Daily Inspiration: Meet Mandy Fason

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Fason.

Hi Mandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was passionate about dance, I took classes and practiced ballet, tap, and jazz, immersing me in the art I loved. While my childhood was filled with the exhilaration of performance, at 18, I took a bold step and left home to pursue acting, enrolling at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, CA. This experience was transformative, allowing me to dive deeply into my craft and explore the emotions that art can evoke.
I later found my calling as a scenic artist and costumer in the film industry, becoming a member of IATSE 479. My background in commercial production and my experiences as an actor doing character breakdowns and as a script supervisor understanding continuity, seamlessly transitioned into the world of costume design. My first set costuming job on Insatiable introduced me to talented individuals like Alyssa Milano and Debby Ryan.
As I continued to work in film and television, I had special opportunities to work closely in the space of amazing actors and learn from this intimate observation of the craft, and at the same time rediscovered joy in costume design, which allowed me to merge my passions for storytelling and visual aesthetics. Working on exciting projects as the costume designer, including a campaign for Sephora that paid homage to 5 classic films, reignited my creative spirit. My journey led me to be recognized as a member of the Television Academy, an honor that opened new avenues for networking and learning.
It was during one of these events that I met Anoush Sadegh, and together we have recently embarked on an artistic journey to bring my children’s story LAVENDER & BUTTERFLIES to life as an animated feature film. Having written and published this tale between 2017 and 2018, I faced obstacles getting it properly published with the visual elements and style I desired and struggled finding the means to create and stage the ballet in the fantasy world I was creating. Fortuitously, Anoush understood my passion and my vision completely, he jumped on board with me as my producer to bring the animation adaptation to life. I’m now working alongside the talented choreographer Kevin Jenkins to create original ballet choreography that integrates seamlessly with my story! It’s absolutely wonderful, a dream come true to see my story evolve through his choreography performed with such love by professional dancers throughout this developmental process. I’m proud of my original screenplay and look forward to sharing it with all audiences. The writing came from my heart through a creative explosion. Today, I’m fueled by the excitement of creating something fresh and extraordinary—Lavender & The Butterfly Nation, a modern ballet within a children’s animation movie that I believe will resonate with audiences for years to come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life took an unexpected turn when I became a single mother at just 20. Balancing motherhood and my aspirations was a daunting challenge, forcing me to pause my dreams for a time. Despite my determination to continue my journey in the entertainment industry, I encountered difficulties as I navigated the pressures of being the sole provider without a stable income. I dabbled in producing and worked on commercials and videos, but these opportunities were often not enough to make ends meet and required too much time away which didn’t allow me to be as present as I wanted in my kids day to day. So I worked in retail and I took odd jobs like promotions in radio, I waited tables, and cleaned houses to make ends meet.
Recognizing the need for stability, I decided to pursue higher education despite the challenges. I earned my degree in English with a concentration in literature and a minor in theatre from the University of North Texas. Yet, shortly after graduation, I faced profound grief with the loss of my father to cancer, leading me back to Arkansas for a time of reflection and healing. Eventually, I made my way to Atlanta, hoping to refocus on acting. Yet, with my children still in school, I sought a more stable career working behind the scenes.
As I stand on the brink of bringing this enchanting tale to fruition, I reflect on the winding path that has led me here. While there have been financial struggles, personal challenges, and the ever-present sting of rejection, my unwavering determination to persevere has been my greatest
asset. As any creator knows, it’s not easy to push through setbacks, but those who persist are the ones who ultimately thrive.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my professional life, I embrace multiple roles as an actress, writer, producer, and costume designer, working across film, television, and theater. My expertise lies in up-cycling and being resourceful, especially when operating on a tight budget. This has become a hallmark of my creative process, enabling me to craft innovative solutions and bring characters to life without compromising quality. I recently started a company for my brand called Butterfly Effect designs. I believe repurposing fashion and jewelry through up-cycling is not just a trend -it’s a necessary movement that aligns with our collective responsibility to protect the environment while celebrating artistic expression and individuality.
I’m modestly known for my performances in various theater productions, where I have left a lasting impression with a few directors and audiences for my emotive portrayals. I was honored to win the 2022 Dee Croxton Robby Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy, which further solidified my passion for the stage. One of my proudest achievements, however, is being a dedicated mother to my incredible children, who are now in their 20s. Their journey has shaped my own, providing me with profound insights that I draw upon in my professional endeavors.
What truly sets me apart is my emotional intelligence. In the fast-paced and often stressful world of film, television, and theater, I excel at maintaining a supportive environment for those around me. My ability to remain calm under pressure allows me to anticipate needs and mitigate potential issues before they arise, ensuring that the team can focus on the creative process.
I thrive on my multifaceted skill set, which informs my work. Ultimately, my blend of talents and my commitment to nurturing others create a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere that I’m proud to foster in every project I’m involved in.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The entertainment industry is already undergoing significant shifts, largely driven by the evolving formats for streaming services and changes in content creation. One of the most prominent factors is the rise of AI, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Our unions have been great to keep us informed and protected as the use of AI is ever present. Although AI may appear threatening in certain aspects and requires more attention to new regulations and standards, it has also opened up remarkable opportunities. For example, I am realizing my vision by developing the animation feature for my children’s book, produced by Anoush’s company, IMAGENai.
To navigate these industry changes successfully, we must embrace AI as a tool and engage with it responsibly, maintaining professionalism and integrity for our crafts. It is vital that we use this
technology in a way that complements our creative processes, protects artists, ensuring that the heart and soul of our artistry remains at the forefront of our work.
Another notable trend is the rise of vertical formatting for platforms designed for mobile viewing. As we cater to the new generation—often referred to as Gen Z, alongside millennials—it’s essential to stay adaptable and attentive to these trends. We should continuously develop new skills and utilize available tools to enhance our talents, all while maintaining our integrity toward humanity, fostering human connections, and respecting fellow creators.
By collaborating and co-creating, we can build an extraordinary future for our industry, one that honors the artistry and innovation inherent in our work and embraces the advantage of innovation technology. There is enough space for everyone to create!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandylfason/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfason/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thebutterflynation/