Meet Manuela Proano | Luxury Personal Branding and Fashion Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuela Proano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuela, what principle do you value most?
Authenticity, Confidence, Power and Abundance are the four values that have guided my path and have uplifted my life in many different levels.

Authenticity, Confidence, Power, and Abundance are four powerful values that can transform an individual’s life. When we strive to live authentically, we tap into our true self, allowing us to express our unique voice and purpose in life. This leads to a deep sense of confidence, as we trust ourselves and our decisions, and we no longer feel the need to compare ourselves to others.

With authenticity and confidence, we can harness our power and take control of our lives. We become proactive rather than reactive, and we are not afraid to take risks or pursue our goals. This sense of power can create a positive ripple effect in our lives, allowing us to achieve our dreams and live a fulfilling life.

Abundance is the natural result of living with authenticity, confidence, and power. When we are true to ourselves, we attract abundance in all areas of our lives, including wealth, health, and relationships. We realize that there is more than enough to go around and that we are deserving of abundance.

When we align with these four values, we create a powerful foundation for a fulfilling and joyful life. We become the best version of ourselves, living our true purpose, and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There is something you probably don’t know about me, I come from a Fashion background. I always felt passionate about fashion and I was determined to make it my way of life since day one.

Second thing you might not know about me is that I struggled with eating disorders for most of my life.

Stop, I know what you are thinking: “It is no surprise that a girl going into fashion struggles with ED…”

But the truth is that Fashion was actually one of a few methods I used to help me to build and unbreakable self-confidence and identity and worth, that I now use to create the life and business that I always wanted.

So this is where my story begins, and how I turned from low self-esteem and PERFECTIONISM into what I call the badass version of myself…

I quit my corporate job in advertising to pursue my own brand and business. But the thing is: I was scared to do it, and follow my dream. What if I failed? What would people say… Imposters syndrome was my first and last name.

I wanted to become a successful business owner, a leader, an authority in fashion. I wanted to feel and look my best. I wanted to be recognized, to be free, to have time for my family and friends, to become the best version of myself and start living my dream life.

I realized that I needed to let go of who I was being in order to become the person who could access to all of that. I NEEDED TO BELIEVE IN MYSLEF LIKE NO ONE ELSE DID. I needed to see myself as the badass woman that I truly was underneath all my negative self-talk.

Before that even happened – I had to break up toxic relationships. Relationships where I was being selfish, superficial, where I felt small and unworthy I had to let go of the belief that that I needed a lot of money to become the version of me that I dreamed about. I had to let go of a pre-conceived IDENTITY and SELF-IMAGE of a small and unsuccessful girl, to create that of a badass successful woman.

It took me a while to realize that I would never succeed if I continued to be the same person, hang around the same people and having the same surroundings. If I continued to treat myself the same way I did, having the same self-doubts and negative self-talk.

I DID NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE I NEEDED TO DO TO CREATE THE LIFE AND BUSINESS THAT I CRAVED.

I wanted to be a BADASS! I wanted to be extraordinary, confident, authentic, successful, powerful, abundant, sexy, balanced, a successful business woman, a leader, caring and generous, and cause an impact.

Instead, I felt small and unworthy. I felt I didn’t have a message or a story to convey. I had no confidence to show up and use my voice. I constantly compared myself to others.

But the main issue was: I did not believe in myself and my own POWER.

I took immediate action!

I hired help, I hired high-level business and personal development coaches, I accessed a whole new mindset. I accessed a Magnetic Mindset.

I stayed committed to my vision even on the hard days. I became intentional in everything I did, thought, spoke, dressed or showed up. I stepped into the version of myself I wanted to become.

I edited my style, my surroundings and the people I hang around with and am attracting only people who support me and my new goals…

I up leveled my self-talk and my self-identity. I truly became my most authentic self.

I stepped up my social media game and the way I showed up. I invested in my personal development. I invested in my wardrobe and intended to look and feel the BEST for MYSELF, not for others.

I worked on healing deep traumas that were holding me back. I healed my relationship with myself and with money.

I did a deep work to up-level my self-image and PERSONAL BRANDING to one that would place me at a level of authority and influence.

I feel and look better than I ever have in my entire life. Now I want to pay it forward and I’m passionate about empowering ambitious leaders to BE AUTHENTIC, CONFIDENT, POWERFUL AND ABUNDANT, SO THAT THEY CAN TAKE ACTION ON THEIR DREAMS. To help them create the life and business they want and love right now! I built my business around this mission and I love it.

Today, I have edited myself: my mindset, my style, relationships and surroundings to the point I am able to say “I am my best version”. I am living my dream life, I am free, confident, abundant and powerful. Today I can say I am a freaking BADASS and I know anyone can be one too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is a vibrant and exciting city; there are some must-see spots that are sure to show anyone the best time. To start, I would recommend staying at the Faena hotel or the Miami Edition hotel, both of which I believe have excellent amenities and stunning views of the city, not to mention their exquisite decoration both in their own unique style.

For dining, we would simply visit Swan restaurant, one of my favorites, an elegant and trendy spot known for its delicious food and chic atmosphere. Another excellent dining option is Babylos, a lively restaurant where I love their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a side of live music.

Casa Tua is also a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. This cozy Italian restaurant offers an intimate ambiance and very tasteful dishes.

When it comes to healthy and fresh eats, Pura Vida is the perfect spot! I recently became vegan and this café is popular for its nutritious and delicious dishes, is one of my favorite spots.

For shopping, we can’t miss The Webster, a luxurious multi-brand boutique featuring designer clothing and accessories. Cult Gaia and Simonett are also excellent options for stylish and trendy pieces that are sure to turn heads.

The Miami Design District is another must-visit spot, with its modern architecture, high-end shops, and art galleries. I would definitely take her shopping and strolling through the streets, take in the beautiful sights, and make our way to the de la Cruz Collection, a contemporary art museum that showcases works from up-and-coming artists.

All of these spots are sure to give anyone’s best friend a taste of the best that Miami has to offer

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to Candice Johnson, my good friend and coach who is always encouraging me to go one step further and create a better bigger impact in the world. My boyfriend, Camilo, who is an absolute powerhouse, who I admire greatly and always supports me in my entrepreneurial journey. And finally, my best friend, Florencia Davalos with whom I share the same passions and business adventures!

Website: https://mppastudio.com/

Instagram: @manuela.proano

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/manuelaproano

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuela.ppa/

Image Credits
PHOTOS BY: Sebastian Ribadeneira (@srvph)