September 13, 2023 • 27 mins
Curiosity sparked at a young age can lead to incredible journeys, and our guest today, Mandy Volpe, is a living testament to this truth. Her enchanting tale begins as a high school student hosting birthday parties at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) and soars all the way to becoming the first Executive Director of the organization. Mandy shares her inspiring journey replete with challenges, triumphs, and a vision to kindle the potential in every child walking through the museum's doors.
Imagine a place where children can freely explore, learn, and make sense of the world around them. INK does just that with its extraordinary exhibits, like Grand Pappy Airlines. Mandy gives us an inside look at how the museum meticulously designs these spaces, ensuring they cater to all children, including those with autism and high sensory needs. Moreover, she shares a heartwarming glimpse into the life-changing magic that these exhibits have sparked for many families.
However, the museum isn't just a playground for children. It's a testament to the resilience of a community, a beacon of hope in challenging times, and a colorful world that inspires. Mandy recounts how the Gainesville community rallied to support the museum and how these challenges have shaped its identity and mission. Together, let's explore the vibrant, inspiring world of INK and uncover the power of childhood curiosity.
https://inkfun.org/
https://www.facebook.com/INKforKIDS
https://www.youtube.com/user/inkfunga
https://www.instagram.com/inkkidsmuseum/
https://www.exploregeorgia.org/city/gainesville
https://www.gainesville.org/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amelia (00:03):
Everyone has a story to tell.
We connect and relate to oneanother when we share our
stories.
My name is Amelia Old and I amyour host of Voices of
Inspiration.
Join me as I share stories offriends, family and strangers
who my everyday life and travels.
You will laugh, possibly cry.
You'll walk away feelingconnected more than ever to
those around you and ready to bethe change our world needs.
(00:25):
Everyone has a story to tell.
What's yours?
Mandy.
Thank you so much for joiningme today on this episode of
Voices of Inspiration.
I really appreciate you takingyour time to be with me.
(00:45):
Your journey with InteractiveNeighborhood for Kids in
Gainesville, Georgia, is reallyinspiring.
It's super cool.
I've never heard of this museumbefore and I just think it's so
awesome.
Can you tell us more about yourearly experiences hosting
(01:06):
birthday parties at the museumand how that shaped your path to
become the executive director?
Mandy (01:12):
So when I was growing up, my siblings I have four
siblings, or three siblings I'mthe fourth one and they were,
you know, my youngest one was 10years younger than me, so,
being a high schooler we went towhatever the little kids were
doing.
So my mom brought us to at thetime this children's museum.
(01:32):
It was brand new, it was justlike a year old and it was on
the second story of a church indowntown Gainesville, and so she
brought us there to play withmy little brother and I fell in
love.
So I started volunteering.
It was set up with these littlebitty neighborhoods, there was
a train and there was a grocerystore, and then they started
(01:54):
doing birthday parties.
So I started volunteering.
And then Sherri, who is thefounder of Inc.
She said she invited me to hostthe birthday parties, and so
that kind of took me from highschool into the early days of
college where I got to hostbirthday parties at the museum.
And that was the early days.
(02:16):
That was.
I mean, that was 2002.
And so I went to college.
I had kind of stepped away, Iwent and did work downtown in
Atlanta and did my corporatecareer, if you will.
And then Sherri, who's thefounder.
She was about ready to retire Isay retire, she's our founder
(02:39):
and so she wanted to step backand pursue things with her
children who were graduating.
And at that point she said, hey, I'm tapping you to be the
executive director.
And I was like, wait, what I'vebeen gone Like what are you
talking about?
I just hosted birthday partiesand she was so sweet, she's the
best mentor to me and she justwas.
(02:59):
She was like no, you're, you'rewho's it, you're the one who
needs to lead us into our nextphase.
And so it's been.
I've been back now for sevenyears and it's been such a great
journey.
Amelia (03:11):
That's amazing.
So returning to InK as itsfirst on staff executive
director after such a time away,that must have been a
significant decision.
What actually drew you back andwhat vision did you bring to
the organization in this bigleadership role?
Mandy (03:29):
At first I would say it was a selfish reason.
I had just had a baby, he wasabout to turn a year old, and so
I was ready just to turn in myhat and do the mom life 24 seven
.
And, thank goodness, god haddifferent plans for me and was
like no, let's you know.
In the background he's workingout this whole sherry, retiring
(03:52):
and what does a part timesituation look like?
And, at the same time, being anonprofit.
This was the first time they hada paid executive director, and
so it was really a learningthing for all of us to say, ok,
what does that look like from afinancial commitment from INK?
What does that look like fromme also doing motherhood?
(04:13):
And so it was this beautifulpartnership of them saying, ok,
come on, you're here three daysa week, run the museum, carry
the vision at my heart, I'mcreative.
That's just who I am.
I love to create, come up withnew things.
I say I'm a professional kid atheart because I love kids, I
love to see them be inspired andtruly develop their full
(04:38):
potential, and so that's it'sbeen the perfect.
I would say it's a perfectmarriage.
Being back at INK and andhelping us get to where we are
today.
We've we've weathered a lot asthese last seven years, as, as
you do, with a pandemic, anddifferent things have happened
just in our environment, thereat the museum, and it's been,
it's, it's been truly great INKhas some really cool exhibits.
Amelia (05:02):
Grand Pappy Airlines invites children to experience
the magic of travel.
How do you see this fostering asense of adventure and
exploration and young minds?
what kind of impact do you hopeit has on their understanding
of travel?
Mandy (05:17):
It is a great exhibit.
Grand Pappy Airlines, becauseit's a full sized airplane in
the museum.
