June 13, 2003
The Mississauga News - David Shaw

For 7-year old actor Amari Myles, the best thing about acting is the food. “That's why I like working in films, because the candy is terrific!” he explained.

Miles lives in Whitby with his mother, Heather. He broke into show business two years ago as a client of Mississauga agent Carolyn Nikkanen of Carolyn's Model & Talent Agency, Ltd.

Nikkanen, a local resident for 30 years, was a former model who decided to start her own agency. She also runs Carolyn's Kids as well as Studio Talent & Management.

“We book for catalogues and television. We usually get referrals from photographers , which is how I connected with Amari.”

Sears didn't want to use Amari at first, because of his little dreads, but they changed their minds once they met him.

“Amari has an amazing personality and isn't afraid of anything,” she added. “In this business, the less inhibited a kid's personality, the better. I look for an inner quality as well, since it's what's on the inside that matters.

“Although one needs a certain charisma for the camera to get lots of work, anyone can do it. But you need personality, determination, and no fear of rejection. I recall when I thought another boy was too hyperactive to get work, but he made over $30,000 on one commercial.”

“Amari's success is terrific,” added Heather Myles, Amari's mother. “He's not shy, and the work helps his self-esteem. I still can't believe it when he gets his picture in the paper.”

Amari soon landed modelling assignments in flyers for The Bay and Zellers. “I feel excited when my friends recognize me,” he admits.

He also guested on such TV shows as Street Time for the U.S. Show-time network and The Associates for CTV. Last year, Myles landed a role in his first movie, the science-fiction film, Absalom.

Myles currently plays Corey Forbes on Odyssey 5, a series that airs on the Space channel.

Myles just received full standing as an ACTRA member. Nikkanen also manages Myles. We tend to manage clients who also have TV series' since I'm an agent for 1,000 people in total, with an even split from infants to adults.”

A three-time breast cancer survivor, Nikkanen is a volunteer speaker for the Canadian Cancer Society.

On June 20, she will speak at the Relay For Life at John Fraser Secondary school, along with Global TV's Susan Hay and Mayor Hazel McCallion.

“I had chemotherapy and lost all my hair. It was both a personal and business challenge, but it gave me a good outlook on life.”