starring Wood Harris, Zoe Saldana, Brian White, Mya, and a host of other stars, initially premiered at the Boston Film Festival as a short in 2006.   After winning the festival, it took writer/director/producer Dennis Cooper a few more years to secure funding and turn this film into a full length feature.  This past Tuesday, October 4, “The Heart Specialist” was released on Blu-Ray and DVD.  I had the great pleasure to speak with two stars from the film, Mya and Brian White.  This post will detail my conversation with DC area native, Mya.

We all became familiar with Mya with her debut single “It’s All About Me” in 1998.  Since then, she has gone on to release six studio albums, appear in dozens of shows and movies, and won a SAG award for her performance in “Chicago”.   She’s currently working on her 8th album K.I.S.S. (Keep it Sexy & Simple) Version 2.  With an upcoming birthday (October 10), Mya is continuing having fun in her life but staying busy.  “The business is challenging”, Mya states, “but I stay grounded by having my spirituality and having a great support system.”  When asked what drew her to the role of Valerie, the ex-love interest of Brian White, Mya told me it was her “personal experience.  I was interested in the way the film exposed the medical field; plus the script was pretty funny.”  While she originally filmed this in 2006, she didn’t spend too much time with the entire cast, many of whom were added on later, but she still keeps in touch with Zoe (Saldana) and Wood (Harris). 

Mya always knew she wanted to act…but in the theater.  Growing up as a dancer, she had no idea her career path would take her down the road she’s travelled.  When asked if she knew her musical career would branch into modeling and film, Mya stated, “I never saw myself as a model; that’s not something I aspired to be.  But I did design a lot of sketches and outfits I saw being made for stage shows.  I did that before I even got my record deal.  So I definitely thought I would be designing over modeling.  Regarding acting, Broadway was something I wanted to be a part of early in my teens; so definitely acting, but maybe more in a theatrical way, in live stage performances.”   Regarding her experience while performing in the Oscar winning movie “Chicago” and thus winning her Screen Actor Guild’s Award for Best Acting Ensemble, Mya described her experience in one word-“AMAZING!” 

Mya continues to stay busy and has numerous projects and activities on which she’s working.  First, K.I.S.S. Verson 2 will be released via her website, www.myamya.com, in December 2012.  She will also participate in a marathon on November 6 in New York City for the ING NYC Marathon.  To find out more about Mya’s team, to hear her personal message, and to donate, visit her site at www.AnimalLeague.org/RunMya.  To keep in touch with Mya, visit her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MissMya. 

I want to thank Mya for allowing me to interview her.  Don’t forget to get your copy of “The Heart Specialist”, currently available on Blu-Ray and DVD!  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!