Hi! I’m Mandi – Mom, Step-Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Entrepreneur, Artist, Yogi, Volunteer, Etc. All of these are just various titles to describe this human being – doing my best to love and support others while living my best life.
I left the comfort of a full time W-2 job in January 2020 to pursue my passions full time as an entrepreneur and haven’t looked back. I started teaching art classes and yoga in 2018 and will celebrate 4 years this September. In addition to working 3 businesses – contract assistant, Independent Color Street Consultant and owner of Create & Connect Studio, I also volunteer as an Executive Board Member for The Wave Youth Center.
I’m a single mama to my 10 year old son, Brady, and all grown up step kiddos – Trevor, 25 and Alyssa, 23.
I enjoy teaching and practicing yoga and meditation and I love to paint with acrylics, it’s been a dream to turn my passions into a business that allows me time for my son and to enjoy all the fullness of life. I love summer and I’m most content near water – I love Big Lake!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
El Loro for the best Mexican around, Pizza Factory for the best pizza anywhere, Lake Cafe for excellent comfort food, Cambo Flare for something unique and delicious, Ember Coffee Co for great coffee, pastries and ice cream and Trails for always awesome burgers and fries!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Big Lake in 2016, but had lived here briefly and owned a few rental properties prior to making my home here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This community is very rich in character – there are so many influential, inspirational, creative, kind and loving people who have inspired me and helped me on my journey! I am truly blessed by the people in our community.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
Yes! We have a small zoo – Sammy is our puppy, she’s 2.5 years old and very spoiled! We have two kitties – Rosie and Layla and a Bearded Dragon named Spykz. All our pets are female – my son is way outnumbered!
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
When you get the opportunity to take a risk and follow your passions – do it! You’ll be truly amazed by the support you receive and the feeling of gratitude and love you’ll be surrounded by!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I have always dreamed of traveling to Greece – I can’t wait to get there and experience it!
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
My son has attended Evolution Taekwondo for the past 6 years and it has been so great for him and helped him become confident and empowered! We love it there!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the lakes, the refuge and all the parks and ways to experience nature in Big Lake.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Growing and expanding Create & Connect Studio in unique and fun ways to reach as many people as I can to share the gifts of mindfulness and creativity.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I didn’t pick up a paint brush or do a single yoga class until I finally found myself at age 43! It’s never to late to reinvent yourself!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My little man, Brady, without a doubt – he’s my world.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
Nature, Community and Small Town atmosphere
