Charlavan (Char) Mandarich was born in Ottumwa, Iowa and lived in Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, and Michigan during her youth. She graduated with high honors from Michigan State University in 1989.

After graduation, she worked as a chemist for Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories (a division of American Home Products). During her tenure with Wyeth, she quickly advanced to the highest level chemist in the company’s operation.

After starting a family, Char’s photography hobby turned into a full time business, and she soon transitioned from being a student of photography to teaching photography in East Lansing, Michigan.

Char has won multiple awards for her photographic compositions and has become a well-known fitness and Glamour Photographer. Her interest in artistic composition has led to an ancillary position as lead designer for Mandarich LLC.