Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Manasseh.
Hi Gracie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
This all started when I was young. I have always been interested in arts; dancing, acting, modeling, and singing.
I grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, my mom had me perform in the church from a young age and encouraged me to participate in extracurricular activities in school. Those church performances would always be televised on the local t.v channels. I was also active in the drama club in high school and enjoyed showcasing my talents.
My mom actually believed in me before I believed in myself. She has always encouraged me to go for auditions. Her famous saying “Delay is not denial, your time will come.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not. After high school, I decided to major in Journalism then changed my major.
At that time being creative didn’t seem realistic and people would always tear me down whenever I mentioned that I wanted to pursue it.
I struggled with self-esteem issues and listening to the opinions of others which led me to abandon my craft and decided to pursue something that I was not passionate about.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a plus-size model and aspiring actress who advocates for diversity, living your truth, and chasing your dreams despite the obstacles & setbacks.
Last year, I decided to begin my creative journey and auditioned for the Crush model team which I made the team. Working with SaraBeth gave me confidence and I decided to start auditioning for shows. I participated in 3 runway shows; heartland fashion week, west18th street, and KC fashion week.
I was also able to work with the Johnson County Community College theatre department as a stage manager on a Kid’s play called ‘El Tiburon’ by Koki Sabates. I enjoyed working behind the scenes and decided to start taking acting classes. This is just the beginning, I am excited about what the future will bring.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Thank God for therapy! Working in healthcare during the pandemic; seeing and experiencing Covid 19 firsthand gave me a new perspective of life.
Nothing is promised and it definitely gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and start pursuing my dreams and doing what I love.
As a society, we live in a culture of always being on the go and the pandemic taught me the importance of slowing down, living in the moment, spending time with your loved ones, creating a self-care routine, and most importantly being kind to yourself and those around you.
Everybody is going through something and it doesn’t hurt to be kind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/graciemanasseh?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_manasseh/
Image Credits
Aundrea Mayfield, Sara Beth (Crushmodel Studio), Ciara (Cemarie Photography), Arianna (Lunaspire L Photography), and Kelly Ulrich
