No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Brandi Card, who lives in Marathon with her husband, Mike. She recently retired after 20 years as a massage therapist, but continues to follow her health and wellness calling through her studio, Island Pilates, which opened its doors in 2017. Last year, she published her first romance novel based in Marathon, “When Will I Sea You Again?” and is working on the next one now.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? It will be 29 years at the end of July. A month after graduating from the University of Arizona, I came to Key Colony Beach on vacation for a couple weeks. Shortly after, I ran out of money and got a job at Captain Hook’s gassing boats and slinging bait. The rest is history!
What do you do for fun in the Keys and why do you love living here? I love to swim in the ocean. It’s where I feel most connected. I love boating (not so much fishing) and I like doing seashell crafts.
Where is one place you want to visit that you still haven’t been to? I want to visit all the islands of the Bahamas by boat!
Why did you choose your career path? I knew I’d be a writer since I was 7. In my 20s I switched from a journalism career at the Keynoter to a public relations position at Hawks Cay – all while my dad was dying from cancer. After his death, I did a lot of soul searching. I decided I wanted a goal bigger than myself, that I wanted to help people in some significant way. That’s when massage therapy became inspiring. Pilates took it a step further. I love inspiring people to create stronger bodies and minds. It’s what life is about for me.
What animal best matches your abilities? My husband said a dolphin, but everyone knows that title goes to Mike, so I’m an otter. I try to keep things light and playful, but I work hard and I care about keeping the people I love happy. Plus, I’m always juggling more than I should, but it somehow always works out.
How do you define success? Success is helping people feel better – in their bodies, their minds or even making them laugh with a dirty joke. It’s about brightening my corner of the world while learning to be authentic to myself.
What is your #1 pet peeve? Intentional unfairness really chaps my a$$!
What was your most recent adventure? Every day is an adventure. My relationship with my husband is my favorite adventure so far. But I’m currently planning the Marathon Fire Rescue Benevolent Wahoo Grand Slam for November. Frankly, I feel very under-qualified most of the time. But thanks to a small army of experienced fisher-people, I’m ready for the challenge.
How do you unwind at the end of the day? Sometimes I do a guided meditation on YouTube, others I pour a Jameson on the rocks. Depends entirely on the day.
What is one thing people don’t know about you? I cry really easily. Like at every sad commercial (you know the ones), or when that guy plays “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes on Boot Key Harbor at sunset. Or when I hear taps played by the color guard during 9/11 memorial ceremonies at station 14. It’s definitely weep central for me.
Know someone that would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
