nº 2- October 16, 2025

Meet Susanne Manasi, founder and creative force behind (M)ANASI 7. A makeup artist by training and visionary by nature, Susanne approaches beauty as a form of design — where color, texture, and consciousness intertwine. Rooted in her Swedish heritage and inspired by the natural world, she creates products that feel both artful and alive: modern formulations that honor craft, integrity, and imagination in equal measure.

We met Susanne Manasi at her Stockholm studio, where her world of creation unfolds in color, texture, and quiet intention. As the founder of (M)ANASI 7, she approaches beauty as both craft and consciousness—each shade a brushstroke of imagination, each product a reflection of integrity. Fresh from her BOF Global Award for Creative Execution, Susanne speaks about artistry, sustainability, and the imaginative process behind her timeless formulations.

CL: We instantly fell in love with (M)ANASI 7 the first time we played with its colors and textures , there’s something so artful yet effortless about the way they come to life on skin. Seeing our clients embrace the brand with the same excitement has been incredibly rewarding. And now, with your recent Creative Execution award win at the BOF Global Awards, it feels like the rest of the beauty world is catching on too. Beyond the recognition, what did this moment mean to you personally, and what did it affirm about your creative approach?

Susanne: Thank you so much. The experience was truly incredible, and I still find it hard to fully take in. This achievement represents one of the most significant milestones for us so far, and it is something we are deeply proud of. What makes it even more meaningful is that it also shines a light on the remarkable work of my partner, Olof, our Art Director. He has dedicated countless hours to shaping our visual identity—overseeing everything from packaging design to photoshoots and the overall creative direction. His talent and
commitment have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life, and I’m delighted that his efforts are receiving the recognition they so richly deserve.

CL: The award celebrates originality, storytelling, and vision in beauty. In your own words, what does ‘creative execution’ mean,  and how does (M)ANASI 7 bring that to life, from product innovation to brand imagery?

Susanne: For us, creativity is not only the artistic side—the design, aesthetics, and overall visual expression—but also the ability to find smart, practical solutions that allow a smaller business like ours to bring ambitious ideas to life. Working with limited resources often presents challenges, but it also encourages us to think in innovative
ways and approach projects with a problem-solving mindset. In many cases, it’s about finding alternative paths to achieve results that might typically require much larger budgets, without ever compromising on quality or vision.

CL: Your colors and textures were what first drew us in, along with your incredible sustainability achievements, like creating biodegradable products, as well as your beautiful imagery and branding. When you’re dreaming up a new shade, do you see yourself more as a makeup artist, a painter, or even a storyteller? And can you walk us through your process, from that first spark of inspiration, whether it’s a color found in nature or a texture you’ve been envisioning, to developing the product and finally seeing it on the shelf?

Susanne: I often rely on my intuition, and much of my inspiration is drawn directly from nature. A single detail—such as the unique color combination on a bird or the texture of a leaf—can spark new ideas. For example, the “Eye Glow” shade Ochaya was inspired by a natural colour palette I observed in the wild on a bird. These organic, harmonious tones are usually what set my creative process in motion.

When it comes to product formulations, I carry countless ideas in my mind, each with the potential to become something meaningful. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that I cannot pursue them all at once. Every concept requires careful development—finding the right ingredients, designing the packaging, and ensuring the product delivers the intended effect. It is a process that takes time, but one that I deeply value because it allows each creation to fully take shape in a thoughtful and authentic way.

CL: For you, sustainability isn’t just an ethical choice, it’s a creative one. How does working with sustainable materials and processes shape, challenge, or even inspire your product development?

Susanne: I have to admit, it is often quite a challenge, but when we manage to find the right solution, it feels like a true achievement that we are very proud of. At the moment, we are developing something new, and one of our key priorities is to minimize the use of virgin plastic as much as possible.

The difficulty lies in the fact that the most functional option for this particular product would typically be plastic. However, post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic comes with its own challenges, such as very high minimum order quantities and certain design limitations, especially when it comes to colors and finishes. Glass, on the other hand, often requires a pump mechanism (for the development we are currently working on), which is usually made of plastic or a non-monomaterial combination, making it difficult, if not impossible, to recycle properly. Aluminium presents another option, but it is not always compatible with direct contact with the formula, and in many cases it also requires additional materials, which again prevents full recyclability.

Balancing functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability is never simple, but it is a responsibility we take seriously. Each choice involves trade-offs, and our goal is always to find the best possible balance between performance, design, and environmental impact.

CL: (M)ANASI 7 occupies this rare space-  independent, unmistakably luxurious, and with sustainability at its core. Where do you see indie sustainable luxury beauty heading, and how do you hope to help shape that conversation?

Susanne: I truly believe this represents the future of beauty. The industry can no longer continue down the path of mass consumption and overproduction. Too often, brands are acquired by large conglomerates, which ultimately results in just a handful of corporations owning the majority of the market. My philosophy is rooted in “less is more”: focusing on higher quality, thoughtful creation, and personalization rather than endless quantity.

That is why I am especially proud to be partnering with Carrie Lindsey Beauty. Your ethos is completely aligned with ours- centered on quality, genuine personal connection, and a deep commitment to your community. You have built a strong and loyal customer base that truly understands and values this approach, which makes the collaboration both meaningful and exciting.

CL: Without giving too much away, are there any new plans or products in the works for this year that we should keep an eye out for?

Susanne: This fall, we’re introducing beautiful new shades of the Tinted Beauty Potion, along with two Holiday Limited Edition sets that I’ve personally curated with the most loved color combinations.

And looking ahead to 2026, I’m happy to share that I’m working on some truly exciting projects—including one or two completely new products that I can’t wait to tell you more about when closer to finalizing.

CL: If you could share one beauty philosophy or practice with everyone who uses your products, what would it be, and why?

Susanne: I would encourage you to explore and experiment with confidence. In beauty, there are no strict rules—only what makes you feel your best and most comfortable for each occasion.