Community Influencers Story in Calgary.
Amanda Bentley photographed by Darren Ballingall at Smithbilt Hats Calgary.
As we sat down with Amanda Bentley, the founder of Amanda Networks, it's clear that her passion for hosting and events is contagious. Growing up surrounded by charity and club events at the Calgary Polo Club, Amanda developed a love for dressing up and making memories. As a single mom, she sought to turn her passion into a career, creating a business that would allow her to spend quality time with her children while also making a living.
Darren Ballingall Photography
Early Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Amanda faced was learning to balance her responsibilities as a mom with her work as an entrepreneur. "It's not easy," she admits, "but it's worth it." Despite the challenges, Amanda has built a successful business, hosting events that bring people together and create lasting memories.
Amanda Bentley for issue 15 of I’m Here With
Big Break
So, how did Amanda get her big break in the industry? It was a combination of hard work and networking. She started small, hosting events for friends and family, and gradually built up her network. Along the way, she met Gleb from Dancing with the Stars, who has become a great friend and mentor.
Recent Project
Amanda's latest project is an upcoming event before the Calgary Stampede. The event is a fun bash with live music, food, and drinks aimed at bringing lady entrepreneurs together and supporting local businesses. When asked about her role in the project, Amanda gushes about collaborating with Lyndsie Barrie of YYC Fempreneurs. "It's all about connecting, meeting new people, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit."
Mental and Physical Health
As a leader in her industry, Amanda has faced mental and physical health struggles. To prioritize her well-being, she prioritizes self-care. Whether it's taking a walk with her kids or dancing in her spare time, Amanda makes sure to carve out time for herself. "It's not always easy," she acknowledges, "but I know that if I'm not taking care of myself, I won't be able to be there for my kids or do what I love."
Advice for Young Artists and Business People
For young artists and business people just starting out on their journey, Amanda offers three pieces of advice: network, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and don't give up. She emphasizes the importance of staying focused and pushing forward.
Staying Motivated
When asked how she stays motivated and inspired to continue pushing boundaries and creating innovative work, Amanda credits her community and surrounding herself with positive people. She also enjoys taking walks, going for rides, dancing, and trying to learn how to paint better.
Most Significant Projects
One of the most significant projects Amanda has been part of was hosting an event for a major charity organization in Calgary. It was a huge undertaking, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see how many people came together to support a great cause. What she learned from that experience is that even when things seem impossible, they can always come together if everyone works towards a common goal.
Making a Positive Impact
As a leader in her industry, Amanda believes that building strong connections with others is key to making a positive impact on the world. Whether through hosting events or creating opportunities for people to come together, she believes that building relationships is key to creating positive change.
Balancing Creative Pursuits with Business Responsibilities
For entrepreneurs struggling to manage their multiple hats, Amanda advises prioritizing tasks and delegating when necessary. She also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and recharging when needed.
Key to Achieving Dreams
When looking back on her journey, Amanda believes that staying true to oneself and never giving up on one's passions is key to achieving dreams as an artist and businessperson. Her mantra? "Stay positive and embrace the pivot."
Question 1: What inspired you to start your career in the entertainment industry, and what were some of the early challenges you faced?
Amanda Bentley: I've always been passionate about hosting and events, which probably stems from growing up surrounded by them.
I was a groom at the Calgary Polo Club and was introduced to charity events and club events. My parents, along with my boss at the time, would invite me to these beautiful events. Even though I loved all things horses, I also enjoyed dressing up, even after a long day at the barn.
As a single mom, I wanted to find a way to make a living while still spending quality time with my son and daughter. Given my connections, I decided to start a business where I could help people elevate their events and make their visions a reality.
That's how Amanda Networks was born in Calgary, and it's been a whirlwind ever since! One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to balance my responsibilities as a mom with my work as an entrepreneur. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Question 2: How did you get your big break in the industry? Was there a particular project or role that catapulted you to success?
Amanda Bentley: Honestly, it was just a lot of hard work and networking. I started small, hosting events for friends and family, and gradually built up my network. Along the way, I met some amazing people, including Gleb from Dancing with the Stars, who has become a great friend and mentor. As I continued to work diligently, more people began inquiring about what I was doing, which was fantastic. People are starting to recognize that I have valuable skills to offer and that I genuinely want to help them make their events successful.
Question 3: What can you tell us about your most recent project or creation? What was your role in it, and what was the experience like?
Amanda Bentley: Ah, my latest project is an upcoming event before the Calgary Stampede! It's going to be a fun bash with live music, food, and drinks. I was asked by Lyndsie Barrie of YYC Fempreneurs to collaborate with her on this event. It's aimed at bringing lady entrepreneurs together, supporting local businesses, and, of course, having a great time. The event is on July 3rd and will feature karaoke, line dancing, and door prizes. It's all about connecting, meeting new people, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit.
Question 4: As a leader in your industry, you've likely faced mental and physical health struggles. How do you prioritize your well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Amanda Bentley: Oh, absolutely! As a single mom, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But I've learned to prioritize self-care. Whether it's taking a walk with my kids, riding my friend's horse, or dancing in my spare time, I make sure to carve out time for myself. It's not always easy, but I know that if I'm not taking care of myself, I won't be able to be there for my kids or do what I love. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for my well-being and my ability to keep thriving in my career.
Question 5: What advice would you give to young artists and businesspeople who are just starting out on their journey? What did you learn along the way that you wish you knew earlier?
Amanda Bentley: I would say that networking is key. Don't be afraid to reach out to people in your industry and ask for advice or guidance. And don't give up! It takes time to build a successful business or career, so stay focused and keep pushing forward. Also, don't be too proud to ask for help when you need it – whether it's from a mentor or a colleague.
Question 6: How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue pushing boundaries and creating innovative work? Do you have any personal rituals or habits that help you stay focused?
Amanda Bentley: For me, it's all about staying connected with my community and surrounding myself with positive people. When I'm feeling stuck or uninspired, I love taking a walk, going for a ride, dancing, and trying to learn how to paint better. And of course, spending time with my kids always lifts my spirits!
Question 7: What are some of the most significant projects or initiatives you've been a part of? What did you learn from those experiences?
Amanda Bentley: One of the most significant projects I've been part of was hosting an event for a major charity organization in Calgary. It was a huge undertaking, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see how many people came together to support a great cause. What I learned from that experience is that even when things seem impossible, they can always come together if everyone works together towards a common goal.
Question 8: As a leader in your industry, what do you believe is the most important thing you can do to make a positive impact on the world?
Amanda Bentley: For me, it's all about building strong connections with others. Whether it's through hosting events or creating opportunities for people to come together, I believe that building relationships is key to creating positive change.
Question 9: How do you balance your creative pursuits with your business responsibilities?
Do you have any tips for entrepreneurs who are struggling to manage their multiple hats?
Amanda Bentley: For me, it's all about prioritizing tasks and delegating when necessary. As an entrepreneur, you can't do everything yourself – learn to ask for help when you need it! Also, don't be afraid to take breaks and recharge when needed.
Question 10: Looking back on your journey, what do you think is the key to achieving your dreams as an artist and businessperson? Is there a particular mantra or philosophy that guides your approach.
Amanda Bentley: For me, it's all about staying true to yourself and never giving up on your passions. Whether it's through hosting events or creating opportunities for others, I believe that staying focused on what drives you will help you achieve your dreams. Plus honestly living by the stay positive and Embrace the pivot strategy has helped me along the way.
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Photography by Darren Ballingall @volumatic
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