Q: How did you initially get your start on YouTube?
Manny: I started on YouTube because my followers on Instagram were asking for it! I was like, wait, you want me to make longer videos than the ones on Instagram? So when I hit 50K followers on Instagram, I started my channel.
Q: You were planning to go to medical school but decided to pursue makeup artistry full-time … was that a scary decision to make?
Manny: YES, that was an extremely scary decision to make. Whatever I did I wanted to be the best at it and be successful, and I thought I needed to go to med school and be a doctor to be successful ... so once I decided to stop pursuing that dream and plunged into makeup, it was like jumping into a black hole. I had no idea what to expect but luckily I was met with open and caring arms in the beauty community.
Q: Your coming-out story has been viewed more than a million times on YouTube! What do you hope others take from your story whether they are struggling with something similar or not?
Manny: I think that what people can take from my story is that I haven't always had it "easy." I still don't! I struggled when I was younger finding who I was, and it wasn't until much later on that I became comfortable in my own skin. I wanted to convey the message that it doesn't matter what other people think of you; what matters is how you view yourself.
Q: It's not easy to be a trailblazer and break stereotypes … we even saw your dad come to your defense recently with someone trolling you. Was there ever a time when you questioned whether being a trailblazer was worth it? What got you through?
Manny: Honestly, I never really thought of myself as a trailblazer. I just thought, hey, I'm doing what I'm doing ‘cause I love it and I have some awesome supporters ... until recently it's blown up so much I'm actually like, whoa ... maybe I really am helping pave the way for other boys in the beauty world or breaking down gender norms in general. I have never thought of stopping or quitting. I am a go-getter, and once I find something I love, I am going to see it through to its fullest potential and I won't let anyone stand in the way of that.
 |
| Courtesy: MannyMUA733 (Instagram) |
Q: What has been the value of YouTube for you?
Manny: The value is indescribable, to be honest. I have no words. I can support myself and my family and reach millions of people and touch their lives DAILY! There really are no words, the value is immeasurable.
 |
| Courtesy: MannyMUA733 (Instagram) |
Q: Who is your ultimate beauty icon?
Manny: My mother is my ultimate beauty icon.
 |
Manny and his mom Courtesy: MannyMUA733 (Instagram) |
Q: If you could do any celebrity's makeup, who would it be and why?
Manny: Honestly, it would probably be Lady Gaga ... 'cause I want to meet her SO BAD!
Q: Do people still recognize you when you aren't glammed up?
Manny: ALL THE TIME, and I love it! Makeup is what I love and what I do, but it's not ALL of me. I don't mind not being glam at all! I love my skin in and out of glam.
 |
| Courtesy: MannyMUA733 (Instagram) |