“Everything happens for a reason,” Mañuela muses, her voice tinged with the certainty of someone who has found her calling amidst the unexpected twists of life. Her foray into the world of modeling wasn’t planned. It was the result of a serendipitous meeting with Terrence, a photographer well known in the city’s art scene, at a local event brimming with Kansas City’s creative souls.
Their connection was instantaneous, a meeting of minds that shared a singular vision: to disrupt and redefine the portrayal of Black beauty and creativity.
Mañuela and Terrence spoke of art, of culture, of a shared dream to uplift and redefine the narrative surrounding Black beauty and creativity. From this conversation, Autre Management was born.
Together, they’re breaking away from the constraints of Pinterest aesthetics and the monolithic portrayal of Black beauty, crafting a space where Black women can see themselves not just as they are, but as they could be.
“I’ve learned over time that as models, we are inevitably responsible for the images we project onto consumers, and most importantly, our youth. It’s irresponsible of me not to acknowledge how we shape societal perceptions of beauty, so my team and I make sure that we are taking more inclusive approaches on the future of the fashion industry as a model agency.”
In the bustling environment of their Kansas City studio, where the walls are adorned with vibrant images that challenge every stereotype, Mañuela works tirelessly. “We’re creating art by us, for us,” she told us, her words echoing the ethos of Autre Management. Each photograph, each model’s story, a piece of a larger narrative aimed at reclaiming the representation of Black women and femme-presenting individuals in the media.
As an immigrant from West Africa, Mañuela describes how learning and understanding the diversity of Black experiences shapes her creative vision: “I would love to just create better representation and add to more images that young Black girls can look [at] and be able to emulate,” she shares. Rather than relying on preconceived notions, Mañuela and Terrence tap into the essence of their own cultural roots to create art that feels true to who they are. “Even though I’m West African and he’s African American, we’re both Black. We both relate, if that makes sense…[to] the essence of what we are.”
Her journey, not just about showcasing beauty, is about connecting with her roots and fostering a deeper understanding of Black and African culture through her work.
A Symphony of Creativity
Mañuela’s approach to modeling is a direct challenge to the cookie-cutter aesthetics that dominate social media feeds. She refuses to be confined by trends or expectations, instead choosing to celebrate the unique beauty and strength of each individual who steps in front of her camera. “It’s about flowing with the current state of emotions and nurturing them as inspirations of creative expression,” she explains, her eyes alight with passion.
The studio, awash with the golden hues of the afternoon sun, becomes a sanctuary where Mañuela’s models can truly be themselves. Here, stereotypes are dismantled, and preconceived notions of beauty are left at the door. In this sacred space, the very essence of individuality is celebrated, and the chains of societal expectations are cast aside. Each model is encouraged to embrace their uniqueness, to let their personality shine through every pose and every glance.
Mañuela understands that true beauty lies in authenticity, in the raw and unfiltered expressions of the human experience. She creates an atmosphere where her models feel empowered to explore the depths of their creativity, to push the boundaries of what is considered conventional beauty.
In this studio, there is no room for the limiting beliefs that so often plague the fashion industry. Size, shape, and skin tone are not barriers, but rather celebrated aspects of each model’s identity. Mañuela’s lens seeks out the stories etched in the lines of their faces, the strength in their stances, and the resilience in their spirits.
As the camera clicks and the music swells, a symphony of creativity unfolds. Each model becomes a note in a grand composition, their movements and expressions blending harmoniously to create a work of art that transcends the confines of the studio walls.
Through her work, Mañuela is not just challenging the status quo of the modeling industry; she is redefining the very concept of beauty itself. She is showing the world that true beauty is not found in conformity, but in the celebration of individuality.
Changing the Narrative
Mañuela’s mission extends beyond the camera lens. She’s determined to change the narrative surrounding Black women in the arts, pushing against the monolithic portrayal that has long dominated media representation. “To reclaim the image of the Black woman, who publishes her and how we’re allowed to change her perception,” she declares, highlighting the purpose that drives every aspect of her work.
Her mission is to show Black women as individuals with the power to express themselves fully, without exposing herself or her models to exploitation.
“As a black woman, it’s important that I don’t use my skin color as a marketing ploy to make people think that we can be tokenized,” she emphasizes. “As a modeling agency, we don’t use black, POC or LGBTQ+ models to pander for convenience, because our models are also voices of marginalized communities, not pawns.”
A Community of Support
Mañuela’s impact extends far beyond the realm of fashion. In a city where art has always been a catalyst for change, she is harnessing the power of creativity to uplift and empower her community.
“I owe my vision to the community of creatives in Kansas City who have helped me navigate through the industry along the years while I was finding my own voice. I hope to continue watering the seeds they’ve planted by showing that it’s not about fitting into molds; it’s about breaking them. This includes Autre Management launching outreach programs that will empower young girls and boys throughout our communities.”
Through Autre Management, she is cultivating a new generation of Black creatives, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and stories with the world.
The Future is Bright
In the end, Mañuela’s story is one of unwavering dedication to her craft, to her community, and to the power of representation. With every photoshoot, every model empowered, she is writing a new chapter in Kansas City’s cultural narrative—one that celebrates the rich tapestry of Black beauty, resilience, and artistry that has always been woven into the fabric of this remarkable city.
