At age 13, actor/model Mychal-Bella Bowman already has earned acclaim for her role as Grace/ Fanny Briggs in the Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe-winning limited series The Underground Railroad, which was based on the celebrated novel by Colson Whitehead. She can be seen most recently on Prime’s Dead Ringers, a horror thriller that makes a statement about women’s healthcare. Meanwhile, Bowman also is the cofounder of consulting agency MBI Management, a committed humanitarian, a regular Instagrammer and – as of a few weeks ago – a high school freshman.
The face of ad campaigns for major brands including Nike, Gap, American Girl, and Barbie/ Mattel since age 2, Bowman has appeared in beauty pageants as well as commercials for McDonald’s, Hertz, Disney, Target, and more. Her passion for philanthropy was in evidence from the age of 4, when she began donating her gently used toys to kids in disadvantaged communities.
Recently, Bowman spoke at the Arizona State University ASU+GVS Summit, the Big M Management Women’s Empowerment Expo, and was chosen as one of Disney’s 100 Creators who Inspire. She was honored as the National Black Arts Festival Celebrity Youth Chair three times, and at the ESPN ESPYS 50th Anniversary of the passing of Title IX ceremony.
Nine years ago, Bowman’s mother Ereka Scales closed up her business to move them from North Carolina to Hollywood in order to pursue her daughter’s dreams. “The rest is HERstory,” Scales said in an exclusive interview with me. “We manifested this. We implemented consisted strategies to land consistent wins.”
“It’s never too early to embark upon your calling,” Bowman stated in the same exclusive interview. “We established MBI Management to aid those in communities that may not have the tools or knowledge to tap into their dormant talents. We help people utilize their gifts to become self-sufficient financially. Our company is growing with a pretty good success rate for a startup.”
MBI Management streamlines strategies to assist novice talents in achieving their entertainment industry goals. From branding, niche development, and portfolio management to getting acquainted with daily life in Hollywood, Bowman and Scales aim to help people find their way. Their mission is, “Guiding the Blind into the Industry Light.”
Bowman self-identifies as a world changer. “My mother suggested from the outset that I make myself known for more than just a pretty face… for substance.” She has remained devoted to philanthropy throughout her decade-long career. “I believe that it is everyone’s purpose ‘to live to give.’ Together we can make a difference.”
As a dedicated SAG/AFTRA member since the age of 6, Bowman is deeply committed to supporting the current strike in Hollywood. Although it is challenging for actors and writers right now, she says, “I believe in what is right and have faith that everything will manifest in our favor as I continue to master my craft. Remember: ‘Tough times never last, Tough people do!’”
Another challenge Bowman has faced is not being taken seriously because of her age. But, she says, she dispels that bias quickly once her work ethic is revealed. Rejections can be tough, as well – even though they are a necessary part of the process. “Going through many auditions and making it all the way to the final callback only to not book a role can be so tough. I am grateful that my mom keeps me grounded in other extracurricular activities such as sports, playing instruments, school and philanthropy. Those things keep me balanced.”
Bowman says that the key to success in Hollywood is being intentional. “Position yourself carefully. Be mindful of your surroundings. But most of all you, you have to dream big and believe that you can achieve anything. You have to have faith in yourself. Remember: the possibilities are endless. Manifest.”
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