Today we’d like to introduce you to Mana Afshar.
Mana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my journey in the world of makeup artistry the same year I got sober, about five years ago. I guess you can say I replaced my addiction with art. I had attempted sobriety in the past with little to no success with long term sobriety. I enrolled in a Makeup Academy in Orange County, owned by the world-renowned educator, Donna Mee.
At the time I was broke, homeless and newly sober. I didn’t know which path I wanted to take, but I knew I always had a passion for makeup and beauty. At the time I was “couch-surfing” and pretty much living out of my car. I had a small time waitressing gig which supported me enough to eat, pay my phone bill and my car/ins with enough left over to save each week.
I had two options to spend all my money on a room, or keep struggling, but save enough to enroll in her Academy… I think the answer is pretty clear. I struggled, saved and completed my education. Eventually, I started making enough money to rent a room with waitressing & doing makeup on the side. I didn’t stop there, I continued studying under her and other seasoned artists until I was eventually able to “quit my day job” and dive head first into full time freelancing.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy. My road has been anything but smooth. Rewarding yes, smooth no. I’ve been broke, been betrayed by people I’ve helped & battled my own demons who try to get me to give up constantly. But I just keep fighting. Bad things will always happen to us no matter what we do in life, I’ve learned that all we can do is just keep going. With good intentions and a pure heart, nothing will stop you from succeeding.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Makeup By Mana – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What sets me apart is my tenacity and dedication. I show up for every job I have ever booked and make sure my clients needs are always met. Acting and model has also given me a newfound perspective of how to make the people in my chair feel the most comfortable and relaxed, because I’ve been on both sides. I’m good at what I do, and I’ve been extensively trained on skincare/makeup knowing exactly how to make each skin type look it’s absolute best for each occasion, weather it be on film, for print or an event. I continue to educate my self every year to be the best version of myself I can possibly be. There is nothing more important to me than succeeding in my career and changing lives as I do so.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love the food, music, and art. I hate traffic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeupbymana.com
- Phone: 9493007862
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @inkedoutcast & @makeupartistmana
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeupbymana
Image Credit:
Models: Kendall Mathers. Baylee Krueger. Taylor Cowhey. Joan Urchin. Kelli Buehrer.
Photographers: Sid Rane. Rene Salvador. Laura Pardo. David Ventura. willford studios.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
