Meet Mandalyn Chandler

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mandalyn Chandler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mandalyn, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room has taught me to lean on authenticity. Instead of shrinking myself to fit in, I’ve learned to show up as who I am and let that be my strength. When you look different, think different, or carry a different background than everyone else, it can feel isolating—but it also means you bring a perspective no one else has. I’ve found success by turning that uniqueness into value: using my creativity, work ethic, and voice to stand out in ways that go beyond appearance.

I’ve also learned the importance of building allies and community, even in spaces where I might be the only one who looks like me. Sometimes that means being the bridge, sometimes it means teaching others by simply existing in my truth. Over time, I’ve realized that being “the only one” isn’t a weakness—it’s a kind of superpower.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Blairé—an artist, performer, and storyteller. Through my music, visuals, and live shows, I create experiences that reflect the human journey while also reaching into something bigger—what I call the “Light Child” movement. My art is about connection, transformation, and bringing light into spaces that sometimes feel dark.

What excites me most is that my work doesn’t just entertain—it creates a space for people to feel seen, understood, and uplifted. Hearing that a song helped someone through a hard moment or gave them the courage to embrace their true self is the most special part of what I do. That’s the fuel behind every rehearsal, every lyric, and every show.

Recently, I had the honor of performing at Colorado’s Pride Festival, which was such a powerful reminder of why I do this work—to stand in my truth and celebrate community through music. I’m also rolling out new projects, like the upcoming Girl Next Door music video and a larger space-themed project that blends sound and cinematic storytelling into one journey. Everything I create ties back to the mission of the Light Children: to keep things lit, to keep things light, and to remind people they are never alone.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three things that have impacted my journey the most are resilience, authenticity, and vision.
•Resilience because the music and creative world will test you—there are rejections, setbacks, and seasons where it feels like no one’s listening. Learning how to keep going, even when it’s tough, has been key.
•Authenticity because trying to be like everyone else never works. The moment I leaned fully into my own voice, story, and presence, doors started opening.
•Vision because you need a bigger “why” to carry you through. For me, it’s the Light Child movement and the mission to create light in dark places. That vision keeps me focused no matter what obstacles come.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is this:
•Build resilience by treating every setback as a lesson instead of a failure.
•Grow authenticity by being curious about yourself—write, reflect, and lean into what makes you different.
•Strengthen your vision by setting goals bigger than yourself. When your art or work is tied to something beyond you, it becomes harder to give up.

At the end of the day, don’t rush the process. Growth takes time, but if you stay grounded in who you are and what you stand for, success will follow.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly, it’s been God, my wife, and my mom. My faith keeps me grounded and gives me strength, my wife pushes me and believes in me when I start to doubt, and my mom’s wisdom and resilience have shaped so much of who I am. Together they’ve been the backbone of everything I’ve built.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Snavewest

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