Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mandy Krickhahn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Mandy, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Honestly, it’s a constant work in progress. At first, I had to fake it ‘til I made it—like, “Yeah, I totally know what I’m doing!” while knowing I was immediately going to go home, Google, and figure it out. When I started my business, there were a lot of moments where I felt like I had no clue what was happening, but you can’t just give up because you don’t know everything, right? What really helped was finding people who got it. People who were visionaries, dreamers, and who aren’t afraid to think outside the box. When I surrounded myself with those who encouraged and challenged me, I started to believe I was really onto something. The best part? Realizing that even the “most successful” people are out there just trying to figure it out too. It’s kind of comforting to know we’re all just doing our best!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My entrepreneurial career started back in 2017 when I started a small artisan skincare business funded by a $1,000 loan from the family savings. Over the next 2 years, I met so many small business owners that I wanted to bring together, and in 2019, I founded The Collective Group, LLC to build a community of entrepreneurs who not only support one another, but also give back to the local community.
So, what makes The Collective special? It’s the people! We’re more than just events and markets—we’re a network of entrepreneurs and change-makers who come together to lift each other up, share resources, and grow. Since its inception, The Collective has raised over $50,000 for local nonprofits and causes around Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. We’ve also hosted hundreds of events, markets, and workshops—all designed to support small businesses. It’s an ecosystem where passion meets opportunity, and we get to see our community grow with us.
In 2024, we launched The Collective Events, Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to hosting purpose-driven public events that champion small businesses, nonprofits, and causes. But, hands down, one of the things I’m most proud of is our work with Farmed & Forged, our farmers market. In 2023, we were tasked with revitalizing a a long standing local farmers market that was struggling, and with just two months to plan, we pulled it off in a big way. Not only did we exponentially grow all aspects of the market and implement a SNAP program (hello, food accessibility), but we also introduced two matching programs. That means if someone used their EBT card (aka- food stamps), we matched up to $20 from two different funds—giving them $60 to spend at the market. Healthy food + local economy = a win-win!!!
The best part? We’re bringing that success into 2025 with weekly markets in both La Porte and Michigan City, so we’re pretty pumped for what’s coming next!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Grit – You gotta be stubborn, like over-the-top, annoyingly stubborn. There are days when it feels like everything is going wrong, but you have to just keep pushing through and pivot when needed. Failures happen, but they don’t define you, the comeback is always the best part…ALWAYS!
Self-Awareness & Open-Mindedness – I know I don’t know everything, and that’s a really powerful as an entrepreneur. Being open to new ideas and feedback has helped me grow more than I ever could’ve imagined. Sometimes, the key to growth is simply acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers, and being willing to learn and adapt. Honestly, the real growth happens when you drop your ego and stay open to new possibilities. Hiring people that are strong in aspects that you aren’t is a game changer, but you have to be self-aware enough to acknowledge where your opportunities lie.
People Skills – Business is all about relationships. Whether it’s with your customers, your team, or your partners, building solid, meaningful relationships has been the backbone of everything I’ve done. When you are part of a network that supports each other, that’s where the real magic happens.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Hands down, it’s my inner circle. I’m very picky about who I let in, and the people closest to me are absolute powerhouses. They inspire me, challenge me, and have been my biggest cheerleaders. I’m all about that saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” and trust me, I’ve made sure my five are badasses. My team at The Collective is also incredible—they bring their A-game every day, and they’ve pushed me to become a better entrepreneur and leader. Seriously, if you can find people (even if it’s just one) who truly have your back, hold on to them—they’ll be your greatest asset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecollectivein.com
- Instagram: @thecollectivein, @mandykrickhahn
- Facebook: @thecollectivein
Image Credits
Kylie Weir (main headshot & image holding computer)
Kylie Weir & Christian Alexander (team photo in all black)
Lauren Thiel (team photo in front of backdrop)
Jenna McWilliams (group photos)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