And so when it first came there,they did a little coloring
contest and there was a localyoung lady who designed it.
Looks like the Wonder Bread isreally what it looks like.
It's got polka dots everywhere.
The kids can hop in there andpretend to fly the plane.
(05:38):
They can have there's a seatwhere the parents can sit or
they can be the passengersthemselves.
We've got luggage, we've got aairport security, so it just it
truly allows them to experience,to pretend like their pilots,
to pretend like their airlinesstewards.
It's, it's incredible.
And I love when I'm back therebecause I'll go up and I just
(05:59):
can kind of hear them shoutingMom, I'm going to Hawaii.
And the moms like, okay, youknow, it's just fun to hear them
call out these differentlocations that they either only
read about in books or that theydream about traveling to, or
maybe they have fun to thoseplaces, so to see them
incorporate that into their play.
And now we're starting torealize, hey, kids came there,
(06:22):
you know when we started, andnow they're becoming those
pilots and you know mechanics onairplanes and it's just, it's
the coolest thing to see kidsdiscover their full potential.
Amelia (06:33):
And what a great way for them to learn how, to you know,
to know what to expect ifthey're going to the airport for
the first time or flying forthe first time, and you know
that it's not a scary thing andthat it can be exciting.
The other exhibits oftenreflect real world environments,
so, like the GainesvilleRadiology Department and the
(06:56):
medical clinic and the grocerystore.
How does the use of authentictools and materials in these
exhibits enhance a child'sunderstanding of the world
around them?
And what do you think?
What role does the hands onexploration play in this process
?
Mandy (07:12):
We really try to set up our exhibits to be life like.
So you come in to the dentistoffice, let's say, and they see
the chair and they see theequipment and they see the
bright lights and it is helpingthem learn, hey, this isn't a
scary chair to sit in, thiscould be kind of fun.
Look at these big teeth, thisis what they're working on.
(07:34):
So they kind of warm up to that.
And we have, you know, we had alittle girl come in and she
went to the medical center andit's set up to look just like
the waiting rooms.
It's set up to look have theequipment from some of the
emergency situations.
So the little girl came in,played, and then we heard later
(07:55):
that she went to her checkup ather doctor's office and when she
was there she came in and shewas totally chill, like no
anxiety, she was good, she'slike OK, I'll take my flu shot.
Now, you know, because she was.
They had pretend, they had roleplayed.
And that's what it's all aboutis to kind of ease those
anxieties, because, gosh, mentalhealth is such a big issue
(08:16):
right now and such a bigconversation, and if we can play
a small part in easing theconcerns of the kids, but also
using the concern of the parenttaking the kids to these places.
Man, we're doing great thingsif that's.
If that's being accomplished?
Amelia (08:36):
And you talk about mental health.
Can you talk about some of theother?
About INK's efforts to createan inclusive environment, which
include exhibits for autisticand high sensory kids and also a
program for adults withdementia?
Mandy (08:49):
Yeah, yeah, we had a unique opportunity, which was so
unfortunate a few years ago wehad a fire and a flood and that
kind of shut us down but alsogave us a really good
opportunity to revisit some ofour exhibits and bring in some
more tactile and sensoryopportunities to Help aid our
(09:10):
kids with sensory processingdisorders, help aid autism,
things like that and so we wereable to.
We call it spaghetti junction.
It's part of like our Atlantacity life and the kids.
We'll just run through it andat first we put it in and and
honestly, some people were likewait, why are you putting that
(09:31):
in?
Like that doesn't make a lot ofsense, it's just pull noodles
hanging from the ceiling.
But it's not.
This area is pool noodleshanging from the ceiling, but
the kids run through it and theycan see and they can touch it,
they can feel, they listen tothe sounds and it's just like
pressure.
It's.
It's just a beautiful thing.
(09:51):
We have other exhibits like our.
We call it the imaginationplayground and it's blue blocks
that they can build into bigstructures and just make these
really cool structures thatInspire them and that they then
bring in other kids.
I'll tell you, my, my son,loves that area.
(10:12):
He thinks it's the coolestthing and he'll get.
He'll get lost in there interms of just Spending his
entire two hours playing andbuilding structures.
He builds houses andrestaurants, and that he invites
the other kids to come in andplay, and so it.
Not only are they learning tobuild things and use their minds
, but they're working on thosesocial Aspects as well, and
(10:33):
that's truly helping them bebetter community Members.
Amelia (10:39):
That's so awesome.
Can you share a particularlyheartwarming or impactful story
that demonstrates the positiveinfluence Inc has had on a
child's life?
On a child's life.
Mandy (10:51):
Absolutely, we have this one family they.
They joined as a member so youcan be a member of INK and our
Cherry, who works up front.
She is our admission specialistand she welcomes everyone who
comes in and she's kind of likethe grandma of INK.
She's so sweet.
Well, a little boy came in withthe mom and was very shy, like
(11:14):
hiding under the mom's arm asshe's checking in and Just very
reserved.
Well, week after week they'recoming back because they have a
membership and Every weekcherry's like, hi, how are you
Welcome?
And just that littleinteraction.
Well, year, couple years laterhe's finally to the point where
(11:34):
he runs up he says hi, cherry,and he, he, he smiles at her and
he enjoys being in the exhibit.
So this shy, reserved boy,totally fine to be that way, but
he was having troublecommunicating with adults,
communicating with his peers,and Inc has provided that space
for him to Discover his fullpotential.
Amelia (11:57):
That's so great.
INK's journey is marked byresilience and, as you mentioned
, overcoming a fire and a flood.
