The People Project:
Mandy Mae Poche
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | September 22, 2021
Meet Mandy Mae Poche!
Mandy Mae was raised in Luling, and is the youngest of her siblings. She has a brother who lives in Alaska. She graduated from Hahnville High School, and graduated from Delgado after. She met her husband, Josh, at The Mission Church. They were married April 2021 at her gallery, Follow Your Art in Ponchatoula. She has 3 sons, twins Konnor and Kollin (17) and Camdyn (16).
We want to thank Mandy Mae for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: After school, I was an Administrative Assistant in the medical industry. I wasn't fulfilled, but it was a job. At the same time, Josh had signed me up for the Art & Wine Stroll in Ponchatoula without me knowing. I got a piece of mail about being a vendor, and he fessed up! He knew I loved to paint and do art, but I had never sold anything. He pushed me to start painting items for the Stroll, and we sold over 70 pieces! People were asking for my website, private lessons for children and asking to buy gifts for Christmas. It was then that we discussed me leaving my job, and pursuing painting full-time in November 2019. We opened up the gallery, and then moved to a bigger location where I can offer classes for children, a space to sell pieces and an event space to host private events. We have Sip & Paint and craft nights. We have been at this location for a year, and love it! I also do Live Art paintings, I will be doing one at the Airshow in Hammond in October. I am excited about it!
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Definitely, Roux & Brew! We eat there 3 times a week. I order the duck appetizer and beef tips. We love it there.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: When I was about 7 years old, my Dad would take me to breakfast with his friends. He was in his 80s, and they would talk about business, politics and life. I learned so much from just listening. The guys would buy my artwork I drew on napkins for 50 cents each! I thought that was the coolest thing.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Paris, I want to check out the art there.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you saw in the theater?
A: Pitch Perfect is my favorite movie! I remember seeing The Little Mermaid in the theater with my Mom. We loved it so much we watched it a second time that day!
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Always believe in yourself! Don't hide your talent. I wish someone had told me that sooner.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: To travel more!
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
A: Random, but I love violin covers of modern songs!
Q: If you could choose someone to go to lunch with, who is it and where would you go?
A: I'd love to have a picnic by a lake with my parents. They passed away about 10 years ago.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I love Downtown Ponchatoula. I love the type of people the stores and shops bring. Everyone is always so friendly and helpful.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Hopefully still with a shop in downtown Ponchatoula, but also expanding in other cities.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I love interior design, and I can create a space based around an art piece. Also, most people don't know that 5 years ago no one knew I could paint except close people in my life.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Family
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: For the shop, a marketing person. For my home, a housekeeper!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: Cajun Louisiana food!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Sing to the radio and think about work.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: Last gift I gave was to my son for his birthday. He wanted clothes! The last gift I received was an outfit from Josh. I was getting my hair done at Xpressions, and he came in and paid for an outfit. When I was done, they told me an outfit was purchased by someone. I knew immediately it was him!
Q: What are you known for?
A: My art.
Q: What is your favorite 90’s jam?
A: Ace of Base- The Sign!
Q: Most commonly used emoji?
A: The crying laughing face.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: To walk into a room and make everyone happy.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Painting, obviously. I also like to read motivational books like Girl, Wash Your Face. Cooking is one of my hobbies too. I cook five days a week, and I love to make it look like restaurant quality entrees. One birthday I made 12/13 different crawfish dishes!
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My kids. How they are growing into great young men.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: My art supplies and my family.
Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
A: I was walking around the airport with my dress tucked into my underwear for about an hour. Josh noticed and we laughed for a while about it.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: A boat, pay tuition for the boys, and a restaurant style kitchen in our house.
Mandy Mae nominated Tricia AuCoin Nicholas
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
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