Meet Tracey Mannix | MadeByMimiM

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracey Mannix and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey Mannix, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I was little, I had been taught to do for myself. I came from a family of eight, and paying someone to do something for you, was unheard of. From changing the oil in your car, to sewing your own clothes, if we wanted something, we had to do it ourselves. That was life, and I loved it.

As I got older, that curiosity grew, even though the necessity was not as prevalent as it once was. The love of learning is eternal, and I had the ‘bug’. Then, I saw people turn their hobby or passion into small businesses, and that started the idea of trying it for myself. I had the time, as I was a retired teacher, and, I had the support of my family, which, by the way, had been nudging me for quite a while with, “You can totally do that, why don’t you give it a try…. pep talks. I want to make things for people, it’s that simple, so, besides family and friends, would the outside world be interested in what I have to offer? I found out the answer is YES.

Little did I know, my daughters signed me up with: a company name, a vendor’s license, a tax ID, an employer ID, etc. and gave it to me for a Christmas gift, back in 2023. Holy cow….I’m like official. So, I started making t-shirts and sweatshirts with simple logos and messages, as well as greeting cards with handmade designs, and started giving them away. Let’s just see what the public has to say about my ideas. The wonderfully supportive people in my life took my ideas to local shops, to see if the business owners would be interested in carrying my products. They each said, Yes! How blessed and lucky I am.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I, fortunately, was a stay-at-home-mom until our youngest daughter entered kindergarten. Then, I went back to school to get my education license to teach in the state of Ohio. My undergrad degree was from a college in New York state, and education requirements changed tremendously over 20 years, so back to college I went. College at the age of 40 is sooooo much more meaningful than it was, for me, at 18.

This was the start of a second career that was going to be epic. I was hired as a 7th/8th grade English Language Arts teacher in North Royalton, and that is where I spent 18 years truly believing in what I was doing. The teachers I met and the students, who I am still in contact with, today, made such a beautiful impression on me, I am grateful for every day with them.

Were their challenges, OMG—YES!!!! I was in education. I was a 41 year old woman with a husband and three children, working closely with late 20 year old teachers and administrators. That in itself poses challenges as their life experiences were not near what someone almost twice their age brings to the table. It’s just life. There were awful days, weeks, months, BUT, there were far more memorable moments that made teaching well worth it. I can’t say enough fabulous things about teaching kids, and working with their families. It was an awesome career for me.

I had worked closely with adults and teenagers, for close to two decades, and so, as my immediate family was growing, so too was I, and that growth had me leaving education for my next adventure in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My family has spent close to 30 years in Ohio and it is truly home. Cleveland has so much to offer and we do our best to get out to see all that Northeast Ohio brings. We recently moved to Medina, and we’re still finding new places to explore. The Medina Square is a frequent stop of ours whether we have friends in town or we are out by ourselves. PJ Marleys and Sullys are great spots for a sandwich and some live music. Brother’s Antique and Perfectly Charming are two businesses that always has you coming back for interesting home decor. The square also keeps the residents busy with Farmer’s Markets, craft fairs, Ice Festivals, entertainment at the gazebo, and so much more. We love it here.

Heading to the city brings so much fun whether it’s a concert, football, baseball, or basketball game, just to name a few, downtown is a must. One of our favorite spots that we are drawn to several times a year, is Little Italy. No one can beat the food at Mia Bellas. We went on a walking tour of Little Italy, a few years ago, and we’ve been hooked ever since. The people, the atmosphere, the festivals…top notch all the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am nothing without the massive support of my husband, Joe, my daughters and spouses, Jenny, Tico, Dana, Taylor, and Brian. They are the glue and push that every business needs, just to let you know you’re on the right track. My love for card making started after attending a Stampin’ Up party at my neighbor, Teri Hinckley’s house over 20 years ago. Although the ideas have evolved, on so many levels, the passion is just as strong as it was 20 plus years ago. Thanks Teri.

Instagram: @madebymimim

Image Credits
@seeyouinhealthcafeandmarket

@frontdoor.gallery