In honor of Valentine’s Day, I asked some of my favorite couples to share the secrets of their partnership. Both individuals are in a creative field (sometimes the same field!), and find ways to inspire, collaborate and support one another while remaining dedicated to their own endeavors. There is no competition, jealousy or doubt but love and respect.
Let’s read about MIKE & AMANDA ODMARK, a POWER COUPLE of a record producer/videographer and a holistic health counselor. They keep each other inspired through long conversations over delicious meals and claim good communication as their secret to success.
What kind of creative work do each of you do?
Mike: Most of my creative energy is spent in the studio collaborating with bands and songwriters to produce and record their music. This work allows me to wear many hats – songwriter, producer, musician, and engineer. I also sometimes make videos and write film criticism.
Amanda: My current creative work is in the kitchen–crafting meals that are nurturing, nourishing, + tasty. Finding beauty in simplicity; satisfying to both maker + eater. Aesthetics are important to me–I try to carry that into the kitchen. I also have a past life in making folk art sculptures and graphic design.
How did y’all meet?
We met in college at Belmont University. We don’t actually remember the first time we met but we’re sure it was very cute and romantic.
Do you ever collaborate creatively? If so, what does that look like? If not, why?
We have collaborated on some video projects recently for Amanda’s nutrition business. This process has been great. We make sure to talk extensively about the vision beforehand so it is totally clear what we are trying to accomplish before we’re shooting, which minimizes any potential stress or miscommunication.
How do you support each other in your creative work?
Amanda: Mike is my number one fan in all of my pursuits. He eats every meal I make and kindly listens to me talk with wonder about the natural world and wellness and my love of apples. And he does the dishes.
Mike: Amanda is incredibly patient with me. I am the kind of person who has always been big on ambition but not always great on follow-through. Amanda keeps me focused on putting pen to paper and getting things done.
What’s your favorite thing to do together?
We have a Sunday tradition of going to Five Points Pizza in East Nashville for garlic knots and slices. Over the past month of so this has been a perfect way to end a busy work week. We also love going out to movies and discussing them over beers afterwards.
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?!
We usually keep it pretty simple. We will probably have a nice dinner out in Nashville at City House or Marche.
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Thanks Mike & Amanda! Amanda is a holistic health counselor with a kind, sensible and attentive approach. If you are in need of a fresh start,
book a session with her. She’s a great listener, professionally trained and an ace cook. Also be sure to check out Mike’s
film blog – I’ve been a closet fan for a few months now. It’s no surprise he’s a really talented writer with a great perspective on the narrative and aesthetics of film. He reviews the classics and the box office – so don’t miss it. Mike also produced my covers EP,
Alva Leigh In Nashville,
download it here.
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