✨ Introducing Mandy: From Empty Nest to Bold Beginnings—The Story That Started It All
Welcome to our favorite corner of the internet—where real Moms share real stories, from spit-up to send-offs. In this series, we’re introducing the incredible women behind The Empty Nest Mom—the ones who’ve been there, cried there, laughed way too hard there. Whether they’re chasing toddlers, launching college kids, or rediscovering themselves one hobby (or latte) at a time, these Moms are here to remind you that you’re never alone in this journey. Come meet your new favorite people.
She didn’t just build a brand—she built a movement. Here’s how Mandy turned heartbreak into purpose, and why she believes every mom deserves a fresh start.
✨ Mandy isn’t just the founder of The Empty Nest Mom—she’s the fire behind it. After launching her last daughter into college and staring down the silence of a quiet house, Mandy could’ve stayed stuck in the sadness. Instead, she packed up her life, moved across the country, and built something brand new—from scratch, from heartbreak, and from pure grit. She turned her own next chapter into a movement that gives other moms permission to dream again.
This isn’t just a blog or a brand. This is her heart. And here’s her story—told in her own words:
Let talk motherhood, How would you describe yourself as mom?
Real. Loud. Loyal. I’m the kind of Mom who would do anything for her kids—including starting over. I’ve been the cheerleader, the realist, the one running a business while making dinner, and the Mom crying in the parking lot after drop-off. I’m not perfect, but I’m always present—and I’ve learned that showing up with heart matters more than getting it all right.
Favorite way to start the day?
Take all my vitamins (if I remember), check on every single plant barefoot, toss together a bag, and set off on an adventure—all before 8 a.m.
A Note From the Moms:
Mandy doesn’t just lead this community—she lives it. As fellow Moms, we’ve had the gift of laughing with her, crying beside her, and building something beautiful alongside her. She’s the one who sees the best in us before we even see it ourselves. Her boldness lifts us, her heart grounds us, and her friendship is the kind that changes everything. Mandy, you remind us daily that we can do hard things, dream big, and show up exactly as we are. We’re so lucky to walk this journey with you.
What are your favorite go-to products right now?
Let’s be honest—when you’re managing toddler energy and middle school sass, you need a few sidekicks that just work. These are the things I use every single day:
- Liquid I.V. – This is my secret weapon! I drink one a day and haven’t had kidney stones since. It keeps me feeling good, hydrated, and able to keep up with my kids (and life).
- Brixley Bag – I’m obsessed. It’s cute, functional, and holds my Kindle! I can wear it as a fanny pack, backpack, or crossbody. Total mom win.
- Owala Cup – I have three. It’s THAT good. Doesn’t spill, has a dreamy straw, and keeps my drinks cold forever. I switched from Stanley and haven’t looked back.
Tell us a Fun fact about you?
I’m a Mimi who still dances in the kitchen, rearranges furniture at 10 p.m., and believes starting over can be your superpower.
Tell us how you see yourself….
I see myself as a woman who’s still evolving—with grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart. I’m bold when I need to be, grounded when it counts, and never afraid to start from scratch if that’s what the next chapter requires. I’m a girl Mom, a Mimi, an entrepreneur, and a builder of second chances. I want my daughters—and every woman reading this—to know they can do it all… just not all at once, and not without a little mess along the way.
What was your first thought when you came up with The Empty Nest Mom?
It hit me like a lightning bolt and a lifeline at the same time. I knew I couldn’t be the only Mom sitting in the quiet asking, “Now what?” I didn’t just want to survive this chapter—I wanted to light it up. And if I could create a space that reminded other women they could still grow, build, dream, and laugh hard in this next season… I had to do it. I owed it to myself and every Mom who ever felt like her story paused when the kids left home.
“There’s something deeply powerful about deciding to start over—even when you didn’t ask for a new beginning.”
– Mandy McMahan
“There’s something deeply powerful about deciding to start over—even when you didn’t ask for a new beginning.” — Mandy
Mandy’s energy, transparency, and unstoppable spirit are what make The Empty Nest Mom more than a blog—it’s a lifeline. She reminds us that the next season isn’t something to survive… it’s something to celebrate.
You can follow Mandy’s journey here on the blog, on the podcast, and across social as she shares messy moments, new adventures, and the kind of motivation that makes you want to go after your next big thing.
More about Mandy:
Mandy is the founder of The Empty Nest Mom, CEO of JM Five Star Inc., proud Mimi, lifelong entrepreneur, travel lover, decor queen, girl Mom, and believer in bold beginnings. She’s all about helping women rewrite the story of what’s next—with fun, faith, and a little bit of flair.
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