top of page

Another new article just came out...

LaurieMiller Original Expose' 2022.png

Meet Laurie Miller

April 13, 2022

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.

c-LaurieMiller__IMG0920_1644605449947.jpg
c-LaurieMiller__IMG3249_1644605449957-1290x968.jpg
c-LaurieMiller__IMG3251_1644605449958-1290x968.jpg
c-LaurieMiller__Laurie2010_1644605649689.jpg
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 re certified 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.

lm David Vance Hand.png
Love is.... Front Cover.png
Love is.... Back Cover.png
BHAKTI BAGS.png
39817835246 copy.jpg
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 re certified 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.”

​

To date I've created over 2000 bags that I am proud to say are all over the world. I'm looking forward to creating many more in the future as well as doing more costume design and helping other artists with their show productions.

 

My sister Susan and I have a collaboration called SUXI (sushe). We have been making all sorts of goodies from super cool stash safes to gorgeous huge paper flowers, air plant mobiles, concrete inlaid stepping stones and anything else we get inspired to create. We're already designing our new studio work/hang-place!

​

Oh you must come visit!

Peace out... be well... don't eat the homies and

say your prayers!

​

I love you xoxo

​

💖 is everything!

Laurie

Meet Laurie Miller of Preferred Jewelers International™ in Bay Harbor Islands

Image Credit: David Vance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Miller.

​

Laurie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.


Born and raised in Miami, Florida, I always feel the best when I am home in Miami. An artist my whole life and a yogi at the age of 13, I’ve always been into Eastern philosophy’s and cultures.

​

Being born and raised in Miami, I found my first teacher and spiritual mother, Swami Niranda Devi … Also known as Edith Epstein. I fell in love and felt an innate connection with Niranda 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 worldwide with professional appearances ranging from musical theater to lavish 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-hit 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.

​

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. Most known here in Miami for the famous 8 million dollar night club “Facade”.

I later joined Princess Cruises for 14 years as a headlining guest entertainer as well as being in their large and extensive production shows while traveling the world. Coming back to Miami I got re certified and began teaching my Yoga Fusion style with an extensive number of classes in the Miami Ft Lauderdale area. So fulfilling and so grateful but still the artist 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 Preferred Jewelers International™.

​

There is no one better than an entertainer to give exceptional customer service. My position there is so wide ranged that I get to reach into every one of my bags and use all of my talents. I now work full time for Preferred and CBG as well as teach 3 to 4 classes a week locally.

​

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?


The breakup of the original Expose’ was written up in The Miami Herald… the Miami Music scene was incredible in the 80’s and I am so proud to have been a part of it.

​

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Preferred Jewelers International™ – what should we know?

​

The company that gets all my love and attention now is Preferred Jewelers International™ and Continental Buying Group.

​

Preferred is a Nationwide Network of exceptional jewelers that can offer a free Nationwide Lifetime Warranty to their customers. Only a Preferred Jeweler can offer this.

​

We are not only helping retailers but customers alike. Preferred also enhances all retailer’s SEO and SMO through the network, across the United States, Canada the Caribbean and soon to be in Dubai and the United Kingdom. We strongly believe that the independent privately-owned jewelry retailer is the backbone of the jewelry industry.

​

Preferred is the sister company of Continental Buying Group. A multi million-dollar company that has been in the jewelry industry for over 45 years.

​

Any shout outs?

Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?


Andie Weinman and her husband Joe Murphy.

​

​
 

Contact Info:

Image Credit: Lew Lautin

Image Credit: David Vance

Graphic Design: Laurie Miller

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

As Fastrada in Pippin... 1990

bottom of page