Here at The Bedford Mom we believe that moms deserve to be recognized and celebrated! This month we are proud to feature Manessa Lins, a mom of three, who gives back to the Bedford community regularly through her business, Card My Yard – Bedford. Learn all about her below!
Tell us about yourself!
If we haven’t met before, my name is Manessa Lins and live with my blended family in Bedford. My family members include my partner Doug, daughters Molly (17), Grace (15), and Madison (12), along with our 2 rescue dogs Rocky and Kip. I own and operate the local and independent yard sign rental service, Card My Yard – Bedford. I moved to Bedford in 2012 after living in southern New Hampshire since 2000. I’m originally from a tiny town in northern Vermont where much of my family still resides.
Tell us about your work!
I started my original career in the field of human capital management outsourcing on the ground floor at the age of 18. Coincidentally, this was my path for a robust 18 years of ladder climbing before exploring the frontier of entrepreneurship.
It was very satisfying knowing that the roles my team and I held allowed small businesses to focus on their businesses and less on the many employer compliance and administrative challenges they face. In this career, I stretched my legs in all things benefits from new hires, open enrollment, COBRA administration, to the ever changing federal mandates associated with the Affordable Care Act. My roles included those of a team member, leader, and lastly as an analyst. It was an incredible journey that allowed me to meet and partner with people from across the country, experience my first international assignment as an ambassador and trainor in Hyderabad, India for 6 weeks in 2011, and be in a position to start my own business in 2020.
My journey with Card My Yard has been so fulfilling. Bringing joy to people with our BIG, creative, and colorful cards has brought joy to my own life as well. It’s allowed me to contribute and connect with our local community in ways I had always wanted to but didn’t have the time previously.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
My favorite local restaurants are the Inside Scoop for ice cream for dinner summer nights, Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill, T-Bones, Flight Coffee, and Simply Delicious (where Doug and I met!).
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
My favorite way to practice self-care is getting out in nature whether it be hiking with friends, skiing with my family or sitting back to enjoy a blow out at the Blo Bar. Since the pandemic, I found connecting with other moms in person whether for lunch, coffee, a moms’ night out, or other gathering has been incredibly refreshing.
What brought you to Bedford?
I moved to Bedford for the central location between my job (at the time in Salem) and for co parenting. Bedford seemed like the best option for commuting, safety, and a quality education.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
Our favorite thing about Bedford has been getting to know the people and businesses around us and learning the history of the town. It makes me feel that though we reside on the outskirts of Manchester and a short drive from many urban areas, there are still some small town roots left for us to enjoy.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
Local spots you’ll find us at include walking the 101 sidewalk with our pups, The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, volunteering at school events, or bringing Doug lunch at the Lighting Showroom.
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
Don’t be afraid to explore. Explore locations, businesses, local social groups, local events, running clubs, gyms, houses of worship… and do more of what feels right to you. Just showing up for a coffee meet up can lead you to finding connections and a whole new welcoming community of friends.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
From a once relatively high strung young mom, have patience with yourself and the period of time you are in. It will all pass by before you know it. The crying will stop, the laundry will get done, and the milk cleaned up… even if it was liquid gold. Take a breath, give it 5 minutes, and if it won’t matter in 5 years, let it go! Everything will be just fine.