As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Mieka Jay. The Los Angeles, CA native shares with us some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she owns the laughs.
Name: Mieka Jay
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @comedianmiekajay/@comedianmiekaj/@miekajay/@MiekaJay
Years in Comedy: 7
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Tru TV LaffMob Lafftracks/Tammi Mac Fox Soul
Comedic Influences: Bernie Mac, Adele Givens, style of Sommore, Seinfeld & Richard Pryor.
Favorite Comedy Special: The Queens of Comedy, The Kings of Comedy, and Eddie Murphy “RAW”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Coming 2 America & Friday
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Martin & Seinfeld
Favorite Comedic Character: Martin Lawrence every character
Favorite City to Perform In: Any city
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Current Events & My Family
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: One with good energy that comes to have a great time
Favorite Comedy Club: Any comedy club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
People always told me I was funny so I decided to try it out. My family is hilarious I grew up in a home where my family would drink a laugh all day I loved it.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Robert Townsend told me I did great. That was huge for me it was freaking Robert Townsend! And he couldn’t believe it was my first time on stage.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I’m a storyteller & I’m honest
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write based on events & experiences. A lot of inspiration comes on at the moment.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
LA comedy is cool, but it’s tough. It’s my city, I love my city.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Success to me is the love I feel when I leave the stage. If they remember me I left an impact & made someone’s day better.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I have so many talented peers it’s hard to narrow it down I can’t choose. I have gained knowledge and laughs from so many of them.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Being on Laff Mobb Laff tracks when your family & friends call you as I saw you on TV it’s a beautiful proud moment.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Keep going never give up & stay consistent.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Most people get really excited. Or they annoyingly wait on you to make them laugh. They say do something funny.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s a journey of yes & no. And me having to stay focused on the goal even when doors don’t open. What is meant for me is for me. Everyone’s journey is different.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would change how comics are paid. It’s hard to survive in Los Angeles as a comic. You are not comfortable until you really make it big.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Don’t ever worry about the show’s line up be ready to hit the stage behind any comic big or small.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Hood to Good.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Park with kids, families, homeless people, a swap meet & birthday party going on all at the same time.
A Mieka Jay Fun Fact:
I’m kind of a First Lady.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I would like my comedy to take to recurring sitcom roles and movies. I would love to be someone’s mom, aunt, sister, friend, or crazy neighbor.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Just be yourself, don’t force it, and be comfortable in the silence.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I hope it continues to be based on true comedic talent and not the number of followers. Anyone can be funny but not everyone is a stand-up comic.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
The Brady bunch because my family is blended. I would rewrite it with living baby mamas and baby daddies and real families don’t have an Alice. Their blended family was too easy. Girls pack your bag I will see you guys Monday it’s your dad’s weekend.
What’s next for you:
Television & Movies
Why should a person always laugh at life:
To keep from crying.
Watch Mieka Jay on The Tammi Mac Late Show:
Follow Mieka Jay comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @comedianmiekajay/@comedianmiekaj/@miekajay/@MiekaJay