Can you share the story of howthe museum and it's the
community rally together duringthose trying times and how those
Experiences have fueled aspirit of determination and hope
(12:17):
?
Mandy (12:19):
Inc.
We are just celebrate our 21stbirthday and ink.
Amelia (12:23):
Not be we thank you.
Mandy (12:25):
We would not be where we are today without the community,
whether the financial supportof the community to help, you
know, bring in new exhibits.
We have them, like you said,the medical centers there and
they, they have helped createexhibits.
But even down to the people ofthe community, they rally so
hard to make sure that the inkvision Continues to be carried
(12:47):
out.
I remember the, you know theJC's of our community and the.
There's a local organizationcalled keep all beautiful.
They are wonderful people andwe just called and said Help,
like that's.
All we said was, please help,and they sent over People,
bodies to help us move thingsout of the museum when it was
(13:08):
soaking wet from this Fire,flood situation that was such a
headache.
They helped move things out noquestions asked.
We had Families who are membersthat were sad that we were
closed for five months becauseof that.
Come in and create costumes andcreate little extras for the
(13:30):
exhibits that families come inand help paint.
It's beautiful how thecommunity rallies around Our
neighborhood to be in the biggerneighborhood.
Amelia (13:42):
I think it speaks volumes of the community really
gathering together and rallyingtogether and rallying together.
For you guys, that speaksvolumes on the impact that you
guys have made.
In what way have thesechallenges reshaped the museum's
identity and the mission?
And you know how has thatexperience Further solidified
its role as a beacon of hope andresilience?
Mandy (14:05):
I Love that.
You said ink is a beacon ofhope and resilience.
It it?
It makes me feel very proud.
It's one of those things isokay.
Any time there's bad weather I'manxious, I'm like, okay, let's
close, let's get everybody homesafe, like being your home
(14:25):
bunker down.
And luckily, from day one, whenwe transitioned from our
founder to myself, she was likewe're open, that's our rule, we
are open.
And I was like no but?
And she's like no, we're open.
So we keep that at the core.
Like I said, weather's comingand luckily my team is like
maybe we'll be here.
(14:45):
There's a you know, bad weathercoming, someone's gonna be
without power.
They need somebody where to goto play and have their kids burn
off some energy.
And so we're open.
And that's what we continue tostrive to do, because we
continue, like you say, to bethat beacon of hope, to provide
a safe space for kids to play,to interact with each other, but
(15:06):
also interact with theirparents.
I mean, we're in such a agewhere our cell phones are
attached to our hip, I mean, orour hand I guess Mine's sitting
right here in front of me, youknow, just in case you never
know, school may call and you go, but to give kids and parents a
place where I walk to themuseum and I see a dad on the
(15:28):
floor building those bigstructures, those big houses
from those blue blocks and he'snot on his phone, like he's
there engaged with the kids, andthat gives the kids a sense of
pride, that gives them, you know, a sense of connection.
They'll end up drawing picturesand send them to us of these
fun moments with their friends,their parents and their loved
(15:51):
ones.
So it's a huge challenge to beconsidered that in the community
, but also a great joy tocontinue to carry that mission
out.
Amelia (16:01):
Now, how do you think learning about the museum's
journey through all of thisadversity, how do you think
learning about that, can add anextra layer of significance and
appreciation to a visitor'sexperience?
Mandy (16:16):
I think they can see where we came from and how far
we've come.
We also recognize that the kidsof today are not the same
learners that they were in 2002when we started.
So we have some great exhibits,like our train and the grocery
store that were there from dayone.
But think about a grocery storeback in 2002 and think about it
(16:39):
now.
Completely differentexperiences.
You know we're having torethink how kids interact and so
they're self-checkout now.
Self-checkout.
I mean think about a few yearsago when it was the pandemic and
there were, you know, thesneeze guard, things.
Situations up, and so we put upPlexiglas in those in the
(17:01):
grocery store so that the kidscould realize, oh there's,
that's, that's normal, that'sthat's what we're doing right
now, that's how we go to thegrocery store.
You know things like that.
So we try to keep it very realworld for them so that they can
become comfortable.
Amelia (17:19):
I Think that's so important because it does make
them comfortable and understandthat something, even though
things are changing in the world, it doesn't have to be scary,
it's just part of the worldright now.
I think that is so important.
So, as you know, travel is abig focus of this podcast and
Gainesville has its own uniquecharm.
(17:40):
Can you highlight some of theother attractions or experiences
that you enjoy that makeGainesville a compelling
destination for families?
Mandy (17:50):
I'll tell you what.
Gainesville is an incredibleplace to visit and play.
So where we currently arelocated is is right near the
highway, but we're right next tothe Midland area.
So if you're in the front areaof our Entrance, you can see the
train tracks from where we areand that's really fun for the
kids.
I see kids all the time justwatching the trains go by.
(18:13):
If you go across the traintracks, there's so much to
explore that there's great localrestaurants.
My kids, actually my kids and Iactually this summer we rode the
Gainesville trolley, which isjust the coolest thing that
there's.
You know this old-schooltrolley that goes through the
community and Up throughGainesville, so the kids got to
(18:33):
ride it and go over the lake,over a bridge, go down the
street that the parade is heldfor.
You know the community, it'sjust, it's a very unique
community.
There there's little pocketswhere you can walk around and
have, you know, enjoy an eveningwith your family and your kids,
and it's always changing.
I'll also say that if you'recoming to visit, you know,
(18:56):
definitely, look, there's somegreat local, you know, like
North Metro eateries and thingslike that that can Give you good
ideas of where to eat and takeyour, take your families.
It's an incredible place.
