In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Mya Barber, a rising star in the music world. What makes this episode unique is that Mya and our host, Mike, have only known each other for a handful of days, thanks to their shared participation in the Festival of Three, a renowned music festival in the Baltic region of Eastern Europe.

Mya, the ‘headliner’ of the festival, graced us with her presence as we recorded this episode in the lobby bar of our hotel in Estonia. As we delved into the conversation, the episode unfolded with a delightful cocktail segment featuring a special mocktail crafted for Mya, sans alcohol as Mya abstains from drinking.

The core theme of our podcast revolves around individuals pursuing their passions, often in fields deemed impractical. Mya, a gifted singer and actress, shared her journey and the profound impact of her musical pursuits. The episode explores the roots of her passion, her experiences at the Festival of Three, and the emotional depth she brings to her performances.

Mya’s musical journey has been on going for as long as she can remember. Mya fondly remembers her childhood and always wanting to be a singer. She comes from a family with a rich musical heritage, including a grandmother who was a professional opera singer, Mya’s love for music runs deep. She candidly shared her struggles as a vocal performance major and the pivotal moment when she shifted to a communications major, finding a balance that enhanced her overall well-being and academic success.

A poignant moment in the episode arises when Mya discusses the spiritual aspect of her music. She delves into her desire to connect with God, emphasizing the role of faith and prayer in her performances. The music showcased at the Festival of Three had an underlying tone of great Christian faith.

Mya also touched upon the challenges of balancing humility and confidence in the competitive world of music. As an emerging artist, she finds herself navigating the fine line between self-promotion and remaining humble and approachable. Mike and Mya explore the nuances of being an entrepreneur in the music industry, emphasizing the need to diversify talents beyond performance.

The episode concludes with Mya’s aspirations for the future, including dreams of performing on Broadway, classical stages, and traveling the world to share her music. Mya exudes humility, gratitude, and a genuine appreciation for her journey.

In a heartfelt piece of advice to her younger self, Mya encourages perseverance and self-belief. “Hold on in there and fight for your dreams,” she says, assuring others that they are not alone in their journey.