Who is Mandala?

Inspired by her love of the music and style of the 50s, 60s and 70s, designer Mandy Armstrong spent her high school years scouring the racks of vintage shops for the fashion of yesteryear. She was bitten by the sewing bug early and a whole world of creative possibilities opened. She stayed up late making mini-dresses and swing skirts, creating unique outfits to wear to school the next day. Thinking that ‘FASHION’ was simply a beloved hobby, she intended to follow her father into an accounting career, but that all changed one afternoon when her Dad offhandedly suggested that she “do something with the sewing.” Mind. Blown.

Graduating from Sheridan College’s Fashion Technique and Design program in 1990, Mandy couldn’t wait to get started on her fashion journey. She founded Mandala Design in 1991 and found full-time work in the Toronto fashion industry. There, she gained invaluable, practical experience while running Mandala part-time. Finally, in 2005 Mandy ditched her ‘day-job’ and leapt into the full-time business ownership abyss. She’s never looked back.