With an amazing talent and close to fulfilling her dreams Mandi Seekings, 22, is a name you do not want to forget as her album soon will be gracing the stands in CD stores. She has been singing all her life and finally got people to recognize her and help her reach her goal because it is where she rightfully belongs. Mandi Seekings has a nice r&b vibe and a voice like Mariah Carey’s. Fashtastic got the great chance to interview Mandi Seekings. Here’s what she has to say about singing, inspirations and fashion.

When did you first decide you wanted to become a singer?
It’s something I always knew I would do, even though I didn’t know how or when it would happen. It’s been a dream of mine since I was very little. I never really wanted to be anything else growing up.

How did your family react to your dream of becoming a singer?
I’ve been blessed with a very supportive family. They’ve known I’ve wanted this forever, so they’d do anything and everything to help me get there. They’re very supportive of me.

Who are your inspirations when it comes to singing?
I have many, but vocally my idol has always been Mariah Carey. When I first heard her sing, that was it for me. I knew that that was what I wanted to sound like. I also look up to Madonna, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, India.Arie and Natasha Bedingfield.

Have you ever felt like giving up during your fight to reach the top?
Sometimes I get discouraged about things, but giving up is not an option for me. It’s like a rollercoaster, some days you’re up, and some days you’re down, everyday is different. But never would I give up on my dream, it means too much to me.

What type of comments, good and bad have you got about your singing?
I’ve gotten more positive responses than negative, and people have been way nicer than I thought they’d be towards my singing. I’ve gotten a lot of comparisons to Mariah Carey and Sade, which is very flattering since I admire them both as artists. The only negative comments I’ve gotten have been from other aspiring singers, which is just catty stuff that I don’t let bother me.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you about your dream to become a singer?
Probably from my Dad, telling me that you can’t succeed without some kind of help from other people. Which is so true, rarely can you do anything without help and support from others.

What advice would you give to someone that would like to become a singer?
Don’t give up, and take negative comments you get and turn them into something constructive. Learn from your mistakes and keep going.

What is it like to be working with top producers/musicians like Michael Vail Blum, Herman Jackson and Dean Pleasants in L.A?
Very surreal…I’ve had to pinch myself on several occasions working with them in the studio to remind myself that I was actually there. I’ve learned SO much about music and what goes into making a song. They’ve taught me a lot in the short time that I’ve known them.

What have you, so far, learned from your experience with the producers in L.A?
I’ve learned a lot about the songwriting process; the things that go into a song before you hear it on the radio or on a CD. And I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve learned I can do a lot of things I didn’t’ know I could do. I’ve also learned to start thinking of myself as an artist in my own right, rather than comparing myself to other singers.

Being a celebrity has its advantages, what type of charity or organizations would you like to work with once you become a celebrity?
I’m an animal lover to the core, so I’m definitely going to use my celebrity to help animal charities and foundations. P.E.T.A is definitely something I’ll be looking into.

Where do you like to go shopping?
Well, right now I don’t have as much money as I’d like to shop with, so I stick to things I can afford. Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, and Wet Seal are places I frequent.

What are some of your essential beauty and shopping routines?
I LOVE makeup, so I’m always wearing some, even at home or when I have nowhere to go. MAC is my favorite brand, I also like L’Oreal and Almay. I’m pretty lo-key with my hair since I took my extensions out, I usually wear it down and straighten it. I’m obsessed with jeans…long jeans, jean skirts…they’re all I wear. I’m also into cool accessories like big wood bracelets and beaded necklaces, and big 70’s style sunglasses. I’m into the “bohemian glamour” thing right now.

What is the one thing that you are never going to forget once you become famous?
I’ll never forget the way I felt the first time I flew into Los Angeles and saw the city lights for the first time. I hadn’t met my producer or anyone yet. It was all new, and I didn’t know what to expect or what would happen. I knew I wanted to remember that moment forever, because I knew I would never feel that way again. There have also been a couple of people I’ve met along the way (you know who you are) who have made my confidence soar, that I will never ever forget.

What fears do you have about becoming a famous singer and a celebrity?
I don't like being judged negativly, and I know some of the things people will say about me might hurt my feelings, so I'm not looking forward to that side of it, but who does? I don't think anyone likes being put on a platform and judged by other people, but it goes with the territory.

What has been the hardest thing to deal with during your fight to the top?
My own insecurities are the only thing that have held me back from anything, and this being no exception. I'm very critical of myself, so sometimes it's hard for me to stay possitive and focused on what I'm doing. But music has been very theraputic in that way too, because I've gained so much confidence through singing that I didn't have before. I've done so many things that I didn't know I had the confidence to do.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
I see myself living in L.A. doing my music, and singing. Whether it be in front of hundreds, or millions of people, I'll still be doing it no matter what.

To find out more about Mandi Seekings and hear some of her amazing songs visit Musicbymandi.com or Myspace.com/Mandiseekings