Meet Manny D’Mago

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manny D’Mago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manny, how do you define success?
My definition of success is not a complex one and its quite simple. Fail! Again and again and again and persist until you win. I realized quickly after I made my first few dollars playing magician at a children’s party that the modern five-day, forty hour workweek of my day-job is a matrix tool keeping me occupied just enough to look forward to the weekends designated as some type of leisurely celebration officiated by consuming and spending.

In 2021, I was selected to perform on season 17 of ‘Americas Got Talent’ on NBC, where I freaked out judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandell and Simon Cowell. I was hissed at and rejected. I had failed. I was so embarrassed and thought I had made an ass of myself. So, I embraced this humiliating failure and used it as fuel to continue my pursuit of magic, performing for countless birthday parties, weddings, corporate events and of course, frequently returning to my roots where I began performing…the streets!

The fact that I even got screen time convinced me that this was a win in disguise and, as the old cliche goes, “all publicity is good publicity.” Those literal 15 seconds of screen time helped change my life and ignited my desire to see how good life can get. I was asked by Howie Mandell when I graced the stage if this “was the dream?” and I responded with “its a step toward the dream, yeah!” There’s no stopping now because if I want success in life, I will require an extraordinary effort to overcome and embrace hardships, failures and struggles, so this is only the beginning.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I love the fact that I can enjoy what I do and can bring it to all audiences, young and old. I travel to anywhere in the state (very soon around the country and world!) and bring with me some of the best illusions to enhance any and all functions.

My magic presentations combine a luxuriously exquisite approach to magic, with charm and excellence. It took a lot of hiccups, getting caught (meaning some one saw the inner workings or ‘caught’ my sleight of hand, etc.) and an AGT rejection to hone my presentations into precision pieces of prestidigitation.

The business aspect is a learning process that continues to enlighten me with every client, and for sure its not easy. Every client I come across teaches me something new about the process, whether its taking payments, managing illusions, scheduling, communication, audience management and participation. Overcoming these challenges takes an open mind to be able to soak in as much as possible, learning from both the successes and failures.

When one books a magic presentation from Manny D’Mago Magic, you’re not just booking another run-of-the-mill, cookie cutter magician, you’re booking a fully immersive magic experience, enhancing your celebration, event or function with awe and excitement! I am an advocate of showmanship, and, like a finely tuned Ferrari, I will be prestigiously spellbinding my way into your hearts and minds to get the most out your special occasion or festivities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
California has it all! There’s so much, the problem is where to begin!

First off, we have to go to the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Such a great time can be had there, and it also gives a great reason to dress as fancy as possible, (my favorite part!) Great dinner, amazing shows and interesting folks all congregate at this exclusive function. There’s also the Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood that hosts a magnificent vaudeville style show called “The Magic Hour.” Absolutely a must-see when in Hollywood!

If magic isn’t too much their thing, I’d take them to one of, if not, the best bar in Hollywood, Boardners! Their food is uncanny and their drinks are served with a touch of class and a very cool place to hang out and chill if they’re into just having some munchies and some drinks. And don’t get me started on the history of this place, it’s been a celebrity hang-out since the days of Lucille Ball.

There’s also the theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of my top 2 choices along with Disneyland. Both require an all-day open schedule! Enough said with that!

Of course, the beaches are undeniably a win and definitely a good time awaits. My favorite beach has to be Malibu Surfrider beach, mainly because I surf there and on good days it gets epic. Also, if I’m looking for a mini escape from the crowd, Leo Carillo state beach is another spot worth checking out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandfather was a huge influence, once he discovered I could do magic at the ripe age of seven. We shared countless TV hours of Johnny Carson magic, David Copperfield illusions, Lance Burton close up magic and finally David Blaine street magic before My grandfather passed in October of 1997.

Also, recently a book had flipped my world upside down and has shown me something I had only suspected existed and that book is “Unscripted” by MJ Demarco. I know now that my path is no longer a slave to the whims of a mundane routine and that my dreams can come true, I must only unleash them!

The best is always saved for last, like a marvelously delicious dessert after a first-class steak dinner I just can’t ever say no to my wonderful wife! She would always tell me to “start-up your business and do it now!” She reminded me every time I’d perform street magic for free, ad nauseam, that I should be getting paid! Thanks babe for always pushing me and encouraging me to continue to succeed!

Website: https://www.mannydmagomagic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannydmago/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mannydmago?t=zwbIWz60DlXne68SAxjSNQ&s=09

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/manny-d-mago-magic-san-fernando-valley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS4oEVNqOlSfkA7qYtsEGxQ

Other: https://www.magician.org/member/mannydmago 

Image Credits
Zayurit Gordillo