Mýa recently revealed that her mother has managed her finances for nearly three decades.
Steady Money
During an appearance on the “Joe and Jada” podcast, the Grammy-winning singer said her mother has served as her accountant since 1997, helping oversee her finances throughout her music career.
Mýa said the arrangement has provided long-term stability as she navigated the entertainment industry. The singer, whose net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million, has largely avoided the financial troubles that have affected many artists during their careers.
“Yeah, my mom is my accountant, since 1997,” Mýa said.
Her mother remains heavily involved in major financial decisions, helping navigate the unpredictable economics of the music business.
“My mom’s advice to me has always been: live below your means,” Mýa said. “I’ve been so blessed to have her in my corner, watching the numbers.”
Born Mya Marie Harrison in Washington, D.C., the singer began studying ballet at age 2 and tap dancing at age 4.
By 12, she was performing at the Kennedy Center under legendary tap dancer Savion Glover. Her father, Sherman Harrison, was a musician. Her mother, Theresa Harrison, worked as an accountant. Together, they created a foundation that blended creativity with discipline.
That combination proved valuable when Mýa signed with Interscope Records as a teenager. Her 1998 self-titled debut produced hits including “It’s All About Me” and “Movin’ On.” The success continued with “Fear of Flying” and her signature hit “Case of the Ex.” Then came “Lady Marmalade,” the blockbuster collaboration with Christina Aguilera, P!nk, and Lil’ Kim that topped charts in more than 15 countries and earned a Grammy.
“She’ll be the voice of reason before I make some big decisions,” Mýa said of her mother. “That keeps me aware. But I always have been like this, living right here below my means, so I don’t ever get in too much debt.”
Her story invites comparison with another former child star, Keke Palmer. Palmer became her family’s primary breadwinner as a child star, supporting a household after her parents stopped working to help manage her career. Despite earning substantial money young, Palmer later revealed she filed for bankruptcy as a teenager after financial mismanagement created serious setbacks.
“I was so spooked,” Palmer said. “What went wrong?”
The experience forced her to rebuild from scratch.
Mýa’s father also shaped her outlook.
“I’ve watched him grind my entire life,” she said. “I’m talking about multiple jobs at once.”
In 2008, Mýa left the major-label system and launched her own independent label, Planet 9 — years before artist ownership became a mainstream conversation.
According to Principle Magazine, by controlling her releases and maintaining ownership of her masters, she transformed from recording artist into entrepreneur. Her independently released album “Smoove Jones” earned a Grammy nomination in 2017.