Meet Woman on the Move – Manda Hard

-My Name is Amanda, I’m an artist striving to make a change in the world through my art! I’m reaching out in hopes to share my story and journey with my art…

Growing up as a female in this world has its share of challenges. We go through many stages of life questioning who we should be. In many cases we are told who we are, and what we should become. Everyone of us shines differently. Beautiful, independent, and articulate inside and out.

Ever day all over the world, we are shattering glass ceilings. We run companies, perform life saving surgeries, and even lead countries. We dedicate ourselves to others in so many ways, pouring every bit of ourselves into things that matter the most. We create loving families, loving homes, and positive futures.

I began to paint to show the world what I saw in women. Coming in all shapes and sizes, all walks of life; I saw women expressing themselves beautifully. I wanted to bring that to light through my own journey and through my art.

Over the years, I painted one girl after another. Each one representing something special in someone. I brought forth new girls through color, and canvas, one after another. Personalities, and passions came to life through the paint brush. I felt this was something the world needed to see. I wanted to share my art with as many women as I could, to uplift and bring self empowerment. I wanted others to see the beauty I saw within themselves. Thus my business, Penny Prints was created.

-Penny Prints is an online store offering expressive art prints, accessories & apparel.As a company Penny Prints  continues to strive in connecting ambition, representation, and expression through my  artwork to the masses. She has always had a goal to inspire youth through expression, bring ing forth access to that expression and show those through artwork that unity, inclusion, and representation exist in communities all over the world. Penny Prints started as just a collection of paintings and has grown to over 200+ products, 500+ orders and over 1000+ products sold. As a company, Penny Prints and myself have been on the NBC Local News, News Center Maine, and NBC’s 207 spotlight a total of 3 times. In multiple online blogs and magazines and recently, I made the FRONT PAGE PAPER! Yahoo!

-Since the Pandemic hit, I felt compelled to help the ones fighting on the front lines for our families and friends. I created my “Nurse Girl” painting in honor of the medical staff who are working tireless hours. Through sales of my Nurse Girl art prints and accessory collection I have been able to raise money and donate back to the American Nurses Foundation. Bringing aide and relief to so many amazing super heroes. As a Latina female entrepreneur, running a business and being taken seriously can be a challenge at times. I’d love to share my story with WE Magazine, because we can raise awareness and make a difference together!

Are there any people in your field you would like to meet and/or work with and have not yet had the opportunity?

There are two people I would love to meet. As an artist I would love to meet  Romero Britto. I love his work, its so colorful and his journey as an artist is truly inspiring. The other person I would love to meet would be Ellen Degeneres. I would love to meet her because I enjoy giving back to the community and her passion to help so many people and charities is so motivating!

What are some of your favorite ways to network?

 

– I love to network through art shows and events. I also enjoy networking through social media as its a great way to meet other artist and entrepreneurs from all over the world!

Do you have a mentor – if so how did you choose one another?

 

– My mentor would be my brother. He has pushed and guided me to share my art with the world. Because of him I now have a running business doing what I love to do.

What have you learned from your mentor? What do you hope to learn?

I have learned so much from him, from learning different technology tools, to how to be proactive in taking classes to continue learning and taking strides towards my future with my art. He has taught me to never give up on my dreams and I’m truly grateful for him

What’s been the most surprising thing that has happened to you so far in your career?

Being interviewed for NBS’s news center Maine was awesome!! It was very exciting being able to share my story on television.

-For fun I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two pugs!! I like to spend time with friends and especially family as much as I can! Running a business theres not many chances I get to “relax” but went I can snag a little time for myself , I enjoy painting, going for walks, and definatly a little self care at the spa!

– I’d lik to just say, Don’t give up! If you are really passionate about something go for it! It is by no means easy to start a company and success doesn’t happen over night, but be persistent, have confidence, and take the time to learn new things as you go along! If you stick with it, every day you’ll grow further then the last!

What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?