Meet Mandy Pidek | Boutique Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mandy Pidek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a mother and a business owner to a multi-faceted boutique and event space….Work life balance has taken some time to find a harmony between the two. My husband and I both thrive on having full plates. We find it exhilarating and challenging. We’ve been married for 8 years, and in that 8 years we’ve started several businesses, invested in and renovated residential and commercial homes and buildings, and had 4 kids. Though we always considered ourselves “good” at doing a lot, after 8 years of non-stop progress we found ourselves tired, spinning our wheels, and honestly, missing our kids.

The biggest mindset change for us is we realized doing more wasn’t necessarily making our lives and businesses better. Our businesses felt stagnant, or bodies felt tired, and our kids kept growing.

We decided to make a change and narrow our focus. We started approaching life in seasons. Sometimes a season is for the next 3 months. Or the next 6 months. Or, for the next year. Before a season change, we would sit down together, write down our goals for that particular season, and if an opportunity arose within that season that didn’t align with those goals, we’d simply say “Maybe later, but not right now.” It’s helped us to spread out our projects and commitments and focus on just a few things at a time. We’re able to come to the table with energy, clarity and excellence now.

And as for our home life, some of the best changes we’ve made for us is scheduling family days throughout the week. We know that if something isn’t planned, most likely, it won’t happen. So we put family days in our calendars and we stick to them. Another change we’ve made is we’ve started bringing 1 or 2 kids to work with us occasionally. We want our kids to feel like they’re a part of our endeavors, not bystanders.

We’ve never felt more in harmony with work, family life, hobbies, and dreams for the future. And once you experience peace in all these realms, it’s very motivating to fight to keep that peace.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a home goods boutique called Aviator Jayne. We offer brand new items but our specialty is found, vintage, antique and restored goods. That is one of the things that sets our boutique a part from others. We have a team of people that bring in unique vintage finds every singe week, sometimes several times a week, so you never know what you’re going to see.

Currently, I am most excited about the ever changing potential of my building. You need to see it if you haven’t yet! It’s large, and we’ve renovated so much of it, but because of its size we are still renovating parts of it two years after we first got our hands on it. Our large space allows us to house other small businesses through leased spaces, pop ups, or one day markets. I love supporting other small businesses and our building allows us to do that in a big way.

I am proud of what Aviator Jayne has become over these 7 years of being in business, but it took a lot of pivoting, evolving and exploring different income ideas to bring her to where she is today. Some ideas have done really well. Others, not so much. We originally planned on being a small boutique with a few furniture pieces here and there. We signed a lease for a small space and almost immediately felt like we needed a bigger space. We found that furniture was a big seller, and custom paint jobs for other folks’ furniture became a big part of our business too…but we didn’t have the shop space for the furniture or the workshop space to restore them. We were bursting at the seams. So after a lot of trying, we finally expanded into our current space. It was really uncomfortable for a long season, but we made it work. We didn’t have the workshop we have now, so we would restore pieces right in the middle of the shop after hours. Sometimes I’d take pieces home and work on them on my porch. You have to just do what it takes to survive. There is always a way, you just have to think outside the box as a small business owner.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to trust myself. I know I was made to do what I do and be who I am, and it’s taken me some time to be confident in that calling. The creativity and resourcefulness in me today was there when I was a child. I’ve learned to trust myself when I feel strongly about a decision and that allows me to move forward with confidence and excitement that its going to work. I’ve learned to stop or say no when something isn’t sitting right with me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you come to Owosso, first I’d take you to Foster Coffee Co. for a delicious drink and pastry. Then we’d walk to the Shiawassee Arts Center and after viewing beautiful art, we’d walk next-door and tour The Curwood Castle. It’s a short walk to downtown where we’d visit shops like Oak and Ivory, Brumley and Bloom, Blu Ashe, Oliver Paper Co, and Murtles Chocolate. If it’s Saturday, we’d walk through our expansive Famers Market located right in downtown Owosso. Then we’d go to a new Thai and sushi restaurant called Sakura for lunch. In the evening, we’d catch a show at the Lebowski Theater or performing arts. We’d end the evening at the Wrought Iron Grille for some delicious dinner. We love Owosso!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Nick. He’s my best friend and partner in all my ventures and dreams. He’s an owner at Foster Coffee Co. I couldn’t do what i do without him!

Website: aviatorjayne@gmail.com

Instagram: Aviator Jayne

Facebook: Aviator Jayne

Image Credits
Images 1-3 shot by Jen Birchmeijer Photography
4th Image shot by The Matteson’s Photography