Always maintain a balance between documenting life and creating content for audiences: Mandar

While creating content for Tristan Tube, Mandar likes to be open to experimenting with different kinds, types, styles and formats of content.

As a content creator, Mandar wishes to make people feel that they can be themselves even during the process of discovering their own style. Focussed on unisex fashion, the content on Tristan Tube is edgy and relatable. In conversation with Social Samosa, Mandar tell us more.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

Back in my school days, I used to admire how my grandfather kept his clothes organised. It was very special memories for me which led me here and made me understand the value of clothes. However, I wasn’t confident enough to express and discover my style. 

It all began to change when I started my YouTube Channel in 2013. I used to make videos about hamsters and other small animals — care and cage décor videos. It led me to take more interest in the content creation process and experiment the trial and error way. It was also a time when I was going through a lot, personally and financially.

Deciding that I wouldn't give up, I started working multiple part-time jobs and saved up to buy a professional camera to work with. I also started posting on Instagram as a hobby, something I had never expected to blow up like this. With time, I found the will to keep going. Though fashion is what I post most about, I also post about photography, travel and lifestyle.

What's in the name?

I wanted to include the word Trist, which means a secret meeting. I wanted to keep it very theoretical as I was in the closet for so many years. I had to make sure the name of the brand would be easy to remember and at the same time, something that was available on almost all platforms.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

Unisex fashion is what I love working on as my goal is to make people feel they can be themselves in the process to discover their own style. I try to keep my content very edgy and balanced, and at the same time, something that everyone can relate to.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

Encouragement from people to create more content gave me the strength to keep myself consistent. It also helps me develop my skills and remain confident even on my bad days. I am always open to exploring different types of content.

Also Read: Making money through blogging is a long road: Afreen Ansari

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

Sponsorships, brand deals, modelling and photography.

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

Always be authentic when you create content and stay alert while choosing a brand to work with, I prefer to work with brands that let me be myself and don't make me feel like I am sold out. I never work with anyone who is not serious about the collaboration or want me to create content completely according to what they want.

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

I love the amount of love and support I get from people during Q&A interaction sessions on Instagram Stories. They feel like family to me. There is also this memory of my first-ever collaboration. It was with Hard Rock Café. It was all new for me and I had never felt as happy in my life till then.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

There was a skincare startup brand that initially wanted me to put a single post as a barter collaboration. However, they demanded more work from me even after making extra content.

If not blogging, you would be?

If blogging wouldn't have worked out for me, I would have done something in PR as I find it very interesting.

A day in your life...

I start my day sipping tea or coffee while making my to-do list for the day. Then, through the day, I create content, edit old footage, film videos, work on photo shoots, along with spending quality time with family and checking up on friends.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

No matter what people say, always keep at it for yourself but never do anythign to prove them wrong. It will all work out in the long term. Be more practical and always try to keep the balance while documenting your life and creating content for your audiences. Stay humble and never forget the people who supported you in your journey.

Your Favorite Influencer

I mostly get influenced by people who were failures before but now they are one of the successful people in life because they have seen both sides of the coin, as they experienced the bitterness of their failure and the same people are now working with the sweetness of their success.