Meet Mandee Shirley | Creative Memories Advisor

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

Hi Mandee, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, I believe one of the most impactful things I’ve done for my children is documenting their lives through scrapbooking. Not just the big milestones—birthdays, graduations, and holidays—but all the little, ordinary moments in between. Scrapbooking has allowed me to show my kids that their story matters. It’s my way of saying, “I see you. I cherish you. Your life is worth remembering.”

Now that they’re grown, I see how much those albums mean to them. They flip through the pages and reconnect—not just with memories, but with the love woven into each one. Scrapbooking gave them more than pictures; it gave them belonging, identity, and a tangible reminder that they are deeply loved.

And now, as a new grandma, I get to do it all over again—but with even more intention. Every smile, every milestone, every snuggle with my granddaughter is being preserved with joy. I know how powerful these stories can be, and I feel honored to pass that legacy on to the next generation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Scrapbooking is my art, but it’s so much more than pretty paper and photos—it’s storytelling with heart. What sets my work apart is the mix of laughter, legacy, and love I pour into every page. My style blends a little goofiness (because life is too short to be serious all the time) with a deep commitment to preserving the stories that shape our families.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to connect with others—through hosting events, building a community, and watching people light up when they realize their story is worth telling. That’s what excites me: helping others rediscover the joy in their own memories.

Getting here wasn’t always easy. I started as a hobbyist—just a mom with a camera and a glue stick—and over time, it grew into something so much bigger. Balancing life, family, and building a business took patience, consistency, and a whole lot of late-night crafting. I’ve faced seasons of doubt and burnout, but I’ve learned that showing up—authentically and wholeheartedly—is the secret sauce.

Through it all, Creative Memories gave me not just the tools, but the sisterhood. I’ve been supported by the most amazing team, mentors, and customers, and I truly believe this community is the heart of what I do.

What I want the world to know? That everyone has a story worth preserving. Whether you’ve got boxes of old photos or a brand-new baby album to start, you can do this—and I’d be honored to help. My brand isn’t just about scrapbooking… it’s about connection, creativity, and legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, we’d have an absolute blast soaking in the best of what this area has to offer—with a mix of good food, pretty places, and plenty of laughs (and probably a little scrapbooking too).

Day 1: Welcome + Local Eats
We’d start off easy with lunch at a local favorite—black bean sautte on the patio at The Divide. Then we’d head back to my house to settle in and laugh over old photos, maybe even start a scrapbook layout or two (because obviously). Dinner would be something fun—maybe tacos on the porch.

Day 2: Scenic Day + Small Town Charm
We’d head out for paddleboarding on the lake if the weather’s good—because that’s a summer tradition around here! Afterward, we’d explore nearby small towns with cute shops, antiques, and local artisans. We’d grab ice cream (because, always) and then chill on the porch with drinks.

Day 3: Creative Day
We’d dive into scrapbooking—maybe even host a little pop-up crop night with a few of my favorite Creative Memories friends. I’d show off the latest collections, introduce her to some of my people, and we’d laugh until midnight surrounded by paper scraps and memories.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure
We’d hike a local trail or spend the day at the lake— relaxing, maybe even a little fishing. In the evening, we’d get a pizza and hit up a sunset spot for golden hour photos. You know those are going in an album.

Day 5: Day Trip + Photos
We’d road trip to a nearby town with cool murals, historic spots, or botanical gardens—somewhere perfect for snapping lots of photos.

Day 6: Chill + Create
We’d slow down with coffee, journaling, and maybe watching a movie. Lunch on the deck, scrap a few more pages, and end the day with a walk with the dogs.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch + Final Flip Through
Before she leaves, we’d have one last big brunch and laugh over all the memories we just made. And yes, we’d probably already be planning our next visit.

To me, the best things about where I live aren’t just the places—it’s the people, the pace, the beauty in the simple things. Add in a little creativity and a lot of laughter? That’s my kind of vacation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to the incredible Creative Memories Advisor sisterhood. Being part of this community has not only fueled my passion for storytelling and memory-keeping, but it’s also surrounded me with support, creativity, and friendship that have truly shaped who I am.

A special thank you goes to my upline, Beckie Belote. Her mentorship has been a guiding light—from business advice to personal encouragement, she’s cheered me on every step of the way. I’m so grateful for the example she sets and the heart she puts into everything she does.

Scrapbooking may be about photos and paper, but it’s really about people. And I’m beyond blessed to have such amazing ones in my corner.

Website: https://www.creativememories.com/user/mandee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandeeshirleycmadviser/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncraftycraftermandeeshirley

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnCraftyCrafterMandeeShirley