MBP: What has been your favorite part about making Mobile home?
Mandy: We moved to Mobile in 2012 to be closer to the water, but we’ve stayed for so many more reasons. We love the city’s rich history, charming historic neighborhoods, and beautiful oak-lined streets. One of the things that makes Mobile so special is the joy found in everyday moments, from taking a walk during lunch to admire the architecture to enjoying some of the best Gulf Coast food around. Everywhere you look, there’s someone you know or something to appreciate, and that’s what has truly made Mobile feel like home.
MBP: What’s it like balancing careers, marriage, and parenthood together?
Mandy: Ryan and I have busy careers, but one of the benefits of both being CPAs is that we truly understand what the other is juggling. Neither of us has to explain the stress of a deadline or the demands of what we face daily. We typically tackle an issue with the same methodical approach, like we would anything at work. We have a lot of respect for each other’s career. That respect makes it easy to be accommodating for one another.
MBP: What are Kingsley and Berkley involved in right now, and what’s your favorite part of this season of parenting?
Mandy: By the time summer hits, our girls are more than ready to trade schedules and schoolwork for sand and water. They love spending time at local beaches collecting shells and searching for hermit crabs. .
They’re happiest when they’re outdoors discovering whatever adventure the water has to offer. Thanks to their required summer reading, they’re also both proud bookworms and can usually be found with a book in hand.
My favorite part of this season of parenting is watching them grow into their own unique people. They’re old enough to have their own interests and opinions, but they still genuinely enjoy spending time together. Watching them create inside jokes, cheer each other on, and develop such a sweet friendship is more than I could have ever hoped for as a mom.
MBP: What values are most important to you in raising confident and kind daughters?
Mandy: As a mom of two girls, I want them to know that they can be strong, confident, and ambitious while also being kind and compassionate. We try to teach them to work hard, be curious, and stand up for God and what they believe in, but also to look for ways to help others and make people feel included.
More than any accomplishment, I hope they grow up with strong character and strong faith. I want them to be the kind of people who are confident enough to be themselves, kind enough to lift others up, and grateful for the opportunities and relationships in their lives.
MBP: What one thing has surprised you about motherhood?
Mandy: What has surprised me most about motherhood is how early we started to see who our girls really are. Their little personalities as babies have carried into who they are as big kids. It’s been such a joy to watch those traits grow and develop over time. Even from the beginning, we could see glimpses of who they would become, whether it was their sense of humor, creativity, or the way they interacted with the world around them.
MBP: What’s your favorite family tradition or favorite thing to do together in Mobile?
Mandy: Mardi Gras, of course! There’s something truly special about how the parades bring together people from all over the city (and even beyond) to celebrate side by side.
One of my favorite parts is being able to bring our girls downtown to watch the parades, catch throws, and see them enjoy it with their friends. It’s loud, colorful, and a little chaotic, but it’s also one of those traditions that really brings our community to together and creates memories we look forward to every year.
MBP: If you could encourage other moms with one piece of advice, what would you say?
Mandy: I would encourage other moms to build and lean into their mom community. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask a question, or invite someone to grab coffee. Most moms are truly looking for connection and are more than willing to support one another: Whether it’s swapping advice, helping with carpools, or just laughing through the chaos together, those relationships become an invaluable source of encouragement and friendship.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Coffee or Tea? Both
- Beach or Mountains? Beach
- Early Bird or Night Owl? Early bird
- Sweet or Salty? Salty
- 20Target or Amazon? Target
Mandy Damrich, originally from Birmingham, moved to Mobile in 2012 with her husband, Ryan, a Mobile native. Married for 13 years, they have two daughters, Kingsley (11) and Berkley (9). Deeply involved in the St. Ignatius community and they prioritize spending quality time together as a family.
