Everyone say hello to Mandi! She makes some of the most colorful and creative hoops out there. A hoop tour de force if you will. About 2 months ago, I ordered one of these beauts from her online store. Not only is it the best crafted hoop I’ve ever experienced, it’s also collapsible. That’s right. Collapsible. I’m so glad that I can just twist the hoop into a smaller shape and tuck it into my luggage for when I move back home to Hong Kong or for travel. Not only are hoops great for exercising… how can you walk down a street and see someone hooping and not smile? Don’t let the kids have all the fun now!
One night, whilst watching a movie and hooping (best use of sitting down time EVER.), it occurred to me just how much love has gone into my hoop. The spiral tape going around the hoop has a grippy texture, making it easier to keep the hoop up. Then I looked closer and realized that there were TWO pieces of tape, one going above the other. I realized that I must speak to the maker of such love in a concentric form…
I present to you:
SuperForest Interview! : MandiHoops
SF: How did you get into the hoop-making business?
Mandi: Well I have always been a do-it-yourself kind of a girl. When I first became interested in hooping I wanted to make my own hoop but I quickly realized you can’t really get materials for just one hoop. That’s when I decided to make a few for myself and try to sell the others. At first I just sold them via word of mouth, then at a local surf shop, after that at my friends coffee shop, and then online.
SF: Which color of hoop if your favorite?
Mandi: It seems like my favorite color hoop changes weekly but currently it is sparkly orange tape combined with red tape. It looks fiery and hot. I love it!
SF: What is your favorite hoop moment?
Mandi: I have had so many great hooping moments but the one that makes me feel the best was during a recent trip to Costa Rica. I was staying in the town of Montezuma and I had the opportunity to make hoops for the elementary school kids. They were so excited about their hoops and hooping. I had such a great time hooping with them!
SF: What is your next favorite activity besides hooping?
Mandi: I love fire dancing! I have fire poi and a fire staff. When I am not hooping you can find me at the beach playing with fire….but I’m usually hooping J
SF: What are some health benefits that you’ve experienced since you’ve started hooping?
Mandi: Hooping has been great for me physically and mentally. I feel like I get a great cardio workout. I have lost a little weight from hooping and my endurance has increased. Hooping is also very meditational for me. I feel less stressed and more relaxed. It has also increased my confidence.
SF: When did you start hooping?
Mandi: Hmmmm. It’s hard to say for sure. Maybe a year and a half ago is when I really started to get into hooping.
SF: What positive and inspiring message would you like most to be sent along with your hoops?
Mandi: “What Would Love Do”. I feel this question can be applied to all aspects of life and it is something I ask myself everyday. This small question transformed my life and reminds me of the way I want to treat those around me and myself.
Cheers to you Mandi! Thank you for making my great ‘sour candy’ hoop! I’m still hooping with great gusto!
(check out that blur of speed!)
Get yours now at MandiHoops!
Love,
SuperForester Jackie
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