Inspiration from creators changing the way we look at space
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Mandana Ansari

Creator of GIrl & The Bay and Founder of 9 To Thrive
·
San Francisco / New York
Mandana is a lifestyle blogger, digital marketer, brand strategist, and tech nerd who is absolutely obsessed with the internet's ability to make the world a smaller and more connected place. Both online and IRL.

Check out my

 

networking event

before
after
before
after

The Big Idea

Networking can seem daunting, but when you’re introduced to the right connection every phone call, email or cup of iced oat milk matcha pays off. I wanted to create an event where meeting the right professional connections felt easy.

Transforming the Space

I was drawn to this gorgeous space because of the lush, magical outdoor area. I knew the secret garden vibes would welcome my guests and make them feel at ease to make the first + spark connections. Babes + Bizzness was an event I hosted with a panel of 4 incredible women who are making moves.
Chic SOMA Secret Garden
SOMA
San Francisco
View Space
Chic SOMA Secret Garden
SOMA
San Francisco
View Space
Chic SOMA Secret Garden
SOMA
San Francisco
View Space

Feeling inspired?

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Spaces that inspire me

Girl & The Bay

17
Spaces 
San Francisco
"
Spaces + places in the Bay Area to host events.
"

Girl & The Apple

19
Spaces 
New York
"
Spaces + places in the NYC to host events.
"

Inviting + Unintimidating Spaces

18
Spaces 
NY, LA, SF
"
Welcoming spaces that make networking feel less daunting.
"

Question & Answer

"
No one is you and that is your superpower.
"
How did Girl and the Bay become to be?
I have been working with startups and multi-billion dollars brands for years, helping them share their stories to connect with their audiences. I organically built a community online. I thought about building my own brand to connect with them, but it wasn’t until my best friend took her own life that I made a move. I wanted to turn the intense grief into a legacy that could live on, but also help others feel less alone and more understood on their journeys of chasing happiness.
From ideation to execution, what is your creative process like?
I’m not the most organized human being. It all makes sense in my head, but needs a little help coming together IRL. Pinterest has helped me organize my projects into mood boards and Google Sheets save my life. I have incredible people in my corner who come alongside to help me stay on track. My BFF Jennifer from One Fine Day, is one of those people.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are determined but aren’t sure where to start?
My advice for anyone who wants to start something new? Figure out what you think the world needs more of and find a way to fill that gap in your own little way. As long as your idea is fueled by passion and purpose, it will be contagious.
What’s the biggest joy running your own business? What’s the most challenging part?
The biggest joy? Having the freedom to give your ideas a chance to exist. The most challenging? Giving every one of your ideas a chance to exist. I’m a “more is more” kinda girl. Sometimes, I need to stop myself to prioritize and remind myself that there are only so many hours in one day. It’s important that I always bring things back to my main goal - is it helping others feel more confident, understood and less alone. If it isn’t, then it’s just not something I should be giving my time to.
What’s next for Girl and the Bay? How do you see your brand evolving?
Oh, so many things! I have never been more excited for the future. I’ve recently left my 9 to 5 to dedicated all of my time to Girl & The Bay. I’m inspired to give my undivided attention to cultivating a community who promotes kindness, equality, confidence — online and offline.
More of 
Mandana
"
No one is you and that is your superpower.
"
More of
Mandana

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