We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelli Carlson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In the already challenging current landscape of the entertainment industry, my team and I have set out to produce a documentary film about a skydiver breaking 3 World Records in one epic jump, making history in human flight. There is risk in every direction, from the mission of the skydiver himself, to finding the right investors and people who believe in doing something this abstract that has never been done before. Through this production process, I’ve been faced with challenging my own fears, trying daring new things, and putting myself out there in a way I never have before to accomplish the dream of making this movie. We started production in Morocco, and now we are raising the rest of the money to finish it. In the spirit of being fearless and taking risks, I started a social media campaign titled, “My Bold Journey to Branson,” in pursuit of getting Sir Richard Branson on the production team. I was majorly inspired after reading his latest book, “Losing & Finding my Virginity,” and decided to take a shot and creatively try to get his attention in a different way than everyone else. I haven’t gotten to him yet, however I did get a free Virgin Voyage cruise through the Caribbean and a lot of other opportunities just by having the courage to do it. The pursuit is still on, and I hope to inspire people to try hard things and take risks. When you shoot for the moon, even if you land on a star you’re still shining brighter. Take risks, screw fear, and go for it.

Kelli, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Through various experiences growing up in front of and behind the camera, I landed in film production, fashion design, and art. The fun for me is tying those things together and working with new creative minds from project to project. I’m currently producing a documentary film about making history in human flight, starring seven time World Record Breaking skydiver, Anas Bekkali. Simultaneously, I’m starting my fashion brand, “Mermaid Manor,” a chic resort wear line coming out in 2025. As a painter, my clothing features my art which has become prints on the fabrics for the line. You can see how I’m building my fashion brand with my art and integrating my clothes into my film productions on my new Youtube channel, also titled, MERMAID MANOR. I hope that by giving a behind the scenes look at the process, future entrepreneurs and creatives can learn from my journey of wins and fails. Most importantly, I hope to inspire perseverance, tenacity, and relentless self belief. If you don’t believe you can do it, why should anyone else? Be audacious, and have fun. Even if you fail, you learn and appreciate when you win more..it’s all part of the game. Attitude is everything.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’m currently in the process of trying to get Sir Richard Branson involved in the extreme sports documentary film I’m producing. Instead of a traditional approach, I started a cheeky and audacious social media campaign called, “My Bold Journey to Branson,” to get his attention in a different way. After creating several one minute clips, I wasn’t getting to him but I kept at it and it led me to a free Virgin Voyage cruise and an opportunity to get a proposal to his team. It was scary to even try something this outrageous and put myself out there, and even scarier to keep going with nothing in return. However, I didn’t let the fear of rejection stop me, and unexpected opportunities and amazing experiences have come out of it. I’m still on this journey as I’m writing this! Check it out on my instagram @carlson_kelli and on my Youtube channel in the shorts. Building mental resilience is like a muscle I focus on working out everyday, otherwise fear will get you and you’ll never know what you might miss!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

ASK FOR HELP- I think when I was younger it was a combination of ego, pride, and fear to admit to myself I needed help and being afraid to ask for it. If you have an opportunity to surround yourself with people that are doing what you want to do or inspire you, don’t be afraid to ask them for help or guidance. You would be surprised how willing people are to help, and how encouraging and exciting it is to receive great and useful advice you otherwise would never have gotten. There are no stupid questions and you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. If you want to talk to someone you look up to or learn from them, ask and try. It takes one person to change your whole life, and you never know who that could be. Place yourself accordingly and be courageous.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mermaidmanor.net
• Instagram: @carlson_kelli
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelli.carlson.16
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-carlson-0059a6207/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MermaidManor