A little bit about our founder, Kristen Amanda

Kristen Amanda is an artist and entrepreneur; painting, designing, and consulting for both residential and commercial clients.

Having served the design industry for more than thirty years, her work has led her to a national clientele including Dayton-Hudson Corporation, Andersen Windows, Seagate Technologies, Target Corporation, and Pella Windows; with the majority of her work being commissioned for private residences. Kristen has acted as an Artist-in-residence for several educational institutions and has received recognition for both her fine art and her design industry contributions, including; "Best Wall Treatment" in several ASID Showcase Homes.

Kristen Amanda has been painting her way through life since the age of eleven, when her mother brought home a starter set of paints for her to dabble with, while recovering from a rather stubborn sinus infection. Kristen’s family moved frequently so painting became her favorite “companion,” as she could take this friend along with her each time the family relocated.

Kristen's style of painting ranges from modern, atmospheric metallic,and abstract forms to more classical renderings and recreations of master's works. Perhaps what she is most known for, though, is her distinct style of loosely formed leaves and branches; soft, floral elements and natural figures.

Having been raised by entrepreneurial parents who, in their eighties, were still pursuing the next big idea, it was only natural that she too would cultivate her own entrepreneurial spirit. In 2000, Kristen Amanda launched Manda Mudd, bringing previously "pro-only" painting techniques to the soon to boom "Do-It-Yourself" market. Now celebrating its eleventh year on the retail market, Kristen is pleased to share her product, Manda Mudd, with the national and international do-it-yourself community.

Kristen currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her long time sweetheart, Peter, and their Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Gracie. She has four grown children whom she proudly raised on an artist's income.