Jobless theatre actor turns to resin art, online tarot readings to stay afloat

Mia says making resin art is a way for her to keep busy and earn a living, especially with the performing arts scene still shut because of pandemic restrictions. Photo: Mia Sabrina Mahadir

You might recognise her as Nana, the dauntless waitress in local TV series Sitik Tok, or Naz, one of the protagonist’s love interests in the comedy series Single Terlalu Lama.

But Mia Sabrina Mahadir, 28, is also a cat rescuer, an online thrift shop owner, a tarot reader and most recently, an artist who works with resin.

This KL-based theatre/film actor ventured into several side hustles (part-time jobs) to get by financially when the pandemic and the various lockdowns wiped out more than a year’s worth of acting jobs.

“My acting career is now non-existent. Since the first MCO, I have lost about 10 projects and a few more are now postponed.

“I was on a momentum (pre-pandemic) and now that momentum has stopped. I have to sort of start over,” shares Mia, a mass communications graduate, who started out in the performing arts scene with early appearances at KLPac's Short+Sweet Theatre Workshop before going on to other major productions.

But if being a full-time actor for nearly 10 years has taught her anything, it is to be resilient and to keep going.

Mia, whose acting credits include Masam Manis (2020), Madu Dua (2016) and Girl From Sumatera (2016), knew she had to be industrious and creative to create new opportunities for herself.

With help from her father, Mia started an online thrift shop called Persiaran Hipster and got into the world of tarot reading last year and most recently resin art.

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“Few months ago, I saw a TikTok video of resin art in the form of a pyramid. I thought it was cool and was curious about how it was done.

“I have wanted to sell something that I make with my own hands for a while now. I watched lots of online videos and looked for design inspirations on Pinterest.

“After I got my first batch of tools and materials, I decided to make a few distinct designs just to figure out what I like.

“All of them turned out pretty good and people wanted to buy them. So here we are!” says Mia, who’s currently part of Theatresauce’s Emerging Director’s Lab programme.

In June, she was part of the KL Noir: Magic – Storytelling Series virtual line-up for the Storyfest Singapore event.

Mia says tarot reading is closer to therapy than magic. Photo: Mia Sabrina Mahadir

But resin art keeps her occupied these days. She sells an average of 30 pieces a week, with prices as low as RM15. What makes this venture fun, she adds, is that she gets to be creative and busy during these difficult days.

“You can put almost anything into resin, as long as they are completely moisture free.

“A lot of my designs play with natural flowers and leaves, but I also like playing with stickers and glitter. They bring in a 1990s vibe, which is the current trend in art and fashion,” she mentions.

At the moment, Mia’s resin art includes coasters, ashtrays and grinders. She plans to make rings, trays and keychains in the future.

Another enterprise that has been supplementing Mia’s finances is her tarot reading, which she started exactly a year ago. An issue in her personal relationship nudged her into the tarot world.

Mia’s resin art includes coasters, ashtrays and grinders. She plans to make rings, trays and keychains in the future. Photo: Mia Sabrina Mahadir

"I started watching lots of tarot videos on Youtube. I finally ordered a book and a deck of cards, and learnt how to read. I did free readings for my friends and family at first, and they all said it was good. So I thought, maybe I can provide it as a paid service,” says Mia, who offers two tarot reading packages.

She does her tarot readings remotely via Zoom, voice/text message and video recording, all based on her client's questions.

“These are very confusing times, and to figure things out on your own is exhausting and nerve wrecking. Tarot reading can help you see your thoughts clearer,” says Mia, who says tarot reading is closer to therapy than it is to magic.

But managing several side jobs is not easy.

“My businesses and resin art keep me motivated, but some days, I just can’t manage. It’s hard to find things to look forward to."

What helps, she says, is having a goal in mind.

“You have to try, I guess. For now, my goal is to make enough money to be able to move to a bigger place. At least that keeps me focused and disciplined enough to wake up every day,” she concludes.