We recently connected with Mana Afshar and have shared our conversation below.
Mana , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Most of us who struggle with debilitating mental health issues don’t really “overcome” per-say, but rather learn ways to manage the symptoms and cope with tools such as art, exercise & therapy. That’s what has worked for me, along with support. I channel the negative aspects of mental illness into creativity and make something positive come from it. Whether be makeup, art or modeling I find it keeps me in the moment so I can keep myself grounded. With hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I grew up on horror movies, the classics. I have artistic parents. I like all facets of “art”, I mostly model for punk/goth/alternative brands while in front of the camera. Behind the camera, I have do makeup for everything from horror movies to clean beauty and commercial work. I love making people feel beautiful and glamorous, yet on the same hand, love making gory creatures, monsters and playing with blood! The line for me with beauty and horror is a fine one. Why can’t it be scary AND pretty?
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Be relentless with your dreams, Have the right intentions behind everything you do. Create to fulfill your soul, not for praise or money.
2. Don’t ever care what people think of you.
3. Never stop learning, or finding fellow creatives to connect/create with. Community helps you find yourself and your vision.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I love collaborating with other like-minded artists/brands.
I’m always looking to do more creative shoots for alternative clothing, jewelry and/or makeup brands. Whether modeling or makeup or both.
I currently work with some amazing brands and clients, but always looking to expand my client list and portfolios.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.makeupbymana.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/inkedoutcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkedoutcast?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@inkedoutcastmana?si=e0ao2rwTqEswZoqx
Image Credits
Photo credits:
@kenziecakes
@andreahunterphotography
@photosbymikeneal
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
