We recently connected with Madhu Sahoo and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Madhu, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I learned to make it my “superpower”. I feel like people often want to “fit in” and “belong”, something that I struggled with when I just started. But then, one day I decided to use it to my advantage. I am a different individual with a set of skills, experiences, and knowledge that are purely mine, and I focus on what I have to offer. I might not be everyone’s cup of tea but do I have to be? Accepting this is so liberating. I can be myself with the knowledge that this is me – you might like me or not, that’s up to you.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a passionate fashion creative currently based in Florence. I hold a Master’s in Fashion Styling from Polimoda and have almost three years of experience in the fashion industry. I have a background in English and French Language and Literature, but later pursued my passion for the industry and moved here. Although styling is what I started with, I’ve found that I involve myself more and more as a makeup artist, a field I’m very invested in as well. Some of my styling works are published in Quadro and Artells magazine. I’ve also had makeup works published in 17:23 magazine, Pap magazine, and Artego magazines to name a few.
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?
Observe, observe, and observe some more. I honestly find myself learning so much by just looking around and paying attention, and that is not limited to when I’m on set or in my workplace. It might seem like an easy thing to do, but we’re constantly bombarded with so much information and noise and visuals, which, as a creative overwhelms me. But taking a step back and looking at it objectively helps clear out the noise. Pay attention to the details – be it related to your work or your surroundings.
Be comfortable with the knowledge that you might not know everything, which tends to make people feel insecure and uncomfortable. There’s always someone out there who knows more than you but don’t let that stop you from going out there and getting what you want. You can always learn along the way and even excel at it. Don’t let the fear of inadequacy stop you from going after what you want.
And lastly, patience. I struggle with this one myself but I’ve noticed so many things work out, sort themselves out, or fall into place by just being patient and not rushing. This can apply to every field in life. It avoids lots of unnecessary conflicts and confusion.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
In all honesty, I feel like there should be a balance between both. I believe that it’s great to be good at something, but that shouldn’t stop you from learning things along the way. Let me explain myself better – as a makeup artist, I’m good at my job and I know what I’m doing. But having an understanding of, for example, lighting in a studio, and photography and angles makes me more efficient at bringing my vision to life. It helps me visualize what it is that I aim to create and that contributes greatly to the collaboration between my team and myself. So yes, be great at what you do but don’t stop there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsweetlife/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhu-sahoo-02a17a179/
Image Credits
Photographer: @madsweetstyle @lapoquagli Models: @dosiophilia, @latifa.destiny @noemi.salvietti, @http_lindaferrigno Stylist: @madsweetstyle MUA: @madsweetlife Fashion: @margherita.bachis, @gucci , Custom-made. Special thanks: @lapoquagli For all credit corresponding to each photo please find it on @madsweetstyle
