We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mana Afshar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

To leave behind a spirit that speaks through my art, that can live long after I’m physically gone. People can feel what I felt, see what I saw, and interpret it in their own way, but always think of me when they do.

Mana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey in the entertainment industry began almost a decade ago. I started my career in the world of makeup artistry. Before I could properly formulate words, I had a makeup brush or paintbrush in my hand. I always knew I would be an artist. Like most artists, I struggled to find my place in the world, both personally & professionally. After dealing, with and struggling with addiction for the majority of my adolescent/teen and young adult life, I got sober and wound up going to a Makeup Academy that would change my life. Empire Makeup Academy & owner/educator Donna Mee taught me how to channel my artistic abilities and turn into into a viable career. It was the best decision I ever made, I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.

Once I graduated I started using my knowledge to get into beauty & fashion work, in my 1st year I landed a few magazine covers & worked on a few short films and my first feature film. By my 3rd year in the field, I had found my niche and slowly my resume became impressive enough for me to land some pretty big campaigns, commercials, and films. I became a full-time freelance that same year. I then did a few jobs in front of the camera after being pursued to model for some amazing photographers, which started my path into modeling and acting. I wound up being cast in a ton of music videos, and a handful of features. My modeling landed me in dozens of print/online magazines. Now I do work both behind and in front of the camera for a living.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the 2020 lockdowns when I couldn’t work, I started a small side business painting art on canvases. it slowly built into a viable source of income and outlet for creativity. I now have a portion of my time devoted to my side hustle and enjoy sharing my paintings with the world. They hang in the homes of some of my favorite musicians and actors, so I’m very honored that such talented people enjoy my work! you can check out my art on Instagram @outcastartwork

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being able to live life on my own terms and doing what truly makes me happy. creating art with the most talented people on earth and learning so much about not only my craft but myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makeupbymana.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/inkedoutcast
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/inkedoutcast
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/inkedoutcast_
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/inkedoutcastmana
• Instagram Art Page: www.instagram.com/outcastartwork

Image Credits
Dillon Morningstar. Laura Pardo. Alex Chik. Milly Gutierrez. Ashley Pagliuso Alyssa Johnson. Anya Wiltshire. Mana Afshar. Cynthia Garza. Maribaal Clothing