INK: Where Real-World Exploration Meets Imagination with Mandy Volpe

Amelia: 0:03

Everyone has a story to tell. We connect and relate to one another when we share our stories. My name is Amelia Old and I am your host of Voices of Inspiration. Join me as I share stories of friends, family and strangers who my everyday life and travels. You will laugh, possibly cry. You'll walk away feeling connected more than ever to those around you and ready to be the change our world needs. Everyone has a story to tell. What's yours? Mandy. Thank you so much for joining me today on this episode of Voices of Inspiration. I really appreciate you taking your time to be with me. Your journey with Interactive Neighborhood for Kids in Gainesville, Georgia, is really inspiring. It's super cool. I've never heard of this museum before and I just think it's so awesome. Can you tell us more about your early experiences hosting birthday parties at the museum and how that shaped your path to become the executive director?

Mandy: 1:12

So when I was growing up, my siblings I have four siblings, or three siblings I'm the fourth one and they were, you know, my youngest one was 10 years younger than me, so, being a high schooler we went to whatever the little kids were doing. So my mom brought us to at the time this children's museum. It was brand new, it was just like a year old and it was on the second story of a church in downtown Gainesville, and so she brought us there to play with my little brother and I fell in love. So I started volunteering. It was set up with these little bitty neighborhoods, there was a train and there was a grocery store, and then they started doing birthday parties. So I started volunteering. And then Sherri, who is the founder of Inc. She said she invited me to host the birthday parties, and so that kind of took me from high school into the early days of college where I got to host birthday parties at the museum. And that was the early days. That was. I mean, that was 2002. And so I went to college. I had kind of stepped away, I went and did work downtown in Atlanta and did my corporate career, if you will. And then Sherri, who's the founder. She was about ready to retire I say retire, she's our founder and so she wanted to step back and pursue things with her children who were graduating. And at that point she said, hey, I'm tapping you to be the executive director. And I was like, wait, what I've been gone Like what are you talking about? I just hosted birthday parties and she was so sweet, she's the best mentor to me and she just was. She was like no, you're, you're who's it, you're the one who needs to lead us into our next phase. And so it's been. I've been back now for seven years and it's been such a great journey.

Amelia: 3:11

That's amazing. So returning to InK as its first on staff executive director after such a time away, that must have been a significant decision. What actually drew you back and what vision did you bring to the organization in this big leadership role?

Mandy: 3:29

At first I would say it was a selfish reason. I had just had a baby, he was about to turn a year old, and so I was ready just to turn in my hat and do the mom life 24 seven. And, thank goodness, god had different plans for me and was like no, let's you know. In the background he's working out this whole sherry, retiring and what does a part time situation look like? And, at the same time, being a nonprofit. This was the first time they had a paid executive director, and so it was really a learning thing for all of us to say, ok, what does that look like from a financial commitment from INK? What does that look like from me also doing motherhood? And so it was this beautiful partnership of them saying, ok, come on, you're here three days a week, run the museum, carry the vision at my heart, I'm creative. That's just who I am. I love to create, come up with new things. I say I'm a professional kid at heart because I love kids, I love to see them be inspired and truly develop their full potential, and so that's it's been the perfect. I would say it's a perfect marriage. Being back at INK and and helping us get to where we are today. We've we've weathered a lot as these last seven years, as, as you do, with a pandemic, and different things have happened just in our environment, there at the museum, and it's been, it's, it's been truly great INK has some really cool exhibits.

Amelia: 5:02

Grand Pappy Airlines invites children to experience the magic of travel. How do you see this fostering a sense of adventure and exploration and young minds? what kind of impact do you hope it has on their understanding of travel?

Mandy: 5:17

It is a great exhibit. Grand Pappy Airlines, because it's a full sized airplane in the museum. And so when it first came there, they did a little coloring contest and there was a local young lady who designed it. Looks like the Wonder Bread is really what it looks like. It's got polka dots everywhere. The kids can hop in there and pretend to fly the plane. They can have there's a seat where the parents can sit or they can be the passengers themselves. We've got luggage, we've got a airport security, so it just it truly allows them to experience, to pretend like their pilots, to pretend like their airlines stewards. It's, it's incredible. And I love when I'm back there because I'll go up and I just can kind of hear them shouting Mom, I'm going to Hawaii. And the moms like, okay, you know, it's just fun to hear them call out these different locations that they either only read about in books or that they dream about traveling to, or maybe they have fun to those places, so to see them incorporate that into their play. And now we're starting to realize, hey, kids came there, you know when we started, and now they're becoming those pilots and you know mechanics on airplanes and it's just, it's the coolest thing to see kids discover their full potential.