Amelia (19:09):
And you guys aren't terribly far from Atlanta, so
from those that are visitingAtlanta, this could easily be a
day trip.
Mandy (19:17):
Absolutely.
It's funny you say that becausewe have friends from your area,
from South Carolina, that willcome Stop at ink to play with
their kids and keep driving toso that they can go to the Sam's
Club or the Costco.
That's not much farther than us, and it's so it's.
It's funny that they woulddrive a couple hours to do that.
What we're a good stoppingpoint.
(19:38):
Even going the opposite way,coming from Atlanta and Heading
up to the mountains, again,people stop and they'll play for
a few hours just to burn someenergy.
So going both ways down thehighway, it's, it's very
convenient, it's it's, it's agreat location.
Amelia (19:53):
It's a great idea stopping for a couple of hours
to burn some energy for thoseyoung children.
Traveling with kids can be aunique adventure.
Are there any travel tips thatyou have, based on your
experiences with ink, that couldhelp families make the most of
educational and recreationaljourneys?
Mandy (20:15):
So novelty is key.
You know, I see so much caringlittle bags that have new
activities.
If you can also prepare yourkids ahead of time, whether it's
visiting ink and exploring andknowing what you're about to
experience.
But also Books are great booksthat can teach you of where
you're about to head.
You know, we took our family upto Washington DC because they
(20:36):
were kind of learning about itat school.
But we read books and wewatched like a movie, like you
know different history thingsand getting up there it was fun
to compare to our currentcommunity, like how does, how
does Washington DC compared toGainesville or Hall County?
And so I'm a firm believer ofgetting your kids out there and
(20:57):
experience, experiencing as muchas you can, because that's how
they learn.
They learn to do well withothers, they learn to interact
with other people, learn tointeract and hold the door open
for their, their people comingbehind them.
So it's just I say explore, getout there and play with your
families.
Amelia (21:18):
And the museum helps learn how to navigate some of
those things.
Absolutely, absolutely.
Your journey with ink is atestament to dedication.
What advice would you give toyoung individuals who aspire to
make a positive impact, like youhave, in their communities?
Mandy (21:39):
First of all, if you're not alone, find a good mentor, a
group of mentors that can justencourage you, give you good
advice.
I had mentioned Sherry, ourfounder.
She is an incredible mentor tome and has given me life in
terms of the words and just thesupport.
(22:00):
So, finding your people,finding people that can
encourage you, but also gettingplugged in, whether it's the
community you work or thecommunity that you live.
Getting plugged in, whetherit's you know they say, vote
with your dollars, go eat atlocal restaurants, go play at
the local parks and get to knowpeople.
And just figure out how to getplugged in, because when you're
(22:23):
out and about you don't haveyour phone attached to you.
You're creative and you cankind of explore and for me I
still feel very young.
I have three kids but I get alot of creativity from them too,
Like they kind of will spurstuff on and it's encouraging
them to see get behind themission of Inkley.
(22:47):
My son he's sweet.
He was writing little businesscards yesterday of the ink
address and the phone number.
He had found out what it isfrom Google.
He asked, and so he was makingthese little business cards, 18
of them, so that he could givethem to all of his friends at
school, and so it's just funthat you know I love the
(23:10):
entrepreneur of things and soseeing that kind of spur on in
that younger generation and justfinding creativity wherever you
can and seeking mentors or wisecounsel for different decisions
, I love that.
Amelia (23:26):
My daughter she's almost four, my youngest daughter is
almost 14 now and she,especially when she was a little
bit younger, would do the samething of just come up with these
random business ideas.
And I don't think when you andI were younger that was
necessarily, you know, theforefront of our minds with
creating businesses, and so itdefinitely shows how things have
changed and evolved over time.
(23:48):
As a nonprofit organization,you know, obviously we've talked
about community support isvital.
How can individuals locally andalso from afar, contribute to
Ink's mission and help ensurethat the museum continues to
inspire generations to come?
Mandy (24:06):
Absolutely.
We would love if you or any ofyour listeners feel like Ink wow
needs to keep going, needs tocontinue to inspire the next
generation of learners.
Vote with your dollars.
You know donating to Ink is agreat way to see a long term
return on your investment.
It's you're.
(24:26):
You're helping by giving to Ink.
You're helping make sure thatkids are learning how to be a
pilot so that they can travel toplaces.
You're helping fund theseopportunities that kids are
learning not to be scared intheir communities and to enjoy
life to the fullest.
I encourage you to donate.
If you are with a company, Iencourage you to seek out ways
(24:49):
to do corporate sponsorships.
Or even if you're like maybe itdoesn't sound like you have,
you know, an XYZ exhibit, maybea car manufacturer, come on,
let's talk, let's figure out howwe can get that in there.
You know it's I think aboutright now how we I just spent a
lot of time in like the touringhospitals and figuring out, you
(25:14):
know, nursing that's a bigshortage and it will be in the
next few years and seeing how wecan try to help.
From a kid standpoint of fiveyear olds learning oh, nursing
is a career.
Nursing is how we can help andthere's things like that.
Those were helping give theskills to your future employees.
(25:36):
So if you're a companylistening to this, I strongly
encourage you to reach out andlet's figure out how we can
start arming those little kids,or even just the parents who
come and play with them.
Education on your companies.
Amelia (25:49):
You guys definitely have something incredibly unique and
special.
Now I ask every guest thatcomes on the show do you have a
favorite quote or any words ofwisdom that you would like to
leave behind with our listeners?
Mandy (26:04):
If it ain't neon, it shouldn't be on.
So I you will come into themuseum and you will see color
everywhere.
