A native of Southern California, Mimi Marrs Andersen grew up in Redondo Beach. Her parents moved from the East coast to California during the aerospace boom of the late 1950's. Her Dad, Hank, was a professional sign painter and car salesman, and her Mom, Vivian, who had worked for the late Jimmy Hoffa in Chicago as his personal secretary, began work in California for top executives at TRW. An only child, Mimi loved to spend time drawing and reading. She especially liked drawing trees.

In her junior year of high school, Mimi was blessed with the chance to complete high school in Colorado, which became a life-changing experience. Mimi remembers the beauty of the mountains, lakes and wildflowers influenced her decision to study art professionally. After graduating, Mimi returned to California, and attended El Camino College, taking art classes part-time while working for TRW.

Awhile later she left for full-time Art School in Boston. Attending drawing, painting and film classes, Mimi met a handsome and incredibly talented young man in etching class, who would later become her husband, Andrew. Upon graduating, Mimi and Andrew were married, and she started her first garden. This first yard full of rocks, shade and huge trees was a real challenge to work in, but she loved it.

Having started growing things, Mimi kept up her gardening, reading books and drawing plants, as she had always done. But soon the gardening took a back seat to a new endeavor with Andrew which became Marrs Andersen Antiques, a business that would last over 10 years and find them traveling to antique shows from Brimfield to New York. Wherever she went, she looked at old stuff and gardens.

In 1996, Mimi and Andrew moved to Southern California. Back in Redondo Beach, Mimi began a part-time corporate job which led to a five-year management career in marketing and advertising. Andrew also began a new career as a Video Editor and Producer. For Mimi, the job in marketing always felt temporary. She started taking local hikes and working in the garden and she developed a passion for California's native plants as well as organic gardening.

An idea of combining art and nature started to take shape as a new career. Mimi decided to complete a horticulture certificate from UCLA Ext. School and leave the corporate world for good. Mimi Andersen now works full time as a garden designer and organic garden consultant, blending design skills and plant knowledge with a respect for the environment. She loves working with Ann Barklow of Garden Magic Company.

Mimi also enjoys volunteering at the Manhattan Beach Native Botanical Garden where she serves on the Board as the Secretary. Mimi is a Director serving on the Board of the South Bay Parkland Conservancy which supports more open space for the South Bay area. She enjoys her church, hiking, travel and photography.

Mimi has a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Tufts University & the Boston Museum School. She is married to the love of her life for over 15 years, Andrew Andersen, and lives in Redondo Beach, California, with their dog, Milou.