Today’s I am a Twin Cities Family feature is all about Tanisha Andrews!
“I am a 40 something life-long Minneapolitan who gets most of my life advice from Oprah and Fred Rogers. Proud wife of Jim for 10+ years and mom to Esther (9) and Fiona (almost 7). My daytime responsibilities include working as an Academic Adviser to graduate business students at a private university. Most evenings I’m either thinking of ways to procrastinate on the couch by watching one more episode of “Bridgerton,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “mixed-ish” or old episodes of “Oprah” (see above) or chasing after a little person who is wearing a princess dress and Batman cape. What really excites me is working with young people and helping them figure out how to be the best versions of themselves: the version that is authentic to who they are outside of who society tells them they need to be. In addition to that, diversity and inclusion work and making organizations and communities more fair, just and equitable for everyone.”
[Photo credit: Julie Hruska Photography]
What do you love about calling the Twin Cities home?
If it’s good enough for Prince, it’s good enough for me. But, seriously, this is home. I’ve lived in Minneapolis all of my life and I’m proud to rep my city! While there is certainly room for improvement as it pertains to wealth and educational disparities, there is good stuff here at the same time. I particularly enjoy the rich music scene (remember when we could go to live concerts? Looking forward to welcoming those back once the pandemic is over!), wonderful restaurants, museums, theaters and accessible public parks – bonus if they have a kiddie pool.
If we peeked in your purse right now, what would we find?
A mask, band-aids, mittens & sunglasses (hey, it’s March in MN so who knows what the weather will be), a Target receipt, floss and crayons.
How do you prioritize friendships and connections with other women?
Girlfriends are everything! I am so grateful for my lady hive. There have been two main ways I’ve stayed connected over the past pandemic year in particular. Each week I write a handwritten card or letter to one of my friends. Also, I pick a different friend to have a virtual catch up with or an in-person, socially distanced walk outside. These friendships have sustained me and seen me through my happiest moments and carried me through my darkest days.
Being a mom is no easy task. How do you relax and take care of you?
I have a few rituals. I meditate. I journal. And one hot, long bath a day is a requirement. Also, the basics that are oftentimes the easiest to neglect during times of stress, adequate sleep and nutritious foods and drinks. Oh, and coffee. I do not show up as my best self without it!
What’s been your greatest joy in motherhood?
Watching my girls grow into who they are becoming. My job is just to not get in the way. As parents we are here to nurture, protect and guide, but my role is to not dictate who they will be in this world. I must say, I was not prepared for the amount of love I felt from moment one. I think we need a stronger word than “love” to describe the bond between child and parent.
What have you found most challenging in your motherhood journey?
How to not let motherhood be all consuming. It’s a slippery slope to letting your kids become all that you are, but it’s been my experience that I’m the best mother when I have a balance between being their mother and also embracing who I am outside of them. Being a mother is the best thing I’ve ever done, and it’s a HUGE part of who I am, but it’s not ALL that I am.
How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?
I hope I inspire women to be confident and courageous. The years ahead are going to require us all to dig in and lead our communities towards more just and equitable places to live for everyone and I think women are uniquely qualified to do this work.
Twin Cities Favorites
Date Night Restaurant: Mucci’s
Best place to hang out and have some fun: As a family, the American Swedish Institute (and eat at FIKA Cafe while you’re there).
Local Boutique: Marisa Martinez Jewelry
Local Coffee Shop: Café Cerés Minneapolis
Locally based online business: Don’t Complain Activate
You can find and follow Tanisha on Facebook and Instagram (@andrewspartyof4).
We love having the opportunity to share the personal sides of local Moms of the Twin Cities! If you would like to recommend another local Mom you think should be featured in our I Am a Twin Cities Family series, please email us at info@twincitiesfamily.com.
