We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laurie Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Laurie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Writing my memoir has been the most challenging and meaningful projects to date! As one of the creators and original members of the pop group Expose’, I have recently gotten a lot of attention about the story behind the original line up and the sequence of events that led to the breakup and sequential new line up of 3 new girls. This led to a remake of our hit song “Point of No Return” and a lot of misinformation concerning what really happened. Interest in a doc-drama musical series has inspired me to first create my memoir.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I was born and raised here in Miami, Florida where I always feel the most at home. I’ve been an artist and musician since I was a young kid. Our house was always filled with music of so many different genres.
I was introduced to yoga at the age of 13. Eastern philosophies and cultures have always intrigued me. I found my first teacher and spiritual mother, Swami Naranda Devi … (also known as Edith Epstein,) while riding my bicycle around my neighborhood in North Miami Beach. I fell in love immediately and felt an innate connection with Naranda and this ancient practice. We studied Eastern Philosophies, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Regression, Nutrition, Meditation and so much more! At 21 I got my first certification to teach Hatha Yoga and was given my spiritual name of Krishna Devi. It was my Yoga practice that enabled me to get a dance scholarship and then to be plucked from class for a World Tour.
Throughout the years, I have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines as well as at corporate events and theatrical productions ranging from musical theater, lavish nightclub revues, intimate jazz clubs and major label recording projects.
I am known in the music industry as one of the original members and creators of the pop-freestyle 80’s group EXPOSE´. Our debut album EXPOSED is documented in the Rolling Stone, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame history book for having more Top 10 hits than the Beatles or the Supremes had on their debut album.
I am also the CEO and founder of XICA Productions (shee-ka). Known internationally… XICA Productions is acclaimed for creating unique and artistic atmosphere in diverse entertainment venues using unusual entertainers, creative lighting, and decor.
I later joined Princess Cruises as a headlining guest entertainer as well as being in their large and extensive production shows while traveling the world for over 14 years. In 2008 I got recertified and began teaching my Yoga Fusion style with an extensive number of classes in the Miami and Ft Lauderdale area. I love teaching and really find it so fulfilling, but still the artist and musician in me wanted to do more.
A very close friend that I had done theater with over 30 years ago brought me in under her wing as her creative director and concierge for her 2 companies, Preferred Jewelers International™ and Continental Buying Group. My position here is so wide ranged that I am able to use all of my diversified talents.
The Miami Music scene was incredible in the 80’s and I am so proud to have been a part of it and part of that family of incredible entertainers that came out of Miami.
There has been so much interest in the past 2 years about Expose’ with so many people really wanted to know the story about us and what really happened. It inspired me to start writing my memoir and documenting the timeline. I would love to take everyone on that journey to see all sides of the music industry but mostly to see and relive that era again. In the past year I have done over 4 on camera interviews about the original line up of Expose’ and recently have been interviewed on several podcasts featuring this era of music.
Coincidentally, a record I did right after Expose’, “Love Is A Natural Magical Thing,” got picked up again by Paesaggi Records, a DJ label in Amsterdam, Berlin and Italy with a vinyl re-release to launch in September of 2022.
Because of the social media buzz, I was asked to participate in a Free Style show here at the Miramar Amphitheater on Nov 20, 2022. This was the first time that I have gone out to tribute and speak about the original line up and the recording of Point Of No Return with more shows slated for this year.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2008, after over 14 years working at sea I had decided to come back to Miami and found that I needed to re-create my career. I got recertified to teach Yoga and in-between touring the condo circuit and performing my one woman show, I started a new company called Bhakti Bags.
“Beautiful and well-crafted one of a kind Yoga Mat Bags, handbags and totes made from “saved from the landfill” gorgeous high end upholstery fabric, sample blankets and fabric made from recycled water bottles.”
NOMINATIONS:
DAVID VANCE
He such an icon in photography and an incredible multi-talented artist as well as my close friend.
www.davidvance.com
Yanni De Melo
very creative photographer
https://www.instagram.com/yannidemelophoto/
Kikimora Studio
~High Fashion Circus ~
Performance Art Company
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lauriemiller.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmxicayogafusion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMXICA
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriemiller2018/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lmxica
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Xica143
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/lauriemiller https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalExpose
Image Credits
David Vance