We recently connected with Kristin Manu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
I’ve experienced various situations in my life where others showed me empathy and supported me when I couldn’t support myself. Those moments allowed me to truly understand the value of empathy, as I was on the receiving end. Additionally, I consider myself a realist, and I recognize that life can be unpredictable, with many circumstances beyond our control. This awareness has made me more understanding and compassionate toward others, knowing that sometimes the best approach is simply to offer support and understanding
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 journey began in 2019 when I started as a wardrobe stylist while still being in college. I quickly realized there were certain pieces I envisioned for my clients but couldn’t find in stores, which sparked my transition into design. During the pandemic in 2020, I decided to use the time to learn how to sew, and I’ve been honing that skill ever since.
In 2022, I graduated from Old Dominion University, and post-graduation, I’ve had the opportunity to work across various facets of the fashion industry. I’ve gained experience at Nordstrom as a Wardrobe Stylist, as well as in bridal styling, jewelry & accessories, and even watches. Currently, I’m working as a Sales Supervisor at Diesel, where I continue to grow in my professional journey.
In 2023, I had a unique experience that really shaped my focus. A young client, eager to start her modeling career, reached out for styling services. Although she could pay for my time, she couldn’t afford the clothing she needed. Having accumulated a lot of inventory from my time as a designer and stylist, I pulled from my own collection to support her. This experience sparked the idea of opening a showroom, something I’ve been working on for over a year now.
Being in the DMV area, I noticed that there aren’t any showrooms here ( to my knowledge) despite how common they are in places like New York and LA. The creative community in this area is growing every day, and the DMV is really in need of something like this. The showroom, which will launch this summer, is my way of filling that gap. It’s not just a business venture; it’s a response to the growing demand for a space where designers, stylists, and creatives can come together. This showroom represents a passion project that brings my design vision to life and contributes to the creative ecosystem here in the DMV.
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 having a mentor, networking, and creating my own opportunities.
First, having a mentor at each stage of my career has been invaluable. These mentors, who were more seasoned and experienced in the industry, guided me through challenges, provided advice when I had questions, and helped correct my mistakes in the best possible way. Their insight kept me on the right path.
Second, networking has played a major role in my success. Every opportunity I’ve had has stemmed from being proactive, speaking with people, and putting myself out there. Building genuine connections has opened many doors for me.
Lastly, creating your own opportunities is crucial. If there’s something you want to do, don’t wait for a brand or client to reach out to you—take the initiative. Turn your ideas into passion projects and execute them. By taking ownership of my goals and actively working to make them a reality, I’ve been able to shape my own path.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration is something I highly value because I believe it’s essential to work with people who share and understand your vision. When collaborating, it’s important that we’re both aligned on our goals and can help each other achieve them in the best possible way. I’m particularly interested in partnering with clothing brands, nonprofit organizations, event spaces, designers, and stylists. Professionalism is key—it’s crucial that anyone I collaborate with understands and respects the vision and is committed to the project.
If you’re interested in collaborating or think we’d be a good fit, feel free to reach out to me via Instagram DM. It’s an easy way to connect, and I’m always open to exploring new opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-manu-43a15a200
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officiallykm?igsh=MTRlZjE4emw1Yml0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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