Areas of Expertise

Creative Direction
Branding
Campaign & Brand Activation
Experience Design
Retail & Workplace Design

Hello! I’m Mandy. 
Thanks for stopping by.

I’m a multidisciplinary creative director with 20 years of experience building and transforming brands across industries like hospitality, CPG, retail, and tech. I’ve led teams in both agency and in-house settings, blending strategic storytelling, distinctive branding, thoughtful experience design, and performance-minded creative to help brands grow and connect more meaningfully with their audiences.

My strength lies in translating complex strategies into clear, compelling creative—whether shaping omnichannel campaigns, activating brand platforms, or designing end-to-end experiences across digital and physical touchpoints. I bring equal parts creative vision and operational clarity, guiding teams from concept to execution with a sharp eye for craft and an unwavering focus on impact.

I’m endlessly curious, detail-driven, and deeply inspired by color, materials, and well-made environments and interactions that leave a lasting impression.

I’ve had the pleasure of working at the following reputable companies:
• Prophet Brand Strategy
New York, NY (5 yrs) and Richmond, VA (4 yrs)
• Gensler
New York, NY (2 yrs)
• Estée Lauder, Origins
New York, NY (2 yrs)
• Continuum EPAM
Boston, MA (4 yrs) and Shanghai, China (1 yr)

Let’s connect!

Email
mandy.stehouwer@gmail.com

Phone
(216) 650-8660

Still reading? Here are a few more highlights:

  • Throughout my career, I’ve transformed business objectives and insights into compelling design solutions—driving meaningful impact for Fortune 500 brands and startups alike. At my core, I’m fascinated by what makes people tick and brands grow—how powerful storytelling, meaningful engagement, and dynamic experiences can spark connection, influence perception, and drive action.

  • From a five-year-old with fists full of crayons to a forty-something maker and design leader, creativity has always been central to my identity. This passion fuels how I lead, mentor, and collaborate—with clear vision, an inquisitive mind, a critical eye, and a constructive spirit.

  • I hold a degree in Industrial Design. Cliché or not, it astonished me to find a career where creative thinking and artful expression solve real-world problems. It still amazes me, decades into my career. 

  • My professional journey has spanned product, UX/UI, experiential, campaigns, interiors, branding, and design strategy. With this breadth, I have honed the ability to mentor and inspire interdisciplinary creative teams, manage complex cross-functional projects, and foster collaborative environments that enhance productivity and push creative boundaries. It has also widened my perspective and underscored my effectiveness as a decisive and influential design leader.

  • When I’m not working? If I’m not pushing pixels, assembling moodboards, or workshopping ideas, you might find me perusing the cluttered aisles of a vintage shop or detailing an itinerary for an upcoming trip. I take pride in finding (and wrapping!) the perfect gift. I appreciate quick wit and good competition. I can’t watch an animal rescue video without crying. And I love a filthy dirty martini—with extra olives, please. My creative spark extends into home renovation projects, recently restoring and updating our historic home in Virginia.