Artist Profile: Whitney Manney + Playlist
Words by abby yemm | music by abby yemm + Whitney Manney
We will continue to honor Black History Month and Women’s History Month (really, indefinitely) at The Nelle. You may already know that one of our primary pillars is mindfully incorporating diverse membership and programming. One of our main intentions is to serve and host the typically underserved (such as women and LGBTQIA). We believe in building and partnering to empower thought, community and inclusion. In Kansas City, we have SO many talented, phenomenal folks. We are graced with extraordinarily talented and unique artists, musicians, doers and entrepreneurs. One you have likely heard of, is the very talented Whitney Manney.
Whitney has her own fashion line and creates her own fashion accessories, art and textiles (she has a BFA from KCAI in Fibers). We are truly in awe of her ability to organize and achieve so much while staying actively involved in causes she cares about. Read on and prepared to be inspired. Whitney’s mentality kind of reminds us of the Queen in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland:
Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said; "one can't believe impossible things." "I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
Whitney is actively living in the art of making things possible, and we are honored she took time to speak with The Nelle. Thank you, Whitney! Enjoy, Nellies. 💋
How would you like other people to see/celebrate Black History Month?
I think I would love to see allies put some action to their words and thoughts. Elevating others and different causes with your platform is major but it should be done all year.
Congratulations on your Minority Creative collaboration with Joann Fabrics! How did that all happen?
Thanks! Last summer, I applied for Joann Fabrics Minoritoy Creative Grant opportunity and really wasn't sure what to expect. I initially wasn't going to apply but so many close people sent me the application link that I took it as a sign. As one of the 20 winners, I won $5K in Joann gift cards and a Cricut machine. I have always been able to virtually meet the other winners. It's so nice to expand my network of maker friends. The relationship with JOANN has been great, I even got to design a sponsored project and teach a demo on their Instagram for Black History Month.
Also, congratulations on your partnership with Intel! How did that happen?
Just came about from knowing a lot of people in a lot of different places. I'm always networking and talking to people in different industries.
You are what many people would describe as #goals in terms of an artist that is truly living their passion and making their living off pure talent. What would you tell younger artists is key to creating your own line?
Keep self-educating and always practice. Even if you can't go to art or design school, you can research designers before you, use Youtube tutorials to your advantage, read books, and follow people you admire. Also, be sure to take a business class and know how to budget well if you plan on going straight to creating your own line. You always need to understand your worth.
How would you explain your personal aesthetic/style?
I use fashion as a communicative tool, my outfit can speak for me even if I don't feel like speaking up. Love sneakers, pattern, and bold color. Love vintage fashion and I have a sporty flair to my looks. I'm definitely a “more is more” kind of gir.l
You have called your designs: “Ready-to-wear garments and accessories inspired by urban movement.” What does that mean to you?
I'm inspired by the stories and cultural shifts created by the people that the mainstream tends to forget about. Everyone deserves to have their stories told and I hope that I can convey some of that narrative through pattern, color, and texture.
What is currently taking up your time (project-wise)?
I am working with The City Girl Farm on a collaboration, that's all I can say for now but it's really good. Designing some swimwear for the summer and a new capsule collection for Baltimore Craft Week with American Craft Council.
Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10?
Sitting in my fully furnished studio, planning my next trip to Tokyo for business. Working with my fully-employed team of sewists and assistants on new collections. Taking time off to travel whenever I need a minute to myself.
What’s currently on your playlist?
Stuck- Durand Bernarr
Brighter Day - Kirk Franklin
Hit Different - SZA & Ty Dolla $ign
Go DJ - Lil' Wayne
Dedication - Nipsey Hussle & Kendrick Lamar
Cutie Pie - One Way
Almost Doesn't Count- Brandy
I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic! At The Disco
Bad Blood - Nao
Chun Swae - Nicki Minaj
What’s your theme song?
Right now I am in the middle of three really big and demanding projects so I'm trying to stay encouraged, it's a toss-up between Mariah Carey 'Make It Happen' or Whitney Houston 'Step by Step.’ I think I have a different power anthem every day.
What are you reading?
Nothing right now, which is not normal! The last book I read was Mariah Carey's biography, one word: sensational! On my to be read list is Deacon King Kong.
What were you like when you were little?
Quiet and observant. Pretty much the same now but I warm to people a little more easily these days, haha!
Who (if any) guided you along your way?
My parents. They are a great help all the way around. I've had the chance to work for other woman-owned small businesses and they have always been helpful in explaining certain processes like hiring, how to do payroll, taxes, licenses, creating systems, and more.
What charities are near and dear to your heart?
HALO Foundation is the main organization that I will forever stay involved with as long as they'll have me! I've been involved with them for about seven or eight years I think. Our relationship started when I donated purses I painted live on the news to them for their art auction. Since then, I've spent my summers with them teaching sewing and fashion classes.
You have been involved in so many badass projects. The 18th Street Fashion Show, beautifully designed masks for sale in KCI vending machines, Every Women Biennial, What keeps you passion-fueled? How do you organize your life in order to keep up with your drive?
Sometimes I feel like pinching myself because I have really been able to make a lot happen during my career. I am just really thankful for the resources that I have been able to make work for me and my dreams. I just really want to be a worldwide artist that's based in KC, visible and plugged into the community. Planners, color-coded lists, and sticky notes help keep me in check. Oftentimes, I'm working on four big projects at once plus managing day-to-day orders, marketing, etc. It's a lot to do but I'm always excited to do it because I am always amazed that I get to make a living doing what I love.
Disclaimer: We love having these conversations. We hope you love them as well. As a peaceful reminder, all views, opinions, statements, feelings, and vibes posted on Nelle News are solely those of the beautiful individuals involved. They might not represent any other person, agency, organization, employer, or company’s views, opinions, statements, feelings, or vibes. Nelle profiles are meant to entertain and show a real-life conversation; nothing more or less.