Mike Press, a native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., has a resume that spans acting, fitness modeling, entrepreneurship, and the arts, including his role as a disc jockey.

Press’ early aspiration was to work as A&R in the music industry, a dream hindered by judgment from his peers at his Catholic school, who viewed a career in music as impractical. This led him to pursue a more conventional path before ultimately finding his way back to his creative passions. He studied at Johnson & Wales University but left due to low performance, and after sitting out for a year, he returned to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in sports administration from Johnson C. Smith University, a Charlotte, N.C., HBCU.

Mike’s foundational training under Nina Murano and Shakespeare & Company laid the groundwork for his television and theater career. His notable appearances include roles in “God Friended Me” and “Single Man Problems” on HereTV, plus an upcoming role in a short titled “Prey.” His career highlights include a role in Beyoncé’s music video for “Best Thing I Never Had.”

In fitness modeling, Mike has worked with GQ, Cosmopolitan, and Nylon, merging his passion for fashion with his artistic pursuits. His past involvement in Twenty-Four New York, a boutique sneaker store in Hudson Yards, reflects his style and business acumen.

International experiences, including a year in Cape Town, South Africa, further enriched his career, where he thrived partly due to the distinct hue of his skin—a topic much too deep to fully explore here. After returning to New York City, Mike’s career gained momentum through agent Dani Bongiorno and a serendipitous chance to secure his SAG card through a casting director who took his SoulCycle class—yes, he’s worked there too.

Today, he remains committed to inspiring and challenging roles, driven by his love for the arts and dedication to growth. His next venture, Kuso, is a project in progress for creatives.

Your career spans acting, fitness modeling, D.J.ing, and entrepreneurship. Can you take us back to where it all started for you? What was your initial avenue, and how did that first step influence your diverse journey?

It all began with the Beyoncé video, which was a game-changer. That shoot was my first taste of national recognition and ignited my passion for entertainment. I walked into that casting call brimming with attitude, frustrated and ready to quit because I didn’t think I had a shot. Seeing Pierre Woods, a model I admired, leave the room made me doubt my chances. But then, something incredible happened. My high-top fade, perfect for the video’s 90s vibe, was exactly what they were looking for. My frustration and boldness aligned with their vision, and it all came together.

That moment revealed that a typical 9-to-5 grind was never going to be my path. I thrive on the freedom and excitement of the entertainment world. The experience solidified my commitment to a dynamic and fulfilling career, driven by the flexibility and opportunity to explore various passions rather than a monotonous routine. It was a pivotal realization that propelled me forward in pursuing diverse artistic avenues.

As an actor with training from Nina Murano and Shakespeare & Company, how have these experiences shaped your approach to the craft? What specific lessons or insights did you gain from working with these esteemed mentors, and how have they influenced your ability to portray a diverse array of characters?

My acting journey was profoundly influenced by Ken Harvey, a modeling manager who encouraged me to explore acting. He recommended training with Nina Murano, which was transformative. Nina’s approach with the Meisner Technique, which focuses on real-time conversation and versatility, was revolutionary. On the first day, she broke me down, stripping away everything I thought I knew. We delved into aspects of my past, including childhood bullying, uncovering deeper truths within myself.

Training with Nina from 2014 to 2016 reshaped my understanding of acting, giving me a profound sense of authenticity and depth essential for portraying diverse characters. It taught me to tap into my own experiences and emotions, enabling me to bring truth to every role. This foundation empowers me to navigate complex characters with genuine empathy and depth, enriching my ability to represent a wide range of stories and experiences.

Having worked as a fit model for GQ Magazine and other prestigious brands, what initially attracted you to fit modeling? How did this role deepen your understanding of fashion and influence the way you approach your career in entertainment?

In my mid-to-late twenties, I sought a steady job offering consistency and flexibility—something where I could work a few hours, get paid, and move on. Fit modeling seemed perfect. Initially, it wasn’t as envisioned, but GQ provided an incredible opportunity. I thought, “If I can break into this circle, who knows where it might lead?” GQ opened doors to major brands like Cosmopolitan and Nylon, letting me explore different fashion spheres.

Working with Jim Moore was a highlight. His deep involvement in styling and insights into the fashion world were eye-opening. Observing his approach sparked curiosity in how these influential roles are landed. My experience with GQ transformed my understanding of fashion. It taught me how to elevate my presentation, impacting my career significantly. My best runway season was 2016-2017, when I was on hold for Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, and booked six shows. Knowing how to dress and present myself to high fashion standards gave me an edge, allowing me to stand out and land roles in the right rooms. It also provided a broader understanding of how fashion intersects with entertainment, shaping my approach to both industries.

Regarding your journey in the fashion industry, how would you describe your experience to someone who is unfamiliar with it?

I would tell them to revisit my photoshoots over the years as they reveal a continual elevation in fashion. The fashion industry is about “creating yourself” and shaping the image and persona you want to project using clothing as the medium. Many people in fashion are like characters in a story; their pasts differ from their present personas. Fashion provides an outlet for confidence and self-expression, helping people transform into their most confident selves. It’s as much about personal growth as it is about style.

Do you mind describing the financial realities of being a fit model for major brands? How does the compensation typically work?

Reflecting on my experience from about seven years ago, fit modeling offered solid compensation. For instance, working with a major brand like Hanes could earn you about $4,500 for a day, while a job with Macy’s might pay around $3,000. If booked consistently—say, four times a week—this could translate to roughly $12,000 a week. That’s what drew me to fit modeling: the potential to earn a substantial income with relatively fewer work hours. Again, it didn’t exactly play out how I wanted it to, but it did allow me to focus on other creative pursuits and opportunities without being constrained by a traditional work schedule.

Could you share the story behind Twenty-Four New York, the sneaker boutique you co-founded? What inspired the venture, and how did the initial idea evolve into a successful business?

In 2020, I teamed up with my would-be business partner to brainstorm a sneaker-related idea. We came up with the concept of a free throw contest, where participants paid $10-20 to shoot as many hoops as possible in 24 seconds for a chance to win a pair of sneakers. The idea took off when Bronny James joined us, giving the project significant visibility. We ran the contests for about eight to nine months but knew the excitement wouldn’t last forever.

We pivoted to opening a sneaker store. Initially hesitant about a 9-to-5 commitment, I was convinced by the vision of how the store would stand out. We sent out an email on a Friday, and by Monday, we were checking out a storefront in Hudson Yards, marking the beginning of our journey in fall 2022.

Connections from sneaker shows were crucial for building our initial stock. We reached out to individuals specializing in limited releases and bulk buying. Like many new stores, we didn’t start with a Nike account, which are typically reserved for established businesses. My role as co-founder was to be the face of the brand. As of April 2024, I’ve stepped back to focus on other projects.

Given your diverse career and wide range of interests, what unconventional or unexpected projects are you excited to explore in the future? How do you foresee these endeavors pushing your creative boundaries and contributing to your artistic evolution?

I’m currently focused on building a community for creatives through Kuso Club. Over the years, I’ve seen how often people seek recommendations for photographers, videographers, or graphic designers. Kuso Club aims to create a comprehensive database where you can connect with these professionals directly, bypassing social media barriers.

Social media can be a black hole for unanswered messages and unreliable recommendations. Kuso Club wishes to offer a trusted platform for quality recommendations and genuine connections. I’m actively working on this and have launched some merchandise to spark interest and conversations. It’s a way to promote the idea and build momentum before the full launch. This project is a natural extension of my desire to foster community and collaboration within the creative industry.

Looking forward, what is the story you want told about yourself?

I’ve always been a jack-of-all-trades. If it’s out there, I’ve probably tried it or have the skills for it. My goal now is to ensure that when people mention my name, they have a vivid sense of the diverse experiences I’ve had. For instance, I want someone to say, “I know Mike Press; I met him when he was modeling and also teaching at SoulCycle.” I envision my name evoking memories of various chapters in my life, reflecting different roles and interests.