We recently connected with Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerry-Ann, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Before launching my podcast in 2015, I spent most of 2014 researching and learning to edit from various tutorials I found online. At first, I was caught up with trying to learn with a tool that was then and still isn’t a beginner software, all because popular podcasters recommended that. I was so overwhelmed by that first tool that it took me a couple of weeks to regain my composure and look for another tool. That tool ended up being Audacity, if I had gone straight to this tool first that would’ve been very helpful. However, that experience taught me that not because a tool is highly recommended means it’s for everyone. Based on what I know now, being in a live class with an instructor to ask real-time questions would’ve probably sped up the learning process. However, it’s through that trial and error I have been able to help others address editing issues.

The most essential skill is being open to learning new things and having a range of comfort with mistakes and imperfections because they are part of the learning process.

Kerry-Ann, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born on the island of Jamaica and came of age in New York—arriving here as a teenager.

In 2013 I launched Carry On Friends an award-winning platform focusing on the Caribbean American and immigrant experiences.

I started Carry On Friends because I’ve always felt that I had really great people around me who I’d consider great at what they do; and I’ve always envisioned bringing them together. I realized my different group of friends were having different questions and concerns that had elements of how our culture shaped us. However in 2013 when I looked out on the web there wasn’t a lot of content spotlighting the wants, needs, opinions, lifestyle or experiences of Caribbean Americans. Simply put there was little content specifically created targeting us. I realized that we can’t expect others to tell our stories in a way that’s a reflection of us.

In 2015 I launched Carry On Friends The Caribbean American Experience Podcast which is known as a space to hear nuanced conversations & culturally relevant content about the Caribbean American experience & Caribbean Culture. The podcast is a bridge between the two cultures that have shaped me and so many of my listeners. The Podcast has been featured in Apple Podcasts and has the distinction of being the only show featured that specifically targets the