We were actually just redoingstuff and repainting and
everybody was like, wait, thiscolor doesn't match this color
and this blue is not the same asthis blue.
And it's because color is lifeMe on like just rock it out.
(26:25):
If it ain't neon, it shouldn'tbe on.
Amelia (26:27):
I love that.
Well, thank you so much forjoining me today.
Again, I really appreciate youtaking the time to be here and
just sharing to this really coolspecial place that you have in
Gainesville.
I really can't wait to see whathappens with you guys over the
years to come and the how youexpand and grow over time.
(26:49):
I'm really excited to watchthat happen and I can't wait to
visit.
Mandy (26:55):
Well, thank you.
Anytime you're around, come askfor a tour and you're always
welcome at INK.
Thank you.
Everyone has a story to tell.
We connect and relate to oneanother when we share our
stories.
My name is Amelia Old and I amyour host of Voices of
Inspiration.
Join me as I share stories offriends, family and strangers
who my everyday life and travels.
You will laugh, possibly cry.
You'll walk away feelingconnected more than ever to
those around you and ready to bethe change our world needs.
(00:25):
Everyone has a story to tell.
What's yours?
Mandy.
Thank you so much for joiningme today on this episode of
Voices of Inspiration.
I really appreciate you takingyour time to be with me.
(00:45):
Your journey with InteractiveNeighborhood for Kids in
Gainesville, Georgia, is reallyinspiring.
It's super cool.
I've never heard of this museumbefore and I just think it's so
awesome.
Can you tell us more about yourearly experiences hosting
(01:06):
birthday parties at the museumand how that shaped your path to
become the executive director?
Mandy (01:12):
So when I was growing up, my siblings I have four
siblings, or three siblings I'mthe fourth one and they were,
you know, my youngest one was 10years younger than me, so,
being a high schooler we went towhatever the little kids were
doing.
So my mom brought us to at thetime this children's museum.
(01:32):
It was brand new, it was justlike a year old and it was on
the second story of a church indowntown Gainesville, and so she
brought us there to play withmy little brother and I fell in
love.
So I started volunteering.
It was set up with these littlebitty neighborhoods, there was
a train and there was a grocerystore, and then they started
(01:54):
doing birthday parties.
So I started volunteering.
And then Sherri, who is thefounder of Inc.
She said she invited me to hostthe birthday parties, and so
that kind of took me from highschool into the early days of
college where I got to hostbirthday parties at the museum.
And that was the early days.
(02:16):
That was.
I mean, that was 2002.
And so I went to college.
I had kind of stepped away, Iwent and did work downtown in
Atlanta and did my corporatecareer, if you will.
And then Sherri, who's thefounder.
She was about ready to retire Isay retire, she's our founder
(02:39):
and so she wanted to step backand pursue things with her
children who were graduating.
And at that point she said, hey, I'm tapping you to be the
executive director.
And I was like, wait, what I'vebeen gone Like what are you
talking about?
I just hosted birthday partiesand she was so sweet, she's the
best mentor to me and she justwas.
(02:59):
She was like no, you're, you'rewho's it, you're the one who
needs to lead us into our nextphase.
And so it's been.
I've been back now for sevenyears and it's been such a great
journey.
Amelia (03:11):
That's amazing.
So returning to InK as itsfirst on staff executive
director after such a time away,that must have been a
significant decision.
What actually drew you back andwhat vision did you bring to
the organization in this bigleadership role?
Mandy (03:29):
At first I would say it was a selfish reason.
I had just had a baby, he wasabout to turn a year old, and so
I was ready just to turn in myhat and do the mom life 24 seven
.
And, thank goodness, god haddifferent plans for me and was
like no, let's you know.
In the background he's workingout this whole sherry, retiring
(03:52):
and what does a part timesituation look like?
And, at the same time, being anonprofit.
This was the first time they hada paid executive director, and
so it was really a learningthing for all of us to say, ok,
what does that look like from afinancial commitment from INK?
What does that look like fromme also doing motherhood?
(04:13):
And so it was this beautifulpartnership of them saying, ok,
come on, you're here three daysa week, run the museum, carry
the vision at my heart, I'mcreative.
That's just who I am.
I love to create, come up withnew things.
I say I'm a professional kid atheart because I love kids, I
love to see them be inspired andtruly develop their full
(04:38):
potential, and so that's it'sbeen the perfect.
I would say it's a perfectmarriage.
Being back at INK and andhelping us get to where we are
today.
We've we've weathered a lot asthese last seven years, as, as
you do, with a pandemic, anddifferent things have happened
just in our environment, thereat the museum, and it's been,
it's, it's been truly great INKhas some really cool exhibits.
Amelia (05:02):
Grand Pappy Airlines invites children to experience
the magic of travel.
How do you see this fostering asense of adventure and
exploration and young minds?
what kind of impact do you hopeit has on their understanding
of travel?
Mandy (05:17):
It is a great exhibit.
Grand Pappy Airlines, becauseit's a full sized airplane in
the museum.
And so when it first came there,they did a little coloring
contest and there was a localyoung lady who designed it.
Looks like the Wonder Bread isreally what it looks like.
It's got polka dots everywhere.
The kids can hop in there andpretend to fly the plane.
(05:38):
They can have there's a seatwhere the parents can sit or
they can be the passengersthemselves.
We've got luggage, we've got aairport security, so it just it
truly allows them to experience,to pretend like their pilots,
to pretend like their airlinesstewards.
It's, it's incredible.
And I love when I'm back therebecause I'll go up and I just
(05:59):
can kind of hear them shoutingMom, I'm going to Hawaii.
