Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelina Maniti.
Hi Angelina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Where to begin? Now that I think about it, I believe my drive to help others has led the way to where I am today. For as long as I remember, I’ve always been passionate about helping others. I love the idea of being considered a dependable person, someone that friends and family can turn to when they need aid. I worked with various non-profit organizations that involved me being a leader to youths and young adults.
One of the greatest highlights of those leadership positions was working with the youths and being able to create a positive and enriching environment where they felt comfortable trying new things, which ultimately led them to discover more about themselves and their special gifts. It genuinely brought me so much joy to play a part in such an important self-discovery because I knew firsthand what it’s like to find your gift. And if it wasn’t for the pandemic, I wouldn’t have received that much-needed time to myself to redirect all my energy into my own gifts that were placed on the back burning as I was so focused on helping other people. It was finally my time to help myself achieve my goals and discover what I could do with my gifts.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing worth doing is ever “smooth”. There are always going to be obstacles in your way and I honestly believe those obstacles have a lesson behind them that will help you conquer future struggles much “smoother”. So bring them on.
I would have to say the biggest struggle I faced was with myself in that I refused to use my artistic and creative abilities in a way that would support me financially. I was so adamant about only doing art for my own benefit and well-being. It was not something I wanted to monetize. But if I’m being honest, that refusal to sell my art was rooted in the fear that no one would even want to buy it. As an artist and creative maker, you put yourself out there for the world to see. It’s such a vulnerable feeling. If your work isn’t perceived in the way you hoped for, it doesn’t take much for you to feel completely and utterly defeated. I just have to remind myself why I’m making art in the first place. That it started out as something that I wanted to do just for me. As long as I’m happy with the outcome, that’s all that matters.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been sculpting ever since I was serendipitously placed in a sculpture class my sophomore year in high school. The way I was able to manipulate the clay and create unforgettable pieces was unparalleled. I truly found my way of expressing myself. And that was also a struggle for me to find my voice because I’ve never been able to express myself with words, I received that trait from my mother. It usually takes me a while to fathom my words together because I do tend to overthink and want what I’m saying to be carefully put together. Which sort of leads me to my passion for the moon.
Everything about her amazes me and I verily resonate with the moon. Similar to myself, she has these stages she needs to go through where she conceals a part of herself and steps away to recharge but she is still there for others. Shining her light even though she isn’t completely whole. It’s such a beautiful object to create. I am proud of myself for taking the risk of starting my own business where I am required to use my creativity to design and create pieces for people to take home or gift to loved ones.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family and friends have been a huge help to me during this incredible and scary journey. Having such a strong support system makes all the difference. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them.
Contact Info:
- Email: BebeClays@gmail.com
- Website: www.BebeClays.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebeclays/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BebeClays
Image Credits:
Caylee Mcfarland
Angelina Maniti