Amelia: 6:33

And what a great way for them to learn how, to you know, to know what to expect if they're going to the airport for the first time or flying for the first time, and you know that it's not a scary thing and that it can be exciting. The other exhibits often reflect real world environments, so, like the Gainesville Radiology Department and the medical clinic and the grocery store. How does the use of authentic tools and materials in these exhibits enhance a child's understanding of the world around them? And what do you think? What role does the hands on exploration play in this process?

Mandy: 7:12

We really try to set up our exhibits to be life like. So you come in to the dentist office, let's say, and they see the chair and they see the equipment and they see the bright lights and it is helping them learn, hey, this isn't a scary chair to sit in, this could be kind of fun. Look at these big teeth, this is what they're working on. So they kind of warm up to that. And we have, you know, we had a little girl come in and she went to the medical center and it's set up to look just like the waiting rooms. It's set up to look have the equipment from some of the emergency situations. So the little girl came in, played, and then we heard later that she went to her checkup at her doctor's office and when she was there she came in and she was totally chill, like no anxiety, she was good, she's like OK, I'll take my flu shot. Now, you know, because she was. They had pretend, they had role played. And that's what it's all about is to kind of ease those anxieties, because, gosh, mental health is such a big issue right now and such a big conversation, and if we can play a small part in easing the concerns of the kids, but also using the concern of the parent taking the kids to these places. Man, we're doing great things if that's. If that's being accomplished?

Amelia: 8:36

And you talk about mental health. Can you talk about some of the other? About INK's efforts to create an inclusive environment, which include exhibits for autistic and high sensory kids and also a program for adults with dementia?

Mandy: 8:49

Yeah, yeah, we had a unique opportunity, which was so unfortunate a few years ago we had a fire and a flood and that kind of shut us down but also gave us a really good opportunity to revisit some of our exhibits and bring in some more tactile and sensory opportunities to Help aid our kids with sensory processing disorders, help aid autism, things like that and so we were able to. We call it spaghetti junction. It's part of like our Atlanta city life and the kids. We'll just run through it and at first we put it in and and honestly, some people were like wait, why are you putting that in? Like that doesn't make a lot of sense, it's just pull noodles hanging from the ceiling. But it's not. This area is pool noodles hanging from the ceiling, but the kids run through it and they can see and they can touch it, they can feel, they listen to the sounds and it's just like pressure. It's. It's just a beautiful thing. We have other exhibits like our. We call it the imagination playground and it's blue blocks that they can build into big structures and just make these really cool structures that Inspire them and that they then bring in other kids. I'll tell you, my, my son, loves that area. He thinks it's the coolest thing and he'll get. He'll get lost in there in terms of just Spending his entire two hours playing and building structures. He builds houses and restaurants, and that he invites the other kids to come in and play, and so it. Not only are they learning to build things and use their minds, but they're working on those social Aspects as well, and that's truly helping them be better community Members.

Amelia: 10:39

That's so awesome. Can you share a particularly heartwarming or impactful story that demonstrates the positive influence Inc has had on a child's life? On a child's life.

Mandy: 10:51

Absolutely, we have this one family they. They joined as a member so you can be a member of INK and our Cherry, who works up front. She is our admission specialist and she welcomes everyone who comes in and she's kind of like the grandma of INK. She's so sweet. Well, a little boy came in with the mom and was very shy, like hiding under the mom's arm as she's checking in and Just very reserved. Well, week after week they're coming back because they have a membership and Every week cherry's like, hi, how are you Welcome? And just that little interaction. Well, year, couple years later he's finally to the point where he runs up he says hi, cherry, and he, he, he smiles at her and he enjoys being in the exhibit. So this shy, reserved boy, totally fine to be that way, but he was having trouble communicating with adults, communicating with his peers, and Inc has provided that space for him to Discover his full potential.

Amelia: 11:57

That's so great. INK's journey is marked by resilience and, as you mentioned, overcoming a fire and a flood. Can you share the story of how the museum and it's the community rally together during those trying times and how those Experiences have fueled a spirit of determination and hope?

Mandy: 12:19

Inc. We are just celebrate our 21st birthday and ink.

Amelia: 12:23

Not be we thank you.

Mandy: 12:25

We would not be where we are today without the community, whether the financial support of the community to help, you know, bring in new exhibits. We have them, like you said, the medical centers there and they, they have helped create exhibits. But even down to the people of the community, they rally so hard to make sure that the ink vision Continues to be carried out. I remember the, you know the JC's of our community and the. There's a local organization called keep all beautiful. They are wonderful people and we just called and said Help, like that's. All we said was, please help, and they sent over People, bodies to help us move things out of the museum when it was soaking wet from this Fire, flood situation that was such a headache. They helped move things out no questions asked. We had Families who are members that were sad that we were closed for five months because of that. Come in and create costumes and create little extras for the exhibits that families come in and help paint. It's beautiful how the community rallies around Our neighborhood to be in the bigger neighborhood.

Amelia: 13:42

I think it speaks volumes of the community really gathering together and rallying together and rallying together. For you guys, that speaks volumes on the impact that you guys have made. In what way have these challenges reshaped the museum's identity and the mission? And you know how has that experience Further solidified its role as a beacon of hope and resilience?

Mandy: 14:05

I Love that. You said ink is a beacon of hope and resilience. It it? It makes me feel very proud. It's one of those things is okay. Any time there's bad weather I'm anxious, I'm like, okay, let's close, let's get everybody home safe, like being your home bunker down. And luckily, from day one, when we transitioned from our founder to myself, she was like we're open, that's our rule, we are open. And I was like no but? And she's like no, we're open. So we keep that at the core. Like I said, weather's coming and luckily my team is like maybe we'll be here. There's a you know, bad weather coming, someone's gonna be without power. They need somebody where to go to play and have their kids burn off some energy. And so we're open. And that's what we continue to strive to do, because we continue, like you say, to be that beacon of hope, to provide a safe space for kids to play, to interact with each other, but also interact with their parents. I mean, we're in such a age where our cell phones are attached to our hip, I mean, or our hand I guess Mine's sitting right here in front of me, you know, just in case you never know, school may call and you go, but to give kids and parents a place where I walk to the museum and I see a dad on the floor building those big structures, those big houses from those blue blocks and he's not on his phone, like he's there engaged with the kids, and that gives the kids a sense of pride, that gives them, you know, a sense of connection. They'll end up drawing pictures and send them to us of these fun moments with their friends, their parents and their loved ones. So it's a huge challenge to be considered that in the community, but also a great joy to continue to carry that mission out.

Amelia: 16:01

Now, how do you think learning about the museum's journey through all of this adversity, how do you think learning about that, can add an extra layer of significance and appreciation to a visitor's experience?

Mandy: 16:16

I think they can see where we came from and how far we've come. We also recognize that the kids of today are not the same learners that they were in 2002 when we started. So we have some great exhibits, like our train and the grocery store that were there from day one. But think about a grocery store back in 2002 and think about it now. Completely different experiences. You know we're having to rethink how kids interact and so they're self-checkout now. Self-checkout. I mean think about a few years ago when it was the pandemic and there were, you know, the sneeze guard, things. Situations up, and so we put up Plexiglas in those in the grocery store so that the kids could realize, oh there's, that's, that's normal, that's that's what we're doing right now, that's how we go to the grocery store. You know things like that. So we try to keep it very real world for them so that they can become comfortable.

Amelia: 17:19

I Think that's so important because it does make them comfortable and understand that something, even though things are changing in the world, it doesn't have to be scary, it's just part of the world right now. I think that is so important. So, as you know, travel is a big focus of this podcast and Gainesville has its own unique charm. Can you highlight some of the other attractions or experiences that you enjoy that make Gainesville a compelling destination for families?

Mandy: 17:50

I'll tell you what. Gainesville is an incredible place to visit and play. So where we currently are located is is right near the highway, but we're right next to the Midland area. So if you're in the front area of our Entrance, you can see the train tracks from where we are and that's really fun for the kids. I see kids all the time just watching the trains go by. If you go across the train tracks, there's so much to explore that there's great local restaurants. My kids, actually my kids and I actually this summer we rode the Gainesville trolley, which is just the coolest thing that there's. You know this old-school trolley that goes through the community and Up through Gainesville, so the kids got to ride it and go over the lake, over a bridge, go down the street that the parade is held for. You know the community, it's just, it's a very unique community. There there's little pockets where you can walk around and have, you know, enjoy an evening with your family and your kids, and it's always changing. I'll also say that if you're coming to visit, you know, definitely, look, there's some great local, you know, like North Metro eateries and things like that that can Give you good ideas of where to eat and take your, take your families. It's an incredible place.

Amelia: 19:09

And you guys aren't terribly far from Atlanta, so from those that are visiting Atlanta, this could easily be a day trip.

Mandy: 19:17

Absolutely. It's funny you say that because we have friends from your area, from South Carolina, that will come Stop at ink to play with their kids and keep driving to so that they can go to the Sam's Club or the Costco. That's not much farther than us, and it's so it's. It's funny that they would drive a couple hours to do that. What we're a good stopping point. Even going the opposite way, coming from Atlanta and Heading up to the mountains, again, people stop and they'll play for a few hours just to burn some energy. So going both ways down the highway, it's, it's very convenient, it's it's, it's a great location.

Amelia: 19:53

It's a great idea stopping for a couple of hours to burn some energy for those young children. Traveling with kids can be a unique adventure. Are there any travel tips that you have, based on your experiences with ink, that could help families make the most of educational and recreational journeys?

Mandy: 20:15

So novelty is key. You know, I see so much caring little bags that have new activities. If you can also prepare your kids ahead of time, whether it's visiting ink and exploring and knowing what you're about to experience. But also Books are great books that can teach you of where you're about to head. You know, we took our family up to Washington DC because they were kind of learning about it at school. But we read books and we watched like a movie, like you know different history things and getting up there it was fun to compare to our current community, like how does, how does Washington DC compared to Gainesville or Hall County? And so I'm a firm believer of getting your kids out there and experience, experiencing as much as you can, because that's how they learn. They learn to do well with others, they learn to interact with other people, learn to interact and hold the door open for their, their people coming behind them. So it's just I say explore, get out there and play with your families.

Amelia: 21:18

And the museum helps learn how to navigate some of those things. Absolutely, absolutely. Your journey with ink is a testament to dedication. What advice would you give to young individuals who aspire to make a positive impact, like you have, in their communities?

Mandy: 21:39

First of all, if you're not alone, find a good mentor, a group of mentors that can just encourage you, give you good advice. I had mentioned Sherry, our founder. She is an incredible mentor to me and has given me life in terms of the words and just the support. So, finding your people, finding people that can encourage you, but also getting plugged in, whether it's the community you work or the community that you live. Getting plugged in, whether it's you know they say, vote with your dollars, go eat at local restaurants, go play at the local parks and get to know people. And just figure out how to get plugged in, because when you're out and about you don't have your phone attached to you. You're creative and you can kind of explore and for me I still feel very young. I have three kids but I get a lot of creativity from them too, Like they kind of will spur stuff on and it's encouraging them to see get behind the mission of Inkley. My son he's sweet. He was writing little business cards yesterday of the ink address and the phone number. He had found out what it is from Google. He asked, and so he was making these little business cards, 18 of them, so that he could give them to all of his friends at school, and so it's just fun that you know I love the entrepreneur of things and so seeing that kind of spur on in that younger generation and just finding creativity wherever you can and seeking mentors or wise counsel for different decisions, I love that.

Amelia: 23:26

My daughter she's almost four, my youngest daughter is almost 14 now and she, especially when she was a little bit younger, would do the same thing of just come up with these random business ideas. And I don't think when you and I were younger that was necessarily, you know, the forefront of our minds with creating businesses, and so it definitely shows how things have changed and evolved over time. As a nonprofit organization, you know, obviously we've talked about community support is vital. How can individuals locally and also from afar, contribute to Ink's mission and help ensure that the museum continues to inspire generations to come?

Mandy: 24:06

Absolutely. We would love if you or any of your listeners feel like Ink wow needs to keep going, needs to continue to inspire the next generation of learners. Vote with your dollars. You know donating to Ink is a great way to see a long term return on your investment. It's you're. You're helping by giving to Ink. You're helping make sure that kids are learning how to be a pilot so that they can travel to places. You're helping fund these opportunities that kids are learning not to be scared in their communities and to enjoy life to the fullest. I encourage you to donate. If you are with a company, I encourage you to seek out ways to do corporate sponsorships. Or even if you're like maybe it doesn't sound like you have, you know, an XYZ exhibit, maybe a car manufacturer, come on, let's talk, let's figure out how we can get that in there. You know it's I think about right now how we I just spent a lot of time in like the touring hospitals and figuring out, you know, nursing that's a big shortage and it will be in the next few years and seeing how we can try to help. From a kid standpoint of five year olds learning oh, nursing is a career. Nursing is how we can help and there's things like that. Those were helping give the skills to your future employees. So if you're a company listening to this, I strongly encourage you to reach out and let's figure out how we can start arming those little kids, or even just the parents who come and play with them. Education on your companies.

Amelia: 25:49

You guys definitely have something incredibly unique and special. Now I ask every guest that comes on the show do you have a favorite quote or any words of wisdom that you would like to leave behind with our listeners?

Mandy: 26:04

If it ain't neon, it shouldn't be on. So I you will come into the museum and you will see color everywhere. We were actually just redoing stuff and repainting and everybody was like, wait, this color doesn't match this color and this blue is not the same as this blue. And it's because color is life Me on like just rock it out. If it ain't neon, it shouldn't be on.

Amelia: 26:27

I love that. Well, thank you so much for joining me today. Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to be here and just sharing to this really cool special place that you have in Gainesville. I really can't wait to see what happens with you guys over the years to come and the how you expand and grow over time. I'm really excited to watch that happen and I can't wait to visit.

Mandy: 26:55

Well, thank you. Anytime you're around, come ask for a tour and you're always welcome at INK. Thank you.