In Her Heels with Amanda Mazzo of Mazzo Media
Photography provided by Tausha Dickinson Photography
Let's Get Weird!
Mazzo Media is an award-winning creative studio in East Nashville, owned and operated by husband-wife duo, Amanda & Jason Mazzo. As digital storytellers and creative problem-solvers Mazzo Media brings ideas to life with full-service creative marketing solutions utilizing graphic design, videography, photography, and live-streaming services.
Let's dive into learning more about COO and Creative Director, Amanda Mazzo.
How did you enter into the hospitality industry?
Fortunately for me, graphic design can translate into any industry - including hospitality. I often design for corporate initiatives, but one of my favorite project requests is print and digital design for event marketing. Being able to convey the feel of an event through invitations, advertising, and signage before an attendee walks through the door is a special part of my job.
What brought you to Nashville?
I moved to Nashville from Atlanta to attend Belmont University in 1999 (long enough ago to be considered a native, right?), and I liked it so much I stayed! I’ve seen a lot of change in the city over 20+ years, but one of my favorite things continues to be our greenways. Spending time in nature is one of my favorite ways to recharge.
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
I’m either gardening (aka: spending too much money at JVI Secret Gardens), enjoying a brewery with friends, or traveling with my husband. (Next stop: my birthday trip to a sloth orphanage in Costa Rica!)
Name 3 things you cannot live without
Sunglasses. Art supplies. Tacos.
What is the best advice you have received?
In high school, my dad started telling me, "Don’t sweat the small stuff… and, by the way, it’s all small stuff." This still resonates – in life and business. I've also been chewing on this advice from local author, CJ Casciotta. In his book "Get Weird", he says, "We’re weird because it’s the best way to show others they belong in a world that often tells them they don’t. The second you decide to use your crooked nose, your awkward smile, or your offbeat perspective rather than hide it is the second you’ll find a whole bunch of people who now feel permission to be themselves too."
Are you currently listening to any Podcast? Do you have a favorite song that motivates you?
I’ve really been enjoying Brené Brown’s "Unlocking Us" podcast series on "The Gifts of Imperfection" – that book changed my life. My favorite music of all-time is from the 90s, so I mostly switch between Sirius XM's Lithium, Fly, and 90s on 9 channels (no judgement). Although, I’m always motivated in particular by Beyoncé’s "Run the World (Girls)".
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
My involvement with the Nashville Junior Chamber is a career highlight for me since it laid the foundation for our business success. During that time, I was elected President, honored as one of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30, accepted into the Nashville Young Leaders Council and Leadership Nashville Programs, and awarded the Nashville Emerging Leader Award in Arts, Entertainment, and Music Business. Since launching Mazzo Media, we’ve been fortunate to work with several clients in a variety of industries and locations, but my most recent "big career accomplishment" came in 2020 when we were forced to pivot our services from in-person to virtual. It was a challenge, but also so much fun to see the pieces come together for our clients’ virtual events: event branding, brand consistency in guest experience, interactive elements for engaging thousands of global attendees, reliable live-streaming… and afterward, glowing feedback from our clients (and theirs)! Another accomplishment I’m most recently proud of is becoming Dare to Lead™ Trained this year. This was an important step in moving our company from 'armored' leadership to 'daring' leadership in how we interact with our clients and colleagues – even ourselves.
Tell us something that would surprise us about yourself?
I had a short-lived professional singing career when I was young. I even sang for a former President in 5th grade! I graduated from college with a music degree and still love to sing for fun. Who wants to go out for karaoke?
Contact information: Where can members connect with you?
The best way to contact me is via email, amanda@mazzomedia.com or through our website, mazzomedia.com. Feel free to connect with me on Instagram @mazzomedia, or my personal account, @artisticamanda.
If you want to do karaoke with Amanda and share stories, make sure to attend a Heels Hangs for a chance to meet Amanda. You can find our next meetings, listed here.