We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carolina Mancias a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carolina, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
By simply observing my surroundings. There’s so much inspiration in everyday life, it feels exciting and fresh when you’re truly paying attention to what’s happening around you, especially in an unpredictable city like LA. As an actor and artist, staying connected to the world opens up so many different perspectives. Connecting with people, in particular, breaks down barriers and exposes me to experiences and emotions I might never encounter on my own. It helps me understand different facets of humanity, which is invaluable when creating characters, lyrics, or stories that feel authentic and layered.
I also believe that creativity is deeply rooted in emotions and moments. We’re such complex beings that even when you feel stuck, revisiting memories or tapping into past experiences can reignite that creative spark. Sometimes, it’s in those moments of feeling trapped that the most powerful ideas emerge. Additionally, I find that playing with the obvious or the literal can unlock unexpected creativity. Taking something simple and looking at it from a new angle often leads to fresh ideas, because even the most straightforward concepts can have hidden depth if you’re willing to explore them.
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?
I’m an actor, artist, and storyteller. What I find most special about this work is the vulnerability and empathy it requires. There’s something powerful about opening yourself up emotionally, not just for your own growth, but to create space for others to feel seen and understood. Storytelling through art allows for deep human connection because it taps into universal emotions, joy, fear, love, loss, that we all experience in different ways.
What excites me the most is how art lets you explore ideas, emotions, and situations that real life sometimes doesn’t allow. You get to step into different worlds, live out experiences beyond your own, and even confront truths that might be too overwhelming in everyday life. No matter the story or how close to reality or not they may be, they all carry a human truth at their core. That’s what resonates with audiences, the authenticity beneath the fiction, making them reflect, connect, and find pieces of themselves within the stories you tell.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, curiosity, adaptability, and I’d also add the importance of creating your own opportunities!
Resilience has been key specially in this industry full of rejection and uncertainty. Embracing failure has been a way for me to grow. A ‘no’ doesn’t define your craft or worth, it simply means that one opportunity wasn’t right, and that’s not a reflection of your talent. What matters is knowing that you did everything you could within your control. Everything else is outside your hands, so let it go in the best way possible, and keep going stronger. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say embrace failure as part of the process, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
Curiosity has fueled my growth as an artist. Staying curious about people, stories, and different art forms keeps creativity alive. It’s what pushes me to try new things, explore new perspectives, and constantly evolve. My advice is to never stop asking questions, about your craft, the world, and yourself. There’s always something new to discover that can inspire your work.
Adaptability has been crucial. Every project is different, and being able to adjust and stay open to new experiences has made me a more complex artist. For those starting out, I’d recommend stepping out of your comfort zone regularly.
Lastly, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of creating your own opportunities. We can’t just wait for the perfect role or project to come along, we have to actively make our own content and carve out spaces for our voices to be heard in this business. Creating not only keeps the creative energy flowing but also helps you stay active and connected to the industry in meaningful ways. We have so many tools, like social media that can help us hace a voice from the comfort of our own homes.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most helpful people in my journey have definitely been my family, particularly my parents. Their flexibility, open hearts, and unwavering support have helped me overcome challenges, not just as an artist, but as a person and young adult learning how to navigate this world. Even though they didn’t know anything about the industry, they let me pursue my passion, and that trust has given me the confidence to keep going. They’ve always reminded me of the beauty in my art, and that I chose this path because I love it. They’ve also helped me stay focused on growth rather than being overwhelmed by the challenges that come with this journey.
I also owe so much to my teachers and mentors, who’ve been crucial in my development as an artist. Starting out without knowing anything or where I was headed, they came into my life and gave me the tools to navigate this world. They taught me the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in my work, constantly reminding me to “just be you, there’s no one like you out there.’” Their guidance and belief in me have been invaluable, and I’ll be forever grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caromancias.wixsite.com/carolina-mancias-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caromancias/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caromancias
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