Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Moore.
Hi Mandi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved school spirit, creativity, and the kind of tradition that brings people together. In high school, Friday night lights were everything to me. I was the girl showing up in homemade shirts decorated with fabric‑pen designs, glitter, and all the personality I could pack onto a T-shirt. When I discovered the world of homecoming mums, it felt like stepping into a tradition that blended creativity, community, and pride all at once. My friends and I would host mum‑making parties—laughing, crafting, and bonding in ways that made those memories unforgettable.
After high school, I served in the Army, and life shifted toward structure, responsibility, and raising a family. My creative side had to take a step back. But when my daughter started playing sports, that spark reignited. I began making shirts to cheer her on, and it felt like reconnecting with a part of myself I didn’t realize I’d missed. Eventually, I had the chance to make my first homecoming mum in years, and all the joy and nostalgia came rushing back.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the creativity—it was the way mums connect people. They’re more than ribbons and flowers; they’re storytelling pieces, symbols of pride, and little traditions that families treasure. When I started making mums for friends and family, it quickly grew into something bigger than I expected. People weren’t just asking for a mum—they were asking for a memory, a way to celebrate who they are, and a way to feel connected to their school and community.
And that’s how Moore Than Spirit was born. What began as a hobby evolved into a business grounded in connection, celebration, and the belief that these traditions have a powerful way of bringing people closer. Today, I’m proud to help families create moments that last long after homecoming night—because in the end, it’s not just about the mum. It’s about the spirit and the community behind it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Honestly, the biggest hurdle was me. Believing that people would actually want to buy something I created was a major mental block, and building that confidence took time.
Once I got past that, the next challenge was logistics. Like many creative people, I just want to make things—the designing, the braiding, the crafting—that’s the part that lights me up. But the behind‑the‑scenes work like inventory, expenses, bookkeeping, and admin tasks never came as naturally.
Coming up with strategies to stay organized—and actually sticking to them—was tough at first. But once I put systems in place, everything started running a lot smoother. It freed me up to focus on the creative side while still keeping the business side on track.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I absolutely love the world of youth and high school sports. To me, each game is more than just a competition — it’s a moment where the whole community comes together. The stands fill with families, friends, and neighbors all showing up to support something bigger than themselves. That sense of connection is at the heart of everything I create.
I specialize in custom spirit shirts and homecoming mums, both of which allow me to blend creativity with community pride. My spirit shirts highlight not only team energy but the individual athletes who make the game special. One of my favorite memories is of my son running track. I noticed him smiling during a race, and later he told me, “I loved seeing my name in big glitter letters on your shirt. Everyone knows you’re there for me.” Moments like that are why I do what I do — these shirts become wearable support, little reminders to athletes that someone in the stands is cheering just for them.
My homecoming mums take personalization to an even deeper level. Every mum is designed around the person who will wear it — their story, their interests, their personality. One customer told me her two great loves were her dog and her phone, so I thoughtfully incorporated both into her braids and embellishments. I love adding those small, meaningful details that make someone light up when they discover them. Customers often say, “Every time I look at my mum, I find something new — and I love it even more,” and that is the best feedback I could hope for.
What truly sets me apart is the intention behind every piece. I don’t see what I do as simply making shirts or mums. I’m creating items that make people feel seen, celebrated, and connected — to their teams, their schools, their families, and their community traditions. That impact, those moments of pride and belonging, are what I’m most proud to be a part of.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite memories come from my time in JROTC during high school. I was fortunate to have a Colonel who believed deeply in the power of community—whether we were cheering on our school, presenting the colors at home games, or spending weekends doing roadside cleanups. His leadership shaped how I understood service, teamwork, and what it meant to be part of something bigger than yourself. The bonds we built in that program were so strong that many of those friendships still play a meaningful role in my life today.
Friday nights were especially memorable. We’d present the colors before kickoff and then head straight to the stands to be our own built‑in cheering section. And it wasn’t just for football—we showed up for every home game, every sport, every team. We were loud, proud, and fully committed to supporting our school. That sense of unity created a bond I didn’t fully appreciate until years later.
Outside of the games, we spent countless afternoons designing door decorations, painting signs, making shirts, and working together on projects that brought our school spirit to life. Those hours gave me such a strong sense of belonging and purpose. It was tradition, service, creativity, and community all woven together—and it’s a feeling that has stayed with me ever since.
That foundation plays a huge role in why I love what I do today. Those early experiences taught me how meaningful it is when people come together around shared pride and tradition. Now, in my own way, I get to help create those kinds of moments for others.
Pricing:
- Custom Spirit Shirts. $20–$45 depending on design complexity
- Mini Mums- $25
- Garters- two prices classic (75) and Deluxe (100)
- Mums- Start at 150 and go up based on size and how much ‘bling’ you want added
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MooreThanSpirit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moorethanspirit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MooreThanSpiritHQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@moorethanspirit
