Meet Mimi V of Charlotte, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi V.

Mimi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in New York until early childhood, where my passion for music and theatre arts began at the tender age of three. I made my stage debut with a starring role in the children’s musical theatre production “Free to be You and Me” at the prestigious Children’s Theatre in Nyack, New York.

As a teenager, my talents continued to flourish. I became a Thespian my freshman year of high school and performed in various theatrical productions at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. My deep-rooted love for the arts remained a central part of my life.

In August of 2022, I released a music video for my first single, “Mouthwash”. It was such a dope experience and I got to work with a great friend of mine. Entrusting someone to bring your vision to life is such a nerve-wracking thing but he did a phenomenal job and I’m forever grateful to him for the time, dedication, and hard work he put into my first ever music video. Shout out to RoleTape!

In February of 2023, I released my debut EP, “Transitions,” which quickly made waves across streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. My music has since been featured on radio stations including HighlyUnique Radio in several cities + countries and Power104.4fm’s The Underground. While I identify as an Indie Alternative artist, I choose to remain unconfined by genre and embrace a wide range of musical expressions.

Now 27, I have over two decades of experience in the arts, which continues to fuel my dedication to music. In recent years, I’ve developed a love for playing the ukulele, I’ve been self-taught for about two years. The unique sound of the ukulele has quickly become an integral part of my performances. I think it adds an intimate touch to my already diverse musical style. The first time I performed with my ukulele was September 2023 when I had the honor of performing in Charlotte at the CIAF (Charlotte International Arts Festival) both city center and Ballantyne locations. I’ve also had the pleasure of performing at University City’s Juneteenth Art Festival and UCity Lights Winter Celebration (both 2024 in Charlotte, NC).

This month (April) I will be releasing 4 songs I’ve composed with my ukulele! It will be the first time I’ve ever recorded and released music with live instrument. These singles as well as other songs I’ve released will be performed this June (2025) at the Ladies of Hip Hop & Soul event in Raleigh, NC. I also plan on releasing an album this year (2025) in October.

I continue to share my music with audiences through regular performances in Charlotte and surrounding areas. I have such. a passion for music and a drive to connect with others with every performance. Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I began my journey by performing at open mics, which often came with the challenge of paying for a performance slot, sometimes you’d pay $30 to perform just one or two songs. It can start to add up if you’re trying to get exposure and doing multiple open mics a week. A personal struggle I had was usually being the only singer / performing woman at the shows. Sometimes I’d feel like the odd one out.

As I transitioned from open mics to headlining shows, the challenges evolved into more of a work-life balance struggle. Finding time to perform while still managing to support myself financially became increasingly difficult. There were nights when I’d get home from my bartending shift at 2 AM, only to realize I had a show the next day and barely any time to rehearse. It often meant staying up until 4 or 5 AM just to carve out a few precious moments for myself. There were even instances where I had to decline opportunities simply because my work schedule conflicted with the show.

Sometimes it can be really easy to get lost in the analytics of it all. More recently, I’ve learned that not comparing myself to others and staying focused on my own path, while keeping a positive mindset, is essential for growth as an artist.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a musician who specializes in creating and performing with the ukulele, an instrument I picked up with no prior skill and quickly fell in love with. I’m most proud of releasing my debut EP, Transitions, which represents not just my musical evolution but also my ability to learn and grow as an artist.

My background as a theatre kid influences my musical style, bringing a dramatic and emotive flair to my work. As a singer/songwriter, I enjoy experimenting with different genres, which allows me to stay versatile and adapt my sound to connect with various audiences. What sets me apart is the combination of my instrument choice—the ukulele—and my genre versatility, which allows me to bring something unique to every performance and track I create.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is all about genuine relationships. The people you meet aren’t just there to help you get ahead—they’re part of a community that thrives on shared experiences and raw, unpolished creativity. My advice for finding a mentor is to look for someone who resonates with your values and work ethic, rather than someone who has the biggest name or following. Sometimes even just connecting with other musicians or producers who are still building their careers themselves can be helpful. Don’t be afraid to approach people whose work you admire! People who are passionate about music are usually open to conversation.

What’s also worked for me is being consistent in showing up—whether it’s at local shows, open mics, or even online! You’ll meet people who are genuinely interested in your sound and the process you’re going through. I’ve also had great success through social media, where being real and transparent about my journey has attracted like-minded individuals. Mentors aren’t always going to be someone older with years of experience in the game – sometimes they’re peers who have a bit more experience in one area you’re learning. It’s all about mutual respect and finding ways to lift each other up.

Pricing:

• $50 / song (performance)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themimiv.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themimiv/
• LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/themimiv
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themimiv07
• Other: https://addventures.vyd.co/Transitions