Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Mansour.
Hi Athena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well in high school, I was extremely bullied for all sorts of things. Kids didn’t like My hair, the way I spoke, the way I acted, etc. I tried to involve myself and make more friends but it never worked so I became myself. I ended up leaving that school and going to another one where I could actually learn and not be tormented by school and staff.
I ended up getting into the college I wanted but decided not to go due to Covid. During quarantine, I was going insane, completely I began to paint, make resin art and all sorts of crafts I thought Martha Stewart. I honestly just needed to escape, not being able to go to school and or see people can really put a toll on teens. This is so cliche but I was home one night just thinking about how I could make my mark and boom, the thing kids would bully me for would make me money, everyone’s curly somewhere right. And after that night, I just began researching and exploring ways of showing the world me and showing other girls like me to just say “hey screw them”. I started curly collection not only because I love eyelashes and just really popping off but to show that we can grow from being stepped on, poked, and prodded that we can turn someone’s view of a flaw into a success.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, not at all, I started curlys collection all on my own. My family did support me but solely mentally. The money I had scraped up from past birthdays and Christmases was my starting margin. And even after investing in myself that didn’t pay off for a while. The business is still new and constantly growing but no the road has not been smooth. If my best friend isn’t around to help I’m basically the full house, I take photos, edit, and post all by myself. It gets hard but it’s worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m truly an entrepreneur. I love to create and I love to learn. My true goal in life is to be a successful author and have my doctorate of judicial science. I don’t really want to practice law but to have my doctorate would be cool and an awesome achievement. I’m probably most proud of the things I’ve accomplished on my own. Growing up -as most would say- I didn’t fit in. I was always thinking and or trying to get ahead, when I was in the 3rd grade, I knew what I wanted to do and I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve done everything thus far. I’m not sure what truly sets me apart from others I believe in some way we are all linked, but truly the stars of our own separate shows. But if I had to pick, it would be my leadership skills and the fact that I accomplish my goals, I feel like I can turn nothing into something. My friends like to say that even in a room full of people, I would stand out. They might just be fueling my ego but, that’s something I can agree on.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have a few on the list first off, my grandparents. My grandpa came here with 3 dollars illegally and grinned until he could become the man who he is today. My grandmother is an absolute queen, she deserves the world and I want to show her I can give that to her. Secondly my parents, my mother has showed me that even in the toughest of the situations, you can thrive and succeed if you want to. She has taught me that your biggest enemy is yourself and that you can always surpass where you are in the best of ways. My father a stubborn man has taught me to never back down. Showed me truly how hard life can get. I feel like they both prepared me for the real world in the best of ways. One of my biggest supporters would have to be my sister, she has always been there no matter what. It seems like all the woman in my family can truly hold their own. She is a great example of perseverance and true grit. Last but not least would have to be my best friend. Someone who has taught me that kindness and love exist in some of the most pure ways. She accepted me when few would. And truly, all of the people above I feel like have helped mold me
Pricing:
- Lashes range from 12-20
- Mink lashes 20
- Silk lashes around 15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curlyscollection.com
- Instagram: @Curlys_collection, my personal Instagram is @athena_mansour__
- Other: TikTok: curlyscollection
Image Credits:
Photos taken by Bianca saint-cricq