And the moms like, okay, youknow, it's just fun to hear them
call out these differentlocations that they either only
read about in books or that theydream about traveling to, or
maybe they have fun to thoseplaces, so to see them
incorporate that into their play.
And now we're starting torealize, hey, kids came there,
(06:22):
you know when we started, andnow they're becoming those
pilots and you know mechanics onairplanes and it's just, it's
the coolest thing to see kidsdiscover their full potential.
Amelia (06:33):
And what a great way for them to learn how, to you know,
to know what to expect ifthey're going to the airport for
the first time or flying forthe first time, and you know
that it's not a scary thing andthat it can be exciting.
The other exhibits oftenreflect real world environments,
so, like the GainesvilleRadiology Department and the
(06:56):
medical clinic and the grocerystore.
How does the use of authentictools and materials in these
exhibits enhance a child'sunderstanding of the world
around them?
And what do you think?
What role does the hands onexploration play in this process
?
Mandy (07:12):
We really try to set up our exhibits to be life like.
So you come in to the dentistoffice, let's say, and they see
the chair and they see theequipment and they see the
bright lights and it is helpingthem learn, hey, this isn't a
scary chair to sit in, thiscould be kind of fun.
Look at these big teeth, thisis what they're working on.
(07:34):
So they kind of warm up to that.
And we have, you know, we had alittle girl come in and she
went to the medical center andit's set up to look just like
the waiting rooms.
It's set up to look have theequipment from some of the
emergency situations.
So the little girl came in,played, and then we heard later
(07:55):
that she went to her checkup ather doctor's office and when she
was there she came in and shewas totally chill, like no
anxiety, she was good, she'slike OK, I'll take my flu shot.
Now, you know, because she was.
They had pretend, they had roleplayed.
And that's what it's all aboutis to kind of ease those
anxieties, because, gosh, mentalhealth is such a big issue
(08:16):
right now and such a bigconversation, and if we can play
a small part in easing theconcerns of the kids, but also
using the concern of the parenttaking the kids to these places.
Man, we're doing great thingsif that's.
If that's being accomplished?
Amelia (08:36):
And you talk about mental health.
Can you talk about some of theother?
About INK's efforts to createan inclusive environment, which
include exhibits for autisticand high sensory kids and also a
program for adults withdementia?
Mandy (08:49):
Yeah, yeah, we had a unique opportunity, which was so
unfortunate a few years ago wehad a fire and a flood and that
kind of shut us down but alsogave us a really good
opportunity to revisit some ofour exhibits and bring in some
more tactile and sensoryopportunities to Help aid our
(09:10):
kids with sensory processingdisorders, help aid autism,
things like that and so we wereable to.
We call it spaghetti junction.
It's part of like our Atlantacity life and the kids.
We'll just run through it andat first we put it in and and
honestly, some people were likewait, why are you putting that
(09:31):
in?
Like that doesn't make a lot ofsense, it's just pull noodles
hanging from the ceiling.
But it's not.
This area is pool noodleshanging from the ceiling, but
the kids run through it and theycan see and they can touch it,
they can feel, they listen tothe sounds and it's just like
pressure.
It's.
It's just a beautiful thing.
(09:51):
We have other exhibits like our.
We call it the imaginationplayground and it's blue blocks
that they can build into bigstructures and just make these
really cool structures thatInspire them and that they then
bring in other kids.
I'll tell you, my, my son,loves that area.
(10:12):
He thinks it's the coolestthing and he'll get.
He'll get lost in there interms of just Spending his
entire two hours playing andbuilding structures.
He builds houses andrestaurants, and that he invites
the other kids to come in andplay, and so it.
Not only are they learning tobuild things and use their minds
, but they're working on thosesocial Aspects as well, and
(10:33):
that's truly helping them bebetter community Members.
Amelia (10:39):
That's so awesome.
Can you share a particularlyheartwarming or impactful story
that demonstrates the positiveinfluence Inc has had on a
child's life?
On a child's life.
Mandy (10:51):
Absolutely, we have this one family they.
They joined as a member so youcan be a member of INK and our
Cherry, who works up front.
She is our admission specialistand she welcomes everyone who
comes in and she's kind of likethe grandma of INK.
She's so sweet.
Well, a little boy came in withthe mom and was very shy, like
(11:14):
hiding under the mom's arm asshe's checking in and Just very
reserved.
Well, week after week they'recoming back because they have a
membership and Every weekcherry's like, hi, how are you
Welcome?
And just that littleinteraction.
Well, year, couple years laterhe's finally to the point where
(11:34):
he runs up he says hi, cherry,and he, he, he smiles at her and
he enjoys being in the exhibit.
So this shy, reserved boy,totally fine to be that way, but
he was having troublecommunicating with adults,
communicating with his peers,and Inc has provided that space
for him to Discover his fullpotential.
Amelia (11:57):
That's so great.
INK's journey is marked byresilience and, as you mentioned
, overcoming a fire and a flood.
Can you share the story of howthe museum and it's the
community rally together duringthose trying times and how those
Experiences have fueled aspirit of determination and hope
(12:17):
?
Mandy (12:19):
Inc.
We are just celebrate our 21stbirthday and ink.
Amelia (12:23):
Not be we thank you.
Mandy (12:25):
We would not be where we are today without the community,
whether the financial supportof the community to help, you
know, bring in new exhibits.
We have them, like you said,the medical centers there and
they, they have helped createexhibits.
But even down to the people ofthe community, they rally so
hard to make sure that the inkvision Continues to be carried
(12:47):
out.
I remember the, you know theJC's of our community and the.
There's a local organizationcalled keep all beautiful.
They are wonderful people andwe just called and said Help,
like that's.
