Mardona (Mardi) Merchant:
CLASS OF 1986
Bicentenial Union High SchoolClass of 1986
Salome, AZ
Salome High SchoolClass of 1986
Salome, AZ
Wickenburg High SchoolClass of 1986
Wickenburg, AZ
MacLennan Elementary SchoolClass of 1982
Wickenburg, AZ
Wenden Elementary SchoolClass of 1982
Wenden, AZ
Mardona (Mardi)'s Story
Hey everyone...I've hesitated in posting a profile for a while (probably for the same reasons most everyone else doesn't), but I thought, "hey, I would love to know what everyone has been doing since our days in grade school and high school, and I figure I'm probably not the only one who thinks that way". That's why we check out Classmates and Facebook...inquiring minds want to know, right? So whether we're looking to reconnect with friends, or just wonder what happened to that "nerd", or that person we couldn't stand, or the one we weren't really friends with...we're curious. So here's where I've been and what I've done for the last 20+ years (wow! time flies..!)for anyone who's interested. I encourage the rest of you to post yours. Besides, that's what makes this whole thing interesting and fun. I look forward to hearing from you.
So, here's the short of it...Upon graduating high school in '86, I attended and graduated from Associated Schools, a travel school in North Miami Beach, Florida. I remained in Arizona until 1990 and then moved to Seattle, Washington (my home state). I got married later that year. I worked for Stouffer Hotels & Resorts (which is now Renaissance Hotels) for 4 years in the Sales & Marketing Department in downtown Seattle. I worked with a lot of the professional sports teams, mostly the NBA, during that time and had a ton of fun. I love the Northwest and Seattle is a great city.
In 1994, I moved to Chicago and began a new phase in my life. I transferred to the Stouffer Hotel there and also worked part time at Michael Jordan's Restaurant and the United Center where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks play. I lived in the city and loved it. It was quite a surreal experience at times because while growing up in Arizona, it was just a dream to think about ever visiting Chicago or New York and here I was (a west coast girl) now living there. Chicago definitely lives up to its reputation as a world-class city. Anyhow, I left the hospitality industry and got my real estate license and worked in commercial property management and real estate for a couple of years. I remarried and in March of 1998, I had my one and only child, Imari. She is one of my greatest blessings and brings me so much joy. After her birth, we moved to Maryland where my sister Dawn and her family live and lived there for a year before returning to Chicago. Upon returning to Chicago, I worked at a law fi...Expand for more
rm for about a year before obtaining a position in our church's marketing department. My position as Marketing Manager was one of my most demanding, but rewarding jobs yet. Our small marketing team was responsible for the website development, graphic design, and print projects for 13 companies and 50+ helps ministries. I spent the next three plus years there before leaving to become a stay-at-home mom. I then did some various freelance projects during the next couple of years and also obtained my loan officers license in 2005 and worked in the mortgage industry for a short time.
In the beginning of 2006, my daughter and I moved to Maryland again and we currently reside in Edgewater (Annapolis). It has been great being near family as we have all been living in various parts throughout the U.S. and have gone years at times not seeing each other. I started my own company, Organized Life Etc., Inc., (along with my sister Dawn) at the beginning of 2007. We provide professional organizing, interior decorating and redesign, home staging, moving assistance, and lifestyle support services. We've also done some catering when in demand. I love interior design and have great fun doing what we do. My mother moved here in 2007 to help with the businesses and the grandkids. What a blessing! It's the first time my sister, mother, and I have lived in the same state since 1989/90. My Dad (who remained in Arizona the whole time) went home to be with the LORD in April 2009. I still try to get to AZ as often I can to see friends and family.
My life has now come full circle as I (and my daughter) recently (Summer '09)moved back home to Washington State for the long term. We love it here and I am really excited about the future. It will make it much easier to visit AZ and all my other friends and family on the west coast.
My daughter is 11 and in the 6th grade. She's growing up way too fast. She enjoys swimming, singing, dancing, and acting.
Some other things about me: I'm a gourmet foodie and a vegetarian since '93. Hawaii and Canada are the only two places I've visited so far that are outside the U.S...Italy and Europe are next. I'm a Christian (the best thing to ever happen to me). I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling, interior design, the arts, sports, music (mostly jazz, classical, and contemporary Christian), entertaining, reading, movies, walking, hiking, and the outdoors.
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