Meet Simona Mangiante

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Simona Mangiante. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Simona Mangiante , thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

In the beginning, I took the hate personally. It felt unfair to be judged by people who didn’t know me, my journey, or my intentions. But over time I realized something important: haters reveal far more about themselves than they ever reveal about me. Their criticism is a projection of their own insecurities, not a reflection of my worth.

I also learned that if no one is talking about you, it means you’re not making an impact. The moment you step into purpose, visibility, or leadership, resistance appears. And strangely, that became a measure of success for me. When people go out of their way to watch you, follow you, or even smear you, it means you’re doing something that moves them even if they express it through negativity.

Today, instead of shrinking, I let it fuel me. I remind myself that progress always disrupts someone. And the more committed certain people are to try to tear me down, the clearer it becomes that I have risen above their expectations. My focus now is not on the noise, but on the mission. Persistence comes from understanding that my purpose is bigger than their projections and that my energy should be reserved for building, not absorbing the opinions of those who would never dare to walk the path I’m on.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My career began in international law as a legal advisor to the European Parliament, but it has since evolved into a blend of diplomacy, media, and creative expression. Today I focus on my fashion enterprise, investigative journalism, documentary storytelling, and public commentary on global affairs. What excites me most is bringing clarity and depth to complex issues through honest, compelling conversations with influential figures around the world.

Alongside my media work, I launched my fashion brand, AGAPE by Simona — a line inspired by my Italian heritage. It celebrates elegance, femininity, and strength, and has already appeared on runways in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, with more events and collaborations ahead.

Whether through film, interviews, or design, my mission remains the same: to tell meaningful stories, empower others, and create work that reflects authenticity, resilience, and purpose..

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey the most are courage, the willingness to rebuild myself, and honesty. Courage allowed me to step into unfamiliar worlds—from international law to media to fashion—without letting fear dictate my path. I learned early on that transformation is not a sign of instability, but of strength. Never be afraid to change direction, reinvent yourself, or start again; growth often requires letting go of what no longer serves you.

Honesty has also been fundamental—not only honesty with others, but the deeper honesty we must cultivate with ourselves. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what you refuse to compromise on creates a foundation that cannot be shaken by public scrutiny or external pressure.

Two additional qualities have been essential in my journey. The first is resilience: the ability to rise after setbacks, to stand firm when challenged, and to keep moving when others expect you to stop. The second is vision: the capacity to see beyond the noise, to stay focused on your purpose, and to build something meaningful even when the path is not linear.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: be brave, stay true to yourself, and allow reinvention to be a source of empowerment. The combination of courage, authenticity, resilience, and vision will carry you through any challenge and lead you exactly where you are meant to be.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A book that has played an important role in my development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I first read it years ago, but its message has continued to guide me through every chapter of my journey. The book teaches that each of us has a personal legend — a purpose that often requires courage, reinvention, and an unwavering trust in our path.

One lesson that stayed with me is that obstacles are not signs to stop, but signs that we are getting closer to what we were meant to achieve. Another is that the universe responds to intention; when you move with clarity and authenticity, the right opportunities and the right people appear, even after difficult detours.

In many ways, the story mirrors my own evolution across countries, careers, and creative fields. It reminded me that transformation is part of the journey, not a deviation from it. And perhaps the most impactful wisdom is simple: the treasure we seek is often shaped by the strength we build along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.agapebysimona.com
• Instagram: @simona_mangiante_
• Facebook: Simona Mangiante
• Twitter: @simonamangiante