Exclusive! "Don't Let Society Tell You Otherwise": Manasi Mau

Manasi Mau's journey from being a software engineer to becoming a content creator has been remarkable. Through her platform, she shares beauty content and travel content, along with engaging vlogs, keeping her audience entertained and informed. In an exclusive conversation with WhosThat360, she talks about her journey, battling depression, and much more.

From a software engineer to a content creator, how has this journey been for you? 

I come from a very orthodox family; my eldest sister is a doctor, and my second sister is an engineer. I have always been the topper of my school, and I chose to pursue engineering after 12th as a vocational student. On the other hand, I have always been involved in extracurricular activities. I acted in ad films and even appeared in a Marathi film when I was a child. 

However, all of that took a backseat once I started engineering. Fast forward to the third year of my engineering, I realized I needed to reconnect with the Manasi who loves the camera! That's when I decided not to sit for placements and start my YouTube channel. It was the boldest step I had taken as a 20-year-old.

Not gonna lie, it was extremely difficult to convince my parents, and the relatives didn't make it easier either. But I stuck by it, posted videos three times a week for years, and slowly started making a stable career out of it. Today, 7 years later, I can finally say it was the best decision of my life! Don't let society tell you otherwise.

What is the best and the worst part of travelling? 

I was never that 'wanderlust' kid! I am a homebody; I love being around my dog and my loved ones at home. But last year, I took a trip to South Korea, and it just opened my eyes in ways I can't express. There is so much out there apart from the four walls that we sit, eat, and sleep in! So many people, cultures, and cuisines to explore… that is the best part. When the opportunity to attend Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week opened up, I knew I had to grab it. The worst part is always leaving my dog with my parents; I am sure all pet parents would agree!

One thing you wish people knew about content creation?

One thing I wish people knew about content creation? I feel the entire content creation industry has taken a different approach after COVID-19 hit. We have more and more people understanding and respecting the power of social media now. All generations are consuming reels and shorts right from kids to parents.

I wish people knew that it is not as glamorous as it might seem on camera. I mean, the internet makes you believe that name, fame, and money are the ultimate happiness, but it is not. It's the constant battle between being grateful for achievements and wanting to do more.

Every creator has had a rough path to reach wherever they are, and it is only going to get more difficult. I feel so lucky to have my audience, MauFam, who have stuck with me for 7 years and have shown nothing but unconditional support.

Tell us about your Paris Fashion Week experience. Was there a particular moment when you felt nervous? 

Who wouldn't feel nervous for their first-ever fashion week, especially in Paris haute couture... When I landed in Paris, it still did not hit me, but then the very next day when I slipped into my fashion week outfit and was about to head out, I got goosebumps. I went into the kitchen from where I could see the Eiffel Tower, and that's when I realized, oh, this is happening, and I am in PARIS.

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Did anything about this trip change the way you think about fashion shows? What surprised you the most about the experience?

We had back-to-back shows on the same day! I was constantly running between the shows for my hair, outfit, and makeup changes, and professional shoots, all while creating content for my YouTube channels. I realized that the models and the designers involved must be going through 10 times more hustle as they have so many shows aligned. I gained a newfound respect for the people involved so that they can pull off such successful shows!

What was the most memorable part of your trip?

Oh, that is difficult because I had way too many memorable experiences! But the night view of the twinkling Eiffel Tower still gives me chills, especially when you see it for the first time. The hotchpotch of getting ready and running for shows was a core memory too!

What's that one thing you're bringing back from Paris?

When you visit a different country for work, you don't necessarily have the team that you work with at home, so dealing with new assistants, photographers, and editors was challenging because of the language barrier. However, I managed it all.

My hairstylist, who was a local in Paris, bailed on me at the last minute, but I somehow did not panic, kept my cool, and still reached the first show on time.

Everything falls into place if you deal with it patiently. It is very easy to lose your calm in such a stressful environment, so I am going to apply this skill in my day-to-day life as well: to be patient and keep up the hard work!

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And lastly, one thing you are excited about exploring in 2024?

Honestly, I'm excited to become a different version of myself. From 2022 to 2023, I battled clinical depression, which taught me that life is too short. I've reinvented myself this year.

I don't want to waste a single day because of any external factors. I want to live the life that I always dreamed of because what I have today in 2024, the teenager Mau from 2017 has worked hard for it, and she deserves it. Lots to come this year from Manasi Mau, so stay tuned, folks.