By JP Miller

At just 28 years old, Maggie Schmidt, better known by her stage name, Mie, has already lived many lives. A performer since the age of six, a graphic designer, a vocalist, and now an emerging multi-disciplinary artist, Maggie's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of art. Her story is not just about creating beauty, but about finding light in the darkest of places and using that light to illuminate the path for others.

Maggie's early life was a study in contrasts. On one side, there was the bright spotlight of performance - solo acts, acapella performances, dance, guitar, and songwriting. On the other, a shadow loomed large: a strict Catholic upbringing steeped in patriarchal values, psychological abuse, and the weight of being the only daughter among three brothers.

"I was the show monkey, the show pony," Maggie reflects, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and pain. "Put on stage to perform, but behind the curtain, things were very different."

It wasn't until Maggie's 22nd birthday that the facade began to crumble. Years of repressed trauma surfaced, revealing a history of extreme abuse that extended beyond her immediate family. This revelation marked the beginning of a difficult but necessary journey of separation from her family and the start of her true artistic awakening.

"I'm a 'recovering Catholic'," Maggie says with a wry smile. "I still carry the guilt and the shame, but I've learned that I don't have to hide anymore. And more importantly, I don't have to."

From this tumultuous period emerged "Alchemy," Maggie's EP that serves as both a personal catharsis and a powerful statement. The EP explores themes of inner child work, the process of letting go, and the complex emotions tied to family and identity.

One of the most poignant tracks, "Daddy Issues," directly confronts her relationship with her father. "I won't carry that guilt anymore," Maggie asserts. "Through my music, I'm able to say the things I never could before."

Now six years into her recovery, Maggie's artistic journey has become inextricably linked with her healing process. Her work spans multiple genres, from folk to punk rock, each piece a testament to her growth and resilience.

"It's okay to embark on your own path, even if it seems dark or spooky," Maggie says. "You don't have to stay where you're at. One foot in front of the other, that's all it takes."

Maggie credits meditation and the unconditional love of her two pet cats as crucial elements in her healing journey. These practices have not only helped her survive the darkest times but have also opened up new avenues of creativity and self-expression.

As Maggie has found healing through her art, she's also discovered a powerful ability to connect with and inspire others who have experienced trauma.

"In the darkness, you can't see, but when you get to the light, you will have a breakthrough," she shares. "What feels great will change. Keep going, you'll find everything you need."

Maggie's message resonates deeply with her growing audience. Her vulnerability on stage and in her art creates a safe space for others to confront their own pain and begin their healing journeys.

Looking ahead, Maggie's creative output shows no signs of slowing down. She's working on new EPs with producer Tim Rose and is part of the group Venus Sugar High. Her upcoming single, "Freak Show," promises to be a cinematic, circus-feel punk rock experience, showcasing her multi-genre talents.

Beyond music, Maggie continues to expand her artistic repertoire with painting and is developing her portfolio website, therealmie.com. The name is a clever nod to Mie scattering, a light phenomenon in the atmosphere - a fitting metaphor for Maggie's ability to diffuse light even in the darkest spaces.

In an intriguing intersection of art and technology, Maggie has recently become the face of a mixed reality tech campaign that promotes blood donation. This collaboration with Abbott Laboratories has led to an exciting event: on August 31st, Maggie will be at the Field Museum in Chicago, promoting blood donation in a unique way. For every blood donation made, three people will receive free entry to the museum.

"There's a huge shortage of blood right now," Maggie explains, her voice filled with purpose. "This is a chance to use my platform to make a real difference."

Maggie Schmidt's journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. From the depths of trauma, she has risen to become not just a survivor, but a beacon of hope for others.

"I am strong enough to get through the dark," Maggie affirms. "And I am the one to lead because I know I can handle it. Light and dark are essential to life - I wouldn't be here without both."

As she continues to create, inspire, and heal, Maggie Schmidt stands as a testament to the idea that our deepest pain can become our greatest strength. Through her music, her art, and her advocacy, she is indeed raising the vibration of the planet, one song, one painting, one blood donation at a time.

To experience Maggie's art and follow her journey, visit therealmie.com and keep an eye out for her upcoming releases and appearances. Her story reminds us all that no matter how dark the night, dawn always comes - and with it, the chance to create something beautiful.