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🔊 Listen ⏹ Stop

In just the blink of an eye, summer has passed, and winter has made its way onto the scene.

While for many individuals, winter is a time for hibernation, to many moms, it simply means continuing the grind, but instead in cold weather! From early morning school drop-offs to running around at the office, and let’s not forget those adventures outdoors (because fresh air and a moment to recharge is what we encourage here at Merrell), life can feel pretty busy.

But sometimes, the right footwear can make all the difference. In this blog, we welcome business owner, mother, and outdoor lover, Mandi Augustyn. As the owner of Elements, a popular family style restaurant and events venue in Gqeberha, Mandi elaborates on what her days entail and how she balances it all in her Merrell’s.

Introducing Mandi Augustyn

1. Can you tell us a bit about your journey and what inspired you to open Elements?

Back in the day (maybe still to this day), I was known as someone who enjoys a good party! For some time, I told my husband someone needs to open up a place for us party people, since all the places in PE have closed down.

But I also wanted to create a family-friendly establishment. Being a mom myself, I felt that we needed a space in our city where parents could enjoy themselves, but still have peace of mind that their children are safe.

I also run a guest house, and at the time, I was feeling pretty bored, so when the property became available, I was keen for a new challenge and then started developing this huge monster of an establishment.

2. What does a typical day look like for you, balancing motherhood and running a business?

I am grateful enough to have some help, so I get my nanny to come in the morning, and I do a training session at this time. After baba is sorted with his breakfast, we head out to Elements for the day. Luckily, Elements has a wonderful kiddies area, so I can take baba to work and visit him in between my meetings and operations during the day.

On weekends when I’ve got a work event, baba comes strapped to me and happily cruises along. The venue is family-friendly, and my husband jumps in to help too.

I can't wait for the day baba can walk and come on stage with me, welcoming our next artist performing. My baba loves music, so maybe one day he will be on stage playing the drums.

3. Part of a busy lifestyle includes making time to recharge, so that you’re never pouring from an empty cup. What do you do to pause and recharge?

I like to go to the beach in the mornings and have some me time. I go for a dip in the ocean, and it feels like a holiday - the feeling of diving through the waves is like I am cleansing my soul, and it gets me ready for the day.

4. Being on your feet so much, how important is good footwear to you, and what do you look for in a shoe?

Comfort is key! I always wear comfortable shoes as my venue is huge and there's always so much happening in each area of the business. If it's walking to one side, making sure everything is going well, or visiting my baba in the kiddies area, I need to be able to do it all while still looking good!

Finding Your Rhythm This Winter

Winter may change the pace of life for many of us, but for moms, it never really brings things to a full stop (despite how tempting this may seem). The days are still full of to-do lists, work deadlines, and family commitments, so making time to be outside might seem quite a challenge.

But as we’re reminded, the outdoors isn’t reserved for big, ambitious adventures; it’s something that welcomes everyone in ways that feel natural and manageable.

Mandi shares:

“Merrells philosophy resonates so much with me because it treats the outdoors as something inclusive, not exclusive. I like how it acknowledges that people engage with the outdoors differently. Some find fulfilment in pushing physical limits (which I love) or value quiet moments, like a walk along the beach (which I love too). Both experiences are equally valid, and both contribute to well-being.”

So this winter, when motivation feels low, remember that it’s okay to lean on your village, and that even the simplest moments outside can do more for you than you think.