What inspired you to co-found Manifest Supply, the universal personal care brand?
It was definitely a crazy coincidence that my co-founder and I started Manifest Supply. Manifest Supply was created because as models and frequent event-goers, Skyler and I needed non-toxic, natural, gender-neutral products that we could both use. We both have sensitive skin that does not react well to heavily fragranced and synthetic products from deodorants to body washes. We saw a huge need for a retailer that would “set the bar and stick to it” and provide quality men/gender-neutral products. So then, Manifest Supply was born.
What does your future look like? What do you plan to do?
Right now, my future is Manifest Supply, the universal personal care company I just co-founded with Skyler Beastie, an amazing student from USC! We are hoping to open a physical brick and mortar storefront soon and are hoping that the current situation improves! In the meantime, we’re working on rapidly expanding our online presence.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Fireflies by Owl City
What does a day in your life look like?
Before COVID-19, I would wake up, work for a bit on my laptop, go to class for a few hours, get ready for an evening blogger event, eat dinner, and sleep! I was pretty busy everyday, either studying, shooting, networking, or working. Nowadays, I work on my new company, Manifest Supply, from home. I wake up, make some breakfast and green tea, and shoot indoor content. Throughout the day, I’m guilty on being glued to a screen - I’ve been working on coding and designing the Manifest Supply website for the past few months, and it’s finally ready for launch (after a lot of screen time!).
How has you life and daily routines changed as a result of COVID-19?
Before COVID-19 I was going to events and shooting content almost every day of the week. With in-person events and influencing on a pause, I pivoted to co-founding my own online e-commerce business Manifest Supply. My co-founder Skyler and I actually built the company from inside our apartment! So, COVID-19 actually freed up my time!
If you could go back in time, is there, if at all, anything you’d do differently?
Not really! I actually am really thankful for the way everything in my life unfolded. I started my first business, Cerise Tea, a not-for-profit company, in high school BECAUSE I fractured my back in gymnastics! So now, I believe things happen for a reason.
If you could know the absolute truth to one question, what would you ask?
I would ask how to achieve space travel, honestly. It sounds crazy but traveling space has always been a weird, far-away dream of mine!
In your opinion, who do you think is the most impressive person in the world right now?
I think AOC is really incredible!
What advice would you give fellow (or younger) students to be successful and proactive?
For the industries I’ve been lucky to be a part of, like entertainment, media, and cosmetics, networking is really important! Try to be friendly, present, and genuinely interested in all the people you come across. It’s always great to leave a good impression. Research what events industry leaders could be attending, and see whether you can prepare talking points before you meet them!