We had the good fortune of connecting with Kerri McManus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerri, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Having worked in the entertainment industry and then in higher education, where I counselled students entering into various areas of communications and media arts, I found that many students and young professionals felt lost or stuck as they moved through some of the major life challenges that many of us face. Education can provide wonderful resources for your career path, but doesn’t always address how your career fits into the rest of your life or how to navigate change in the workforce. I wanted to help bridge the gap for young creatives and to help them create strategies that can bring all aspects of their life together in greater harmony.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a series of intuitive choices. I studied English/Communications and went to grad school to further my education in visual storytelling, but I didn’t have a clear picture of what my career path was. I moved across country with a limited support system in Southern California and started working in television, but I still hadn’t found my place in the industry. The last entertainment company I worked for closed the doors suddenly without paying the employees for weeks of work, which was emotionally and financially painful, but I was fortunate to find a job working as an internship coordinator for my alma mater. Little did I know it at the time, but this job would change my life, teaching me where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be. As a younger professional, I worried about everything! I worried about my career path, my finances, how I was spending my time, etc…but as I navigated the challenges, I started to realize that every challenge is an opportunity to learn about myself and the world around me. Nothing is wasted. The more I became curious about learning what each challenge had to teach me, the less I worried. And what were some of those lessons? I’ve found that kindness, empathy, and integrity are key to how I operate and how I want to show up for others. I want to help create a better world through coaching by helping others to recognize their own values, strengths, and talents, so that they can contribute in their own meaningful way to the world. I think we all have a part to play in creating a better life today and for the future.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently moved to east county from LA and I’m continuing to explore all of the incredible places that San Diego has to offer. The pandemic has significantly limited that exploration over the last year, but I’m excited to learn more about this amazing area! I love the walk up to Mt. Helix Park. It’s a beautiful area where you can enjoy the lush foliage and an incredible view. They also offer outdoor yoga classes several days a week on the stage at the outdoor amphitheater. La Mesa Village is full of small shops and restaurants that make the neighborhood a lovely place to stroll, shop, and grab a bite to eat. They also have a Farmer’s Market on Friday afternoons that makes for a welcoming and convenient place to pick up your local fruits and vegetables for the week.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many people who have helped me along the way. My husband Jim has been my cheerleader and my sounding board through the years. As a business owner himself, he has given me sound advice and encouragement. The rest of my family is in New England and although they’re far away, they’ve been incredibly loving and supportive. I’ve also had some wonderful mentors and friends who’ve listened and lifted me up as I’ve walked this entrepreneurial path. I’m deeply grateful for each one of them!

Website: www.kerrimcmanus.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrimcmanuscreative/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-mcmanus-creative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrimcmanuscoaching

Image Credits
Photos by James Morris

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