Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Lancia.
Mandy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Shortly after I graduated college in Boston, I moved to Chicago. I was working at a marketing firm and I felt overworked, stressed, and underwhelmed creatively. I knew I could not continue on that path, but I also knew that I had to find something exciting and inspirational that could be paired with freelance work.
The Glossary began out of my desire to meet more creative women while also using my skill set of connecting people. Through sharing women’s stories and planning events, I am able to create vulnerable spaces for women to be open and honest with their thoughts and experiences. Through workshops, panels, and retreats, The Glossary makes space for women all over the country to meet and collaborate. We just wrapped up our 1st year and I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve created.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been bumps along the way. I think there always will be. I will say that positive aspects completely outweigh the negative ones, but I face challenges every day. I worry that I’m not good enough to help people. I worry that I will let people down. I worry about consistency and finances. However, the outcome of the events and interviews, the power of the community that is being built, is all worth it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Glossary story. Tell us more about the business.
The Glossary is a community dedicated to creative women and bridging the spheres between the online and offline world. We are a collective of amazing women, a platform to share stories and experiences, a network to connect with new people, and a collaborative center that brings women together through online connections and in-person events.
While there are many women-centered businesses and projects in the world, especially in the current time that we live, The Glossary was started out of a true passion for supporting women and the creativity within them. I think that our honest approach to just sharing women’s stories and fostering relationships is something that makes us special.
I’m truthfully really proud of everything we have accomplished this past year. I’ve interviewed hundreds of women, met hundreds more, hosted large retreats, and lead authentic discussions. I can’t really imagine being prouder at the moment.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Personally, I don’t think that luck has played much of a part in the growth of The Glossary. I think intuition has lead me through the difficult times and dedication has pushed me further into positive change. I do feel lucky though to know so many amazing women.
Pricing:
- Events range from $5 – $50
- Retreats range from $300 – $600
Contact Info:
- Website: theglossary.co
- Phone: 6303889477
- Email: info@theglossary.co
- Instagram: instagram.com/theglossaryco
- Facebook: facebook.com/theglossaryco
Image Credit:
Image 1 – Julia Rensch
Image 2 – Lara Pucci
Image 3 – Jaclyn Simpson
Image 4 – Jacy Hermes
Image 5 – Stephanie Bassos
Image 6 – Hanna Voxland
Image 7 – Anna Zajac
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
