Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Mizell.
Mandy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a deep appreciation for Florida. I moved from Michigan to Clearwater when I was in first grade. I didn’t really know how to process the move but remember my dad being very positive and saying “We are moving to Florida. We will never need to take a vacation ever again, our life will be a vacation.” I became fascinated with Florida and spent my adolescence reading Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiassen. The term “Flohemian” actually came from a conversation with a previous manager of mine when he described me as “bohemian.” I work in pharmaceutical sales, so I am truly a nomad along the east coast of Florida during my 9-5. I corrected him, saying that I am just wandering Florida, so I must be Flohemian. After kicking around that term for a few years, it really started to resonate with my personal style, artistic pursuits and love for our quirky state. I had been working on The Global Local for a few years and saw my community really enjoyed Florida content. After a post about my devotion to Publix had an explosion of engagement, I decided to narrow my content to just be about Florida. I wanted to rebrand and make a blog devoted to an “offbeat Florida lifestyle” and launched TheFlohemian.com.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No business endeavors have a smooth road! I started being a “Business Blogger” in 2017 before it was really popular, the competition really started to surround me in 2019. A lot of the new influencers bought fake followers, and I have lost collaborations with brands to dishonest influencers because they appear to have a stronger following. I chose to grow an authentic audience organically, and have a strong community of fellow Floridians. I want to build a business from this and grow true connections with my followers.
Please tell us about The Flohemian.
TheFlohemian.com is “Your Guide to an Offbeat Florida Lifestyle.” My content is intended for Floridians-by-Floridians surrounding FL Destinations, Sunshine State Culture and Flohemian Style. I have a Google Map integrated into my site where I am collecting my FL destinations that users can pull up as they explore a new Florida town.
Within a year, I would like to open The Flohemian Souvenir Shop and curate a collection of FLOmade products and artwork.
My long term goal is I would like to have a couple themed AirBNBs throughout Florida. I have dreams of having a MidCentury Space Themed Condo in Melbourne, a Tiki Den in Ft. Lauderdale to pay homage to The Mai Kai, a Speakeasy themed house in St. Augustine… The guests would have a wonderful suggestion of things to do in town via TheFlohemian.com. I really want to inspire people to experience Authentic Florida.
What sets me apart from others is my dedication to our state. I try to work with brands that are established in Florida or specifically serve the Florida lifestyle. I also provide historical fun facts about our state, so my community feels like they get to know their backyard.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The businesses that had faith in me before I grew my following, I owe a lot of credit to. I have been working with the same Florida based mall boutique, Bunulu, for three years. Also, my following has inspired a lot of my content. I have connected with so many people on social media and via my blog that provide me amazing Florida travel tips.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheFlohemian.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflohemian/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflohemian
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