By Mary Capps
Creating beautiful environments and helping in the community is a passion for Amanda Willingham. She is currently an Ambassador for the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, serves as Vice President of the Tyndall Air Force Association (AFA) and owns her own furniture store and interior design business. She and her family love living in the area and enjoy all that Bay County has to offer.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Amanda moved here eight years ago and for the past two years has lived in Dolphin Bay with a house near the water of Grand Lagoon. She and her seven-year-old son, along with their two French bulldogs, Nelly and Leo, get to enjoy year-round sunsets from the back porch.
Both of Amanda’s grandfathers were in the military and she is aware of the challenge of relocating. “It can be very stressful changing environments,” she shares. “I am passionate about helping military families settle into a new home and get to know the area.” She is certified as a Staging Professional and a member of the Real Estate Staging Association, so these skills enable her to work with the families to organize and arrange their new home to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. “I have loved decorating since I was a child and am happy, I can help others now.”
Amanda’s desire to assist the military has been a constant in her life. She was the Director of Community Relations for Tyndall, a member of the Board of Directors for the Navy League of the United States, Bay County Chapter and received an award for best fundraiser. She raised money to support the summer camp STEM program for 7th to 10th graders, which teach classes in science, technology, engineering, and math. Also, as Vice President of the AFA she has helped raise funds to support Airmen and their families.
Her community work extends beyond the military. “My son attends Academy Christian School, and he is involved in football, basketball, and soccer which keeps us very busy,” explains Amanda. “I try and help out in any way possible.”
She opened Amanda Willingham Interiors in 2020 on Thomas Drive and states her personal style reflects luxury, functionality, and a balanced mixture of contemporary and classic tastes. In order to create beautiful environments for others, Amanda attends the Home Shows and buyers markets in Dallas and Atlanta to find the perfect products. She now has a new designer working with her to cover more territory.
“Enjoying work, life and recreation in this area has been very fulfilling. We love fishing, going to the Panama City Yacht Club and the many restaurants and music venues. It is a wonderful way of life,” Amanda sums up. “We are very blessed and appreciate this community.”
