Life & Work with Ashton Mann

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Mann. 

Hi Ashton, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started modeling/influencing about 3 years ago. It all started when I went to Paris for my sister to walk in fashion week. We were there for about 2 weeks, and let me tell you. It’s fashion capital for sure. Since I wasn’t allowed to go to any fashion shows, I took pictures around the city and just lived the Parisian lifestyle. It hit when I saw this beautiful woman with a midi floral skirt, a white tank, scarf, and HEELS jump on a motorcycle. I knew then, that’s power. When I got back to the states, I knew fashion meant more to me than having clothes for an occasion it became a passion. I wanted to create moments just like that lady did with the motorcycle. I wanted to destroy norms and have a Carrie Bradshaw effect when it came to picking out what I wanted to wear. I started by taking pictures every Sunday of 3 outfits. I made sure to post on Monday because Monday is a slow day. Then I would follow the other two days of my choice during that week. I was doing that for a straight month then I got My first deal with Revlon cosmetics. The requirements were to create makeup looks and promote the brand. It was also my first paid gig. I thought immediately I don’t have many followers so they must see something, there’s money in social media. After that, I got gigs left and right. My next biggest deal was a promotion for tinder on TIKTOK. That deal was huge, exciting, and scary. But I knew I was cut for it. As soon as social media started running, I wanted to look back on my dream to have an online clothing business/brand. I started having visions about it about 4 years ago. I was very unsure of the name it went from vibestrt to STRT for about a year. The reason is because I love street style, I love the diversity that comes from street style and the moments that are happening in cities. Whether you’re in a rush, going to work, or even a date it’s there on the street. But the name didn’t hit like I wanted it to. So, I sat back on about year 3 of brainstorming just the name and thought “what’s the task” what exactly am I trying to do. The way I dress is just by putting things together you wouldn’t normally put together but that I truly like. So, I thought I’m trying to “create” and that’s how I got to MannCreate. Mann create is a continuous collaboration of curated art & carefully selected pieces for “man” (human race) to create. It’s in our statement. I want to bring originality back to fashion. Boldness back to fashion. MannCreate is for creators, whether that’s art or fashion we want to be in service to everyone that’s on the go. Some pieces are wholesale and others come from thrift stores then are reconstructed to give the piece more twang to be ready for the streets. In the future, I’d love to incorporate more artist and share spotlights around their curated pieces. With that, we’ll surround each collection of clothes around that art piece. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not be a smooth road, it’s been a mental roller coaster. I’m in school for digital marketing. I never thought I was good at school because I had one teacher my senior year say “don’t just be a pretty face” simply because I didn’t know the answer to a question. I’ve had lots of people close to me who think about life very practical, go to school, get a job, start a family. My life is different I started getting serious about my life at 21. In the town I grew up in, that’s late. My life is more creative and day by day. The wins have been great but the hard truth is that the people closest to you may be the ones to tell you that you will not make it. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an entrepreneur/ influencer and model. My online business called MannCreate. Mann create is a continuous collaboration of curated art & carefully selected pieces for “man” to create. I’m known for influencing/ modeling, I do lots of content days and work for designers! I’m most proud of the faith I have in myself. I sat alone for 3 years, abstained from sex just to get my life back on track so that no one would be able to tell me who Ashton Mann is. I think what sets me apart from others is my optimism. I believe that anyone can honesty do anything, it’s all mind over matter for me every second of my day. I work hard. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is amazing and very easy. But it takes mentally strong people to network positively. When you network in a fashion setting, I suggest you put on the fit that is you entirely. People need to see you and what you are in order to feel comfortable to learn from you and even to share. That’s what networking is all about! The advice I can give is do not compare, that’s what has worked the best for me. What’s for one person won’t be the same way for you, and that’s ok. That’s actually great, listen more than you speak, especially if you don’t know or have never experienced something before. Also, learn how to accept positive constructive criticism. You’ll know in your soul whether it’s for the benefit of you or for the boost of others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://manncreate.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashtonloreal?utm_medium=copy_link
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdhNGVrr/

Image Credits
@RiverwildPhography
@ kaleigh Madison photography
@ ashtynnbree photography
@SarahMoutan photography