All we said was, please help,and they sent over People,
bodies to help us move thingsout of the museum when it was
(13:08):
soaking wet from this Fire,flood situation that was such a
headache.
They helped move things out noquestions asked.
We had Families who are membersthat were sad that we were
closed for five months becauseof that.
Come in and create costumes andcreate little extras for the
(13:30):
exhibits that families come inand help paint.
It's beautiful how thecommunity rallies around Our
neighborhood to be in the biggerneighborhood.
Amelia (13:42):
I think it speaks volumes of the community really
gathering together and rallyingtogether and rallying together.
For you guys, that speaksvolumes on the impact that you
guys have made.
In what way have thesechallenges reshaped the museum's
identity and the mission?
And you know how has thatexperience Further solidified
its role as a beacon of hope andresilience?
Mandy (14:05):
I Love that.
You said ink is a beacon ofhope and resilience.
It it?
It makes me feel very proud.
It's one of those things isokay.
Any time there's bad weather I'manxious, I'm like, okay, let's
close, let's get everybody homesafe, like being your home
(14:25):
bunker down.
And luckily, from day one, whenwe transitioned from our
founder to myself, she was likewe're open, that's our rule, we
are open.
And I was like no but?
And she's like no, we're open.
So we keep that at the core.
Like I said, weather's comingand luckily my team is like
maybe we'll be here.
(14:45):
There's a you know, bad weathercoming, someone's gonna be
without power.
They need somebody where to goto play and have their kids burn
off some energy.
And so we're open.
And that's what we continue tostrive to do, because we
continue, like you say, to bethat beacon of hope, to provide
a safe space for kids to play,to interact with each other, but
(15:06):
also interact with theirparents.
I mean, we're in such a agewhere our cell phones are
attached to our hip, I mean, orour hand I guess Mine's sitting
right here in front of me, youknow, just in case you never
know, school may call and you go, but to give kids and parents a
place where I walk to themuseum and I see a dad on the
(15:28):
floor building those bigstructures, those big houses
from those blue blocks and he'snot on his phone, like he's
there engaged with the kids, andthat gives the kids a sense of
pride, that gives them, you know, a sense of connection.
They'll end up drawing picturesand send them to us of these
fun moments with their friends,their parents and their loved
(15:51):
ones.
So it's a huge challenge to beconsidered that in the community
, but also a great joy tocontinue to carry that mission
out.
Amelia (16:01):
Now, how do you think learning about the museum's
journey through all of thisadversity, how do you think
learning about that, can add anextra layer of significance and
appreciation to a visitor'sexperience?
Mandy (16:16):
I think they can see where we came from and how far
we've come.
We also recognize that the kidsof today are not the same
learners that they were in 2002when we started.
So we have some great exhibits,like our train and the grocery
store that were there from dayone.
But think about a grocery storeback in 2002 and think about it
(16:39):
now.
Completely differentexperiences.
You know we're having torethink how kids interact and so
they're self-checkout now.
Self-checkout.
I mean think about a few yearsago when it was the pandemic and
there were, you know, thesneeze guard, things.
Situations up, and so we put upPlexiglas in those in the
(17:01):
grocery store so that the kidscould realize, oh there's,
that's, that's normal, that'sthat's what we're doing right
now, that's how we go to thegrocery store.
You know things like that.
So we try to keep it very realworld for them so that they can
become comfortable.
Amelia (17:19):
I Think that's so important because it does make
them comfortable and understandthat something, even though
things are changing in the world, it doesn't have to be scary,
it's just part of the worldright now.
I think that is so important.
So, as you know, travel is abig focus of this podcast and
Gainesville has its own uniquecharm.
(17:40):
Can you highlight some of theother attractions or experiences
that you enjoy that makeGainesville a compelling
destination for families?
Mandy (17:50):
I'll tell you what.
Gainesville is an incredibleplace to visit and play.
So where we currently arelocated is is right near the
highway, but we're right next tothe Midland area.
So if you're in the front areaof our Entrance, you can see the
train tracks from where we areand that's really fun for the
kids.
I see kids all the time justwatching the trains go by.
(18:13):
If you go across the traintracks, there's so much to
explore that there's great localrestaurants.
My kids, actually my kids and Iactually this summer we rode the
Gainesville trolley, which isjust the coolest thing that
there's.
You know this old-schooltrolley that goes through the
community and Up throughGainesville, so the kids got to
(18:33):
ride it and go over the lake,over a bridge, go down the
street that the parade is heldfor.
You know the community, it'sjust, it's a very unique
community.
There there's little pocketswhere you can walk around and
have, you know, enjoy an eveningwith your family and your kids,
and it's always changing.
I'll also say that if you'recoming to visit, you know,
(18:56):
definitely, look, there's somegreat local, you know, like
North Metro eateries and thingslike that that can Give you good
ideas of where to eat and takeyour, take your families.
It's an incredible place.
Amelia (19:09):
And you guys aren't terribly far from Atlanta, so
from those that are visitingAtlanta, this could easily be a
day trip.
Mandy (19:17):
Absolutely.
It's funny you say that becausewe have friends from your area,
from South Carolina, that willcome Stop at ink to play with
their kids and keep driving toso that they can go to the Sam's
Club or the Costco.
That's not much farther than us, and it's so it's.
It's funny that they woulddrive a couple hours to do that.
What we're a good stoppingpoint.
(19:38):
Even going the opposite way,coming from Atlanta and Heading
up to the mountains, again,people stop and they'll play for
a few hours just to burn someenergy.
So going both ways down thehighway, it's, it's very
convenient, it's it's, it's agreat location.
Amelia (19:53):
It's a great idea stopping for a couple of hours
to burn some energy for thoseyoung children.
Traveling with kids can be aunique adventure.
Are there any travel tips thatyou have, based on your
experiences with ink, that couldhelp families make the most of
educational and recreationaljourneys?
Mandy (20:15):
So novelty is key.
You know, I see so much caringlittle bags that have new
activities.
If you can also prepare yourkids ahead of time, whether it's
visiting ink and exploring andknowing what you're about to
experience.
But also Books are great booksthat can teach you of where
you're about to head.
You know, we took our family upto Washington DC because they
(20:36):
were kind of learning about itat school.
But we read books and wewatched like a movie, like you
know different history thingsand getting up there it was fun
to compare to our currentcommunity, like how does, how
does Washington DC compared toGainesville or Hall County?
And so I'm a firm believer ofgetting your kids out there and
(20:57):
experience, experiencing as muchas you can, because that's how
they learn.
They learn to do well withothers, they learn to interact
with other people, learn tointeract and hold the door open
for their, their people comingbehind them.
So it's just I say explore, getout there and play with your
families.
Amelia (21:18):
And the museum helps learn how to navigate some of
those things.
Absolutely, absolutely.
Your journey with ink is atestament to dedication.
What advice would you give toyoung individuals who aspire to
make a positive impact, like youhave, in their communities?
Mandy (21:39):
First of all, if you're not alone, find a good mentor, a
group of mentors that can justencourage you, give you good
advice.
I had mentioned Sherry, ourfounder.
She is an incredible mentor tome and has given me life in
terms of the words and just thesupport.
(22:00):
So, finding your people,finding people that can
encourage you, but also gettingplugged in, whether it's the
community you work or thecommunity that you live.
Getting plugged in, whetherit's you know they say, vote
with your dollars, go eat atlocal restaurants, go play at
the local parks and get to knowpeople.
And just figure out how to getplugged in, because when you're
(22:23):
out and about you don't haveyour phone attached to you.
You're creative and you cankind of explore and for me I
still feel very young.
I have three kids but I get alot of creativity from them too,
Like they kind of will spurstuff on and it's encouraging
them to see get behind themission of Inkley.
(22:47):
My son he's sweet.
He was writing little businesscards yesterday of the ink
address and the phone number.
He had found out what it isfrom Google.
He asked, and so he was makingthese little business cards, 18
of them, so that he could givethem to all of his friends at
school, and so it's just funthat you know I love the
(23:10):
entrepreneur of things and soseeing that kind of spur on in
that younger generation and justfinding creativity wherever you
can and seeking mentors or wisecounsel for different decisions
, I love that.
Amelia (23:26):
My daughter she's almost four, my youngest daughter is
almost 14 now and she,especially when she was a little
bit younger, would do the samething of just come up with these
random business ideas.
And I don't think when you andI were younger that was
necessarily, you know, theforefront of our minds with
creating businesses, and so itdefinitely shows how things have
changed and evolved over time.
(23:48):
As a nonprofit organization,you know, obviously we've talked
about community support isvital.
How can individuals locally andalso from afar, contribute to
Ink's mission and help ensurethat the museum continues to
inspire generations to come?
Mandy (24:06):
Absolutely.
We would love if you or any ofyour listeners feel like Ink wow
needs to keep going, needs tocontinue to inspire the next
generation of learners.
Vote with your dollars.
You know donating to Ink is agreat way to see a long term
return on your investment.
It's you're.
(24:26):
You're helping by giving to Ink.
You're helping make sure thatkids are learning how to be a
pilot so that they can travel toplaces.
You're helping fund theseopportunities that kids are
learning not to be scared intheir communities and to enjoy
life to the fullest.
I encourage you to donate.
If you are with a company, Iencourage you to seek out ways
(24:49):
to do corporate sponsorships.
Or even if you're like maybe itdoesn't sound like you have,
you know, an XYZ exhibit, maybea car manufacturer, come on,
let's talk, let's figure out howwe can get that in there.
You know it's I think aboutright now how we I just spent a
lot of time in like the touringhospitals and figuring out, you
(25:14):
know, nursing that's a bigshortage and it will be in the
next few years and seeing how wecan try to help.
From a kid standpoint of fiveyear olds learning oh, nursing
is a career.
Nursing is how we can help andthere's things like that.
Those were helping give theskills to your future employees.
(25:36):
So if you're a companylistening to this, I strongly
encourage you to reach out andlet's figure out how we can
start arming those little kids,or even just the parents who
come and play with them.
Education on your companies.
Amelia (25:49):
You guys definitely have something incredibly unique and
special.
Now I ask every guest thatcomes on the show do you have a
favorite quote or any words ofwisdom that you would like to
leave behind with our listeners?
Mandy (26:04):
If it ain't neon, it shouldn't be on.
So I you will come into themuseum and you will see color
everywhere.
We were actually just redoingstuff and repainting and
everybody was like, wait, thiscolor doesn't match this color
and this blue is not the same asthis blue.
And it's because color is lifeMe on like just rock it out.
(26:25):
If it ain't neon, it shouldn'tbe on.
Amelia (26:27):
I love that.
Well, thank you so much forjoining me today.
Again, I really appreciate youtaking the time to be here and
just sharing to this really coolspecial place that you have in
Gainesville.
I really can't wait to see whathappens with you guys over the
years to come and the how youexpand and grow over time.
(26:49):
I'm really excited to watchthat happen and I can't wait to
visit.
Mandy (26:55):
Well, thank you.
Anytime you're around, come askfor a tour and you're always
welcome at INK.
Thank you.
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