Hi, I’m Mandi.
Illuminate Photography
Hanna Sher Photography
I help entrepreneurs love owning their wedding venues and I them design their dream wedding venues, restaurants, and other store fronts.
You may be here, because you want to build a business that is more than just 4 walls.
It connects to your stories and passions, but also makes your customers feel at home and immersed in the experience.
Love Leigh Photography
I made a name for myself by creating wedding venues that were more than just a place to get married.
I created venues that played on nostalgia, and pushed the boundaries of the norms for the wedding industry.
Love Leigh Photography
Asantae Photography
I’m passionate about nature and vintage design inspiration.
You’ll see that come through in a lot of my work, while infusing the personality of each business and the world it lives in.
Being a business owner, feels like you’re creating magic for your customers. I want to help create the atmosphere that supports that.
FEATURED IN
Here’s the truth:
Your business doesn’t need to look or feel like anyone else’s. Because it is uniquely yours.
And you won’t be alone in this journey.
MAKE IT STAND OUT
I’ve created spaces with raving fans. Let’s create yours next.
Sabra Teel Photography
But who is Mandi?
Left a lucrative decade-long corporate career to be the owner and designer of her 2 wedding venues - built from scratch.
Built her 6-figure business in a highly saturated market
Worked in residential remodels from design to swinging a hammer.
Has a Master’s degree in Project Management and holds a PMP certification for her expertise
Has a Bachelor’s degree in Professional and Technical Writing
Licensed Realtor in the state of Missouri
But, the more fun things…
She’s a mom to two kids (with an 11 year age gap!)
Avid gardener and coffee drinker, but wishes she traveled more often.
She loves hiking, and lounging on the river with her husband and kids
A collector of vintage house plan books, and rocks from all kinds of adventures.
Indulges in watching Gardener’s World, Golden Girls, and Schitt’s Creek.
Often found listening to audiobooks or podcasts - especially 99% Invisible and Death, Sex, and Money.
How did the Trailblazer Design Agency start?
In the early years, I struggled to find guides and mentors in this industry because I found so many consultants and coaches had never actually owned a venue themselves, had never built one from scratch, or were not hands-on operators like I knew I wanted to be. So I did it the hard way, I learned through trial and error and a lot of mistakes. I overworked myself and ultimately had to figure out real systems and processes that would guide my venues to success and still stand out in a very saturated market.
After we opened our second wedding venue, I also found myself with a full notebook of ideas and designs I wanted to bring to life - knowing there is not enough time in the day for me to construct all of them for myself. I also loved how often prospective venue owners and existing wedding venue owners have called me looking for feedback, and needing help with their website, marketing, or just how to have difficult conversations.
With all of that in mind, I launched a new wing of my business - Trailblazer Design Agency where I could take a few clients a year during the venue's down time to help others create their dream wedding venue too. Whether that be with design and space planning assistance, getting into the nitty-gritty with business operations, or how to hire your first employees. Through this agency, I'll have a combination of one-on-one coaching services, but will also be launching virtual and in-person workshops for group learning opportunities.
And on the blog and social media pages, I'll be talking about topics like Is it Time to Hire A Wedding Venue Consultant?, the top venue design trends, and all the behind the scenes details.
If you're looking for a guide in your venue ownership journey, know that you don't have to do it alone.
Hanna Sher Photography
”We’re a little bit different, and we attract a lot of non-traditional couples because of that, and [for us] that’s the point.”
Allyson Kay Photography