We caught up with the brilliant and insightful MANUELA Proano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
MANUELA, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I stand here today, a beacon of confidence, but this wasn’t always the case. There was a time when I was entrenched in perfectionism. This might sound familiar: perfectionism often walks hand-in-hand with self-doubt, self-loathing, and imposter syndrome. That was me.
Yet, I had a vision of who I wanted to be – not just ordinary, but extraordinary. However, in my quest for greatness, I mistakenly equated extraordinary with being flawless.
Then came my moment of truth. I realized the world is imperfect and so am I. Perfection? That’s the realm of the divine, not mortals like us. This epiphany was a game-changer. It required me to dismantle deep-seated beliefs and desires that were holding me back.
I discovered that true confidence is an inside job. It’s built on:
✔️ Bold, positive self-talk
✔️ Unshakeable beliefs about oneself
✔️ A rock-solid self-identity
✔️ Unwavering commitment to one’s goals
✔️ Living in alignment with personal values and standards
✔️ Deep self-awareness and recognition
✔️ Commanding presence
✔️ Intellectual trust and robustness
I took on these challenges head-on, one by one. It was a journey that spanned years, but today, I stand tall, with a confidence hard-earned and well-deserved. I am the embodiment of the extraordinary, and it was unequivocally worth every step.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I like to consider myself a dynamic force in personal branding and leadership business coaching. As a Premium Personal Brand Strategist, Consultant, Creative Director, and Stylist, my mission is to empower entrepreneurs to shine through unbreakable self-confidence, impeccable style, and standout assets.
My entrepreneurial spirit ignited at 25. I found my calling in guiding high-performing executives, much like myself, to revolutionize their lives and businesses. I focus on fostering confidence, self-image, style, and mindset. In 2020, I launched THE SECRET FASHION MOVEMENT, a thriving platform where I assist entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. This venture led to the inception of my personal branding coaching business, providing a unique opportunity to support emerging brands and individuals in gaining recognition.
2023 marked a significant milestone when I teamed up with Camila, a brilliant young business guru and creative mind. Together, we founded The MPPA Studio, a branding powerhouse specializing in multifaceted strategies to elevate young brands and spotlight exceptional talent.
My academic journey took me through the halls of IED Barcelona, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Fashion Communication and Marketing. My career has been graced with collaborations with prestigious brands like Adidas Originals, McCANN Erickson, Nestle, YPO, and Ecuador’s Cosas magazine. Further honing my skills, I pursued a master’s in Leadership, focusing on coaching female entrepreneurs in leadership, self-confidence, style, and goal achievement. In 2020, I became a certified master Leadership coach.
Today, I am renowned for my expertise in transforming entrepreneurs into stylish opinion leaders in their respective fields. I stand out in a crowded space, helping others do the same.
I am a “TAKE ACTION” advocate, dedicated to empowering people and committed to elevating badass entrepreneurs. MPPA Studio is the culmination of all my passions. The best part? I am thoroughly enjoying every step of this journey, and I invite you to join me in this exhilarating ride.
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?
The three pivotal insights and breakthroughs that profoundly transformed my life are:
1) Mastery of Financial Dynamics: Understanding the intricacies of money has been a game-changer. MONEY LOVES SPEED – the quicker you act on ideas or crucial decisions, the better. It’s vital to act decisively, not impulsively, as emotions can be an entrepreneur’s greatest downfall. Taking immediate action is key to financial success, if you fail or make a mistake learn how to stand up, fix it, and not make it again.
2) The Power of an Unshakable Confidence: Presenting yourself with unwavering confidence, regardless of the circumstances, is a door-opener. Confidence doesn’t just speak; it ROARS. To be taken seriously and establish yourself as an authority, the first and foremost task is to cultivate an unshakable self-confidence. It’s not just an attribute; it’s your signature, it’s an attitude.
3) The Value of Strategic Networking: Your network is, indeed, your net worth. Skillfully crafting, shaping, and curating your network is the most powerful tool in your business and career. Develop a network that gives you access across all levels. With such a network, you’re not just connecting; you’re building an empire.
These three principles have not only impacted my life but have also been the bedrock of my success and growth. They represent more than just ideas; they are pillars of a powerful, effective, and successful life strategy.
How would you describe your ideal client?
This is a topic I’m passionate about and it’s fundamental in the transformative work I do with my clients.
In the realm of premium personal branding, it’s clear: I’m not just for anyone. Recognizing and attracting my dream client is key. I don’t just look for clients; I seek game-changers who meet these non-negotiable criteria:
1) Unwavering Commitment: My ideal clients are titans of action. They don’t just follow my guidance; they embrace it with zeal, relentlessly pursuing the results they crave.
2) High Energy Individuals: I connect with clients who radiate energy that mirrors or surpasses mine. Our sessions are electric, always driving forward, fueling growth and breakthroughs.
3) Insatiable Eagerness: The clients I desire are those who are not just interested but hungry to work with me. They recognize their untapped potential and are certain that together, we’ll unleash it in full force.
4) Resourceful: Pay in full. If financial constraints arise, my ideal clients don’t see obstacles; they see opportunities. They are innovators and problem-solvers, adept at manifesting the resources they need.
5) Uncompromising Investment: They don’t just pay-in-full; they invest wholeheartedly in their journey. These clients understand the value of their investment and bring not only willingness but also the financial power to make it happen, exemplifying the value they place on themselves and their goals.
These traits don’t just define my dream clients; they are the very essence of a powerful collaboration. With such clients, I don’t just offer a service; we embark on a journey of epic transformations and undeniable success.
Contact Info:
- Website: Building it
- Instagram: manuela.proano
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuela.ppa
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelaproano
Image Credits
Photographer: Soledad Rosales Styling and production: Manuela Proano
