Today we’d like to introduce you to Edna Mancia
Hi Edna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is definitely a unique one.
I first began volunteering on the creative team at Hope City back in 2016. I transitioned from greeting to production, where I learned all about what happens behind the scenes. I absorbed every bit of information like a sponge because I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. It’s funny—after learning what goes on behind the scenes in major megachurch productions, you can never look at a concert the same way again.
I enjoyed volunteering in production, but at the time, I had so much free time that I also joined the creative team while still helping out with production. Creative was where I knew I could put my artistic skills to good use! I learned how to strategize and create content for social media for a megachurch. I gained all of my foundational knowledge through volunteering and continued to grow and excel within the creative team. After years of volunteer experience, I applied for a creative role at the church. Unfortunately, I wasn’t hired, but I was able to secure a marketing/CSR position at an insurance firm.
I’m grateful for my time at the insurance firm and my volunteer work at Hope City. The official kickstart of my career came when I was hired at UNATION | Stuff to Do in Houston. I’m thankful for my time there and the skills I gained to further my career in digital marketing.
After my time at Stuff to Do in Houston, I transitioned to working at the nonprofit organization The Phoenix, a sober-active community. It was an incredible place to work, and I’m super thankful for my time there because they were a huge part of my sobriety journey. Unfortunately, due to a lack of profitability the previous year, I was laid off. But soon after, I found a contract gig with Shine Management Group.
At Shine Management Group, I managed the social media pages for Lucille’s, Rado MKT, Late August, The ElDorado Ballroom, Lucille’s 1913, Lucille’s Hospitality, Maine-ly Sandwiches, and Shine Management Group. Not only did I manage the pages, but I also created the content calendar, the posting schedule, and the stories. I captured content on-site, created posts, and attended as many events as I could to capture live content for stories. While I appreciated my time there, I knew I needed to take my skills to a place where I could continue to grow.
I am now the Social Media Manager and team member at Star Sailor. It’s been a great place to learn about what it takes to run a micro-business. It’s been a tough transition from marketing to hospitality, but looking back, it’s been a fun challenge. I love what I do at Star Sailor, but I would love to take my experience back to the nonprofit field or production and find a role on a well-established marketing team!
That’s only my marketing experience!
I can’t forget about acting…
I’ve always had an interest in the creative arts, and it shows in my digital marketing work. Since I was a child, I’ve loved films, plays, and live concerts—even if I was watching them from the comfort of my home. They’ve always been an escape whenever real life got hard. As I got older, I began auditioning for school musicals and enjoyed every part I played! I do regret only sticking with choir in high school, but I learned so much about singing, and the awards were fun, too.
After high school, through college, and even as an adult, I continued to seek out auditions to grow in my acting skills. I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had and for the therapy that helped me embrace a wider range of emotions and break out of my shy shell.
Now, I can proudly say that I’m professionally pursuing acting with the help of my agency, Page Parkes, and my incredible agent, Beth Tamez. It’s been a great experience taking classes from talented individuals such as David Simpson, Alfonso Aguirre, Lucas Hughes, Lauren Anderson, Nickey Winders, Nathaniel Woolsey, and Evan Glover. They’ve helped reignite a passion of mine and pushed me to take a bigger leap into the world of acting!
I’m thankful for every audition and opportunity, and I’m excited to see what the future holds in the magical world of acting!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, but I was also limited in my understanding of what the future could look like for someone born in the U.S.
I am a first-generation American, and when I was growing up, I had limited access to the internet. As a result, I only knew as much as I could Google, learn in school, or learn from other personal experiences. There wasn’t really an open line of communication with my parents, so I had to seek knowledge from other sources.
Although I’m self-taught, I have learned to quickly adapt to change and find ways to adjust when something doesn’t make sense. In the beginning, this made life very difficult because, while others might have already known certain things, I was still learning about them. However, it has made me incredibly resilient and adaptable as an adult. Now, it’s easier for me to adjust to the ever-changing technological landscape and quickly learn the new tools and trends constantly emerging on the internet.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.?
I’m an actress represented by Page Parkes, with my agent, Beth Tamez, guiding my career. I specialize in bringing authenticity and emotional depth to every role I take on, whether in film, television, commercials, or music videos. I’m known for my dedication to the craft and my ability to fully immerse myself in the stories I tell.
What are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the opportunities I’ve had to work with some truly remarkable artists and creators. One of the highlights of my career has been my work with Tobe Nwigwe. Participating in his music videos has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, blending music, storytelling, and performance in a way that felt life-changing. I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with Kathy McGibbon on projects that have deeply impacted me, both professionally and personally. The chance to contribute to productions that are about more than just entertainment—projects that can change lives—means the world to me. Additionally, I’m proud of my role in The Palau Movie, which was made possible thanks to the vision and guidance of DP Dan Rubottom. Each of these experiences has shaped me as an actress and has pushed me to evolve and grow.
What sets you apart from others?
What truly sets me apart is my deep passion for acting. For me, acting isn’t just a job or a paycheck—it’s a calling. I’m driven by a genuine love for storytelling and a desire to connect with audiences on a deep level. This passion fuels my work and makes every project an opportunity to learn, grow, and give something truly meaningful to the world. I approach every role with dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, ensuring that I’m not just playing a character, but living their truth.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a shy and introverted kid. I tended to keep to myself, but I’ve always had a deep love for music and performance. Singing and acting were my outlets—my way of expressing myself when words alone didn’t feel enough. As I got older, those interests became more than just hobbies; they helped shape my personality and gave me the confidence to push past my natural shyness.
It wasn’t until college that I really started to come out of my shell. The experiences I had there—through performing—helped me discover a side of myself that was more outgoing and self-assured. As I transitioned into adulthood, I fully embraced the person I had become, which gave me the confidence to pursue acting as a career. I’m so excited to share that this journey has led to me being represented by Page Parkes, with the amazing agent Beth Tamez on my side. Being chosen to be part of such a respected agency is a huge affirmation for me—it’s not just about chasing a dream anymore, but about realizing that I’ve built the skills and the confidence to turn this into a real career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cipotacreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativelyedna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cipotacreative
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativelyedna
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativelyedna
Image Credits
Feature Photo: Select Studios
