MANDY LINES wants to have fun in business.
Over the last decade, she has worked hard building two small businesses in Airdrie: Budget Blinds and A La Carte Marketing. Now, she is focused on sharing those experiences with like-minded women and youth inspiring them to jump into the world of entrepreneurship.
“I am addicted to the freedom of business — even though you probably work more than you do when you are working for someone else,” says Lines.
“I am in a place now where I just want to enjoy being in business. I love connecting and rekindling relationships, and I think that, when a community is (as) small and intimate as Airdrie, it is fun. Those relationships ultimately are what keeps businesses going.”
Lines is a co-founder of the SOAirdrie (Sisters of Airdrie Women Business Group), providing support and resources for women entrepreneurs in the area. She also facilitates and presents courses for high school students to learn about entrepreneurship through Junior Achievement and YELL Canada alongside other SOAirdrie members.
Her main inspiration is to raise three daughters who can find careers they too have fun with and can benefit the communities they live in.
“Mandy’s commitment to empowering and uplifting other women in business is truly inspiring and deserving of recognition. The Sisters of Airdrie is built on the vision Mandy created,” says nominator Jacqui Jepson.