Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Manjari Srivastava, a Youtuber and Content Creator from India.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I am a homemaker now. However, I had worked for a public sector bank for 1 year, but I had to leave that job when I became pregnant as I was posted far away from my home. I am from India and an MBA Graduate. I have been married for 10 years now, and I have a 6-year-old daughter. My husband works for a public sector bank as a Senior Manager. Being a transferable job of my husband, I get to explore new places.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey.
I have never been into makeup and beauty things even after marriage. I watched YouTube videos in my spare time with a focus on makeup and beauty related videos as my skin was getting dull day by day. I was following a few well-established YouTubers, and their content helped me a lot to overcome the dull skin. This is where I decided to try a few homemade beauty products and a few makeup tips given by these established Youtubers. This gave me confidence that now makeup and beauty products can be an essential part of my life. I started practicing makeup on myself. I started with applying eyeshadow and eyeliner, and after practicing for 2-3 months, I can say I almost learned every minute details of how to do eye makeup. Gradually I shifted towards how to apply foundation, contour, blush, and most importantly, how to correctly use the various makeup brushes. Then last year, in August 2019, one thing struck me, and that was “how about having a channel of my own on Youtube.” I shared this idea with my family, and my husband supported me a lot. So I started my youtube channel named “Manjari Srivastava.” My channel features videos on makeup Tutorials, makeup recreation of famous Bollywood celebrities and TV artists, vlogs, beauty tips, hauls, reviews of the products, and few cooking videos. This journey has not been an easy one. Initially, my videos could hardly garner 5-10 views and that too that came from my friends and family members, but I didn’t lose hope, and I continued with my passion, and now my channel is on the verge of getting monetized. I now have over 140 videos on my channel.
Who are your role models?
My role models that I look up to are 2 very good Youtubers. One is Saima, who is having a youtube channel named Shystyles, and the other one is Nidhi Katiyar having the channel named Nidhi Katiyar. These two YouTubers are very down to earth and are into a league of their own. They both are self-made, and I am really inspired by the two.
What inspires you?
There are a lot many things that inspire me. For instance, I have seen so many successful persons in my life living the life of celebrities, yet they are grounded. No attitude, no authoritative behavior, just simple person like they were before getting famous. Also, one line that inspires me is by Franklin D Roosevelt, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Please tell us more about your Story.
As I still am a budding makeup artist, there is a lot to learn. However, as to whatever I had learned by watching my role models and by practicing, I can say that I am pretty good at it now. (P.S.- that’s what my followers say)
What’s your most memorable experience?
My most memorable moment to date in my journey was to collaborate with Wow skin sciences products. I was contacted one fine evening as to am I willing to take up the assignment. I went through the details and said yes to the project. It still remains my most memorable moment.
Which social media channels work best for promoting your work? What exactly do you do on the social media channel that makes it work for you?
Even though I am pretty much active on 3 social media sites, namely Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Out of this, I believe Youtube works best for me as I upload content on my youtube channel named “Manjari Srivastava” every alternate day that’s 3 times a week. I now have loyal and engaging subscribers who love my work.
What’s your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that I might someday get bored of all this thing, or maybe I get disheartened/ depressed if my channel is not performing well.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
I think the power of social media. Had I understood its power some 3-4 years ago, I could have been in a better position, but again I would say no regrets as its never too late for anything. Just stay focused, stay motivated, and voila you can achieve everything you aspire for.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Initially, when I started, I had no strategy at all. Then gradually, I started sharing my videos with my friends(online friends as well) and asked them to be critical about it so that the next time I can rectify those mistakes in my next videos. Now having the support and suggestions of my family and my friends, I am improvising day by day. Off late, I had started making good use of all my social media handles to share my content, and that’s how I am gaining popularity day by day.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
Well, it’s the self-motivation and obviously the support of my followers that keep me going. There were few moments in my life when I almost thought of quitting, but the support and advice that I got during this tough time kept me intact, and here I am still working day and night to keep my followers happy, and that in turn, makes me happy.
Any message for our readers.
“Never lose hope” is what I would like to convey to the readers. No matter what comes in your way, talk to yourself, and say, “Just Bring It.” Always remember, “Those who try they never fail because either they will reach their destination or they will get something to learn out of this.”
How can people connect with you?
They may connect me through various channels. I am available on Instagram and on my Facebook page ‘Manjari Fashion and Lifestyles.’ You can also check out my Youtube channel.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you the best for your journey ahead!
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