President , Historic Holiday Spirit ; Director , Ybor Merchants Association

Mathieu was born September of 1981 in Wisconsin . He grew up in an environment heavily into arts and culture . Mathieu ’ s earliest memory of expressing his creative side was every Christmas . His grandmother Lois always got each grandkid a huge box of art supplies and instead of playing with the toys , they would draw and make forts out of the boxes . Mathieu had a bumpy childhood , as most products of divorce parents often have . Although , it taught him the social , mental and adaptation skills he heavily relies on today ! When he made it to Tampa in 1998 he immediately fell in love with the charm of Ybor City ! Mathieu started his journey as many do in the event scene with odd jobs and a bohemian lifestyle to put it lightly . It wasn ’ t till he met Stephan , Steve and Ernie from Florida Entertainment Group did his spark to take events in Ybor to the next level . Today , Mathieu is responsible for the Historic Holiday Spirit which produces holiday programming in Ybor , to include the Snow on 7th Holiday parade and the March of the Pumpkin King Halloween Parade !! “ I truly am a product of how great the community in Ybor is and how much more is to come .”

What excites you most about life ? The humanity that comes from tragedy and then becomes the foundation on how we grow .

Tell us one thing most people do not know about you ? I love getting lost . I find it the only way to really find myself .

What inspires you to do what you do ? The community inspires me and without that support I don ’ t think it would give me the passion to make Tampa a better place .

What do you love most about Tampa ? I love the diversity of its Citizens

What is your most memorable awkward moment ? I farted in 8th grade science class and immediately screamed who farted thinking they heard it and no one did … lol

Knowing yourself : If you could go back in time and provide your younger self advice ; what would that advice be ? Kindness is the language the blind can see and the Deaf can hear- Mark Twain

THE DISTRICT - TAMPA ’ S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE 11