As head of the Savannah Downtown Business Association, Mia Mance helps weave together the businesses, organizations, and people that shape this vibrant community.
Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER
Photography by KATHERINE IVES PHOTOGRAPHY
A LONGTIME MARKETING AND MEDIA PROFESSIONAL, Mia Mance recently stepped into a new role as executive director of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. According to Mance, this role felt like a natural next step in her Savannah journey: She’d spent much of her career working closely with businesses in City Market, Ellis Square, and the Waterfront, and has helped organize events with a who’s who of Savannah’s most notable organizations, from the City of Savannah to SCAD to Savannah Pride.
Now, she is still telling the stories of the city while advocating for the success of its business community — fostering connections to funding sources, providing information on city licensing and inspections, and even preparing owners for the newest wave of technological advances. “We have to keep innovation at the forefront of all we do, with the world of AI,” she says, “making sure business owners can win in the technology and digital landscapes.”
In her personal life, she is married to attorney Chadrick Mance, founder/owner of the Mance Law Firm, and the couple have two daughters, ages 2 and 3. For the past eight years, she and her family have lived in a friendly, diverse neighborhood tucked away off of Highway 204 — and they’re in no hurry to leave. To find the family home, “we looked at almost 100 places with our very patient realtor,” Mance says with a laugh.
While juggling the needs of two small children and the growing downtown business scene keeps her on her toes, Mance is up for the challenge. A woman of strong faith, she says, “I really believe God calls us to serve our community, to show up for and to support others.”
What is your idea of a perfect day downtown?
I’d caffeinate at Savannah Coffee Roasters, then head to Java Burrito Co. for a meeting and breakfast burrito. I also love hosting meetings at The Y Bar. I eat lunch at Common on Broughton Street in the mezzanine while working or concurrently having meetings about local business needs. A visit to Spa Bleu to see [co-owner] Lenon Whitney, and for all the pampering and good skin care; Capital Bee for the honey; and Charleston Shoe Co. and Globe Shoe Co. for shoe shopping. Ordinary Magic makes your soul feel better. I am an avid reader, so I’d visit E. Shaver Booksellers with a final stop at Mint to Be Mojito Bar and Bites for empanadas and a mojito to end the day.
How about for a date night with your husband?
We love Alligator Soul, The Olde Pink House, Flock to the Wok, The Vault Kitchen and Market, Ukiyo, and Stone and Webster Chop House. We also love soaking up the art in City Market and grabbing slices of Vinnie Van GoGo’s pizza after downtown parades. We are fans and supporters of the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Club One is a go-to as well for amazing drag shows and supporting some of our favorite local performers.
Where do you like to shop for clothing?
J. Parker Ltd. is a staple for our whole household; my husband knows everyone there by first name. Copper Penny can have you ready for both work or a night out on the town. And Morgan Rae and Satchel are stylish, chic, and also very community focused.
For lunch with your bestie, where do you go and what do you order?
The Olde Pink House, and … everything! The blue-crab beignets, the spring rolls, the pan-seared fish, the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and a couple of Pink Lady cocktails.
What are some of your favorite destinations with your children?
Forsyth Park for play dates. We love the Savannah Children’s Museum and all the amazing programming. The Funky Brunch Café for the pancake griddle fun. Also, we eat at all of the E-Tang restaurants; the Chinese food, dim sum, ramen, hot pots … everything is so great and the girls love it. Add a stop at Bowls & Bubbles for bubble tea before shopping down Broughton Street and over to Broad Street to visit The Fancy Pheasant.
When visitors come to Savannah, how do you like to show off the town?
Our town’s walking tours, such as Genteel & Bard Savannah History and Ghost Tours and Underground Tours of Savannah, are a must! Of course an Old Savannah Trolley ride, too.
As a busy mother, wife, and businessperson, how do you sneak in self-care?
I do not go anywhere without my nails and toes done, and I believe in excellent skin care, so I hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I also keep a standing therapy appointment at Más Paz Counseling. Therapy is a gift to myself — to do those self check-ins, to slow down, to heal, and to be a version of myself I can be proud of. I am a hugger and a connector; this is how I find joy. I believe in really bringing love to others — that truly fills my cup.
