Faith, Fitness, and Fearless Pursuits: The Unshakable Journey of Carmen Maendel

Carmen Maendel's journey is one of unwavering faith, boundless creativity, and inspiring resilience. A woman of many talents and pursuits, Carmen is a poet, photographer, entrepreneur, fitness coach, author, and public speaker. Her story weaves together the threads of personal transformation, creative expression, and a deep-rooted belief in God's purpose for her life.

One of Carmen's early creative works, the poem "Enigma," 

reflects a pivotal moment in her life—a time of transition and self-discovery. Written during her college years, the poem explores the mysteries and anticipation of growing up, symbolizing the passage through life's many doors. She drew inspiration from the rhythm and flow of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," even though her subject matter was quite different. To Carmen, the "sacred paper" in her poem represents the guiding truths we each must uncover, a metaphor for her faith in God and the personal journeys we undertake. Each bottle in the poem holds a unique message, waiting to be discovered and understood by the individual.

Carmen’s creative expression extends beyond writing. Her photography, especially the award-winning image titled "A Little Loony," has captured global attention. Taken while boating with her husband and son, the photograph depicts a protective father loon spreading his wings as the family approached. The timing, lighting, and reflections made the image a masterpiece—a divine gift, as Carmen describes it. Her photography business, Carmen Maendel Photography, captured the beauty of families, celebrations, wildlife, and landscapes, all testaments to the Creator’s handiwork.

Over the years, Carmen has embraced various roles, including that of a Special Education teacher, Stockbroker and Financial Advisor. Yet it is entrepreneurship that has offered her the greatest lessons in faith and resilience. Since rededicating her life to Christ in 2006, Carmen's approach to business has shifted profoundly. No longer driven by self-achievement, she acknowledges God as the true author of her success. Everything she owns and accomplishes, she believes, belongs to Him. This shift from "I did it" to "God did it" redefined her path and purpose, instilling a sense of humility and dependence on divine guidance.

Carmen’s entrepreneurial ventures include the co-ownership of Nate’s Property Maintenance LLC with her husband, as well as the creation of Rock Hard Body, an online fitness program for women. 

Her journey in fitness began with owning and operating Maendel Fitness Gym & Spa for eight years. There, she forged deep connections with clients and guided them toward healthier lives. Inspired by her gym experience, she launched her online program to share her expertise with women worldwide. Though she transitioned out of the fitness business to focus on her property maintenance company, Carmen continues to share her fitness knowledge through her Facebook and YouTube channels, hoping to uplift and motivate others on their wellness journeys.

Launching a business is never without its challenges. Carmen faced and overcame a major fear: appearing on live video. 

Despite her passion and knowledge, she struggled with imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and perfectionism. With the help of a coach, James Allen, she gradually built her confidence by recording private videos and learning to embrace imperfection. Eventually, she developed the Rock Hard Body program, learning everything from video editing to content creation. Carmen credits much of this progress to collaborating with others and pushing through fear with faith and perseverance.

Faith, business, and creativity are interwoven in Carmen’s daily life. Her mornings begin in prayer, scripture, and movement, setting a spiritual tone that informs her decisions and interactions. She believes that strong leadership flows from time spent with God. Whether managing her team, engaging with clients, or expressing herself creatively, Carmen remains grounded in her devotion. She finds joy in balancing business with artistic outlets and believes that creativity is essential to preventing burnout and maintaining perspective.

Carmen’s earlier venture, Genoa Denim & Leather Apparel, also offered profound life lessons. Co-founding the business with her friend Traci Galles in 2012, she experienced the joys and trials of partnership. They traveled across Minnesota selling designer jeans and accessories, lifting women up by helping them feel beautiful in their own skin. Though the business only lasted a year before being sold, the experience taught Carmen about adaptability, friendship, and the importance of encouraging others.

Working alongside her husband in Nate’s Property Maintenance LLC has brought both blessings and challenges. Building a business together has allowed them to share the highs and victories, celebrating the fruits of their labor. However, stress and pressure can strain even the strongest relationships. Carmen emphasizes the importance of keeping Christ at the center of both their marriage and business. Prayer remains their anchor in difficult times, allowing them to refocus and strengthen their unity. They recognize and appreciate the unique strengths each brings to the partnership, knowing their company thrives because of their combined efforts.

In addition to her entrepreneurial and creative work, Carmen is a prolific writer. Over the past year, she has contributed to eight anthologies and is preparing for the release of her solo book, Courageous Woman: Casting Cares Upon Jesus, scheduled for publication on September 9, 2025. Through her writing, Carmen hopes to convey a powerful message: we are not meant to face life’s challenges alone. By relying on God’s strength rather than our own, we find the courage to overcome and the wisdom to trust in His plan. Her upcoming book features true, emotional stories of women whose lives were transformed by faith. Carmen shares openly, believing that transparency and vulnerability are keys to healing and connection.

Her encouragement of others doesn’t stop on the page. Whether coaching clients in the gym, speaking publicly, or mentoring through her content, Carmen inspires women to awaken their spiritual potential and face life’s obstacles with faith and determination. She teaches a formula for the Christian walk: Faith + Virtue + Knowledge + Self-Control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love. She guided her clients to memorize scripture, repeat it daily, and integrate their faith into their health routines. This practice deepened their connection with God and propelled them forward on their wellness journeys.

Carmen Maendel is a multifaceted woman led by God, driven by purpose, and defined by her faith. Her life’s work—from poetry and photography to business and authorship—serves as a beacon of inspiration for others seeking to align their talents with divine calling. Through every challenge and triumph, she continues to walk in the truth of Proverbs 16:9: “A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Connect With Carmen

www.natespropertymaintenance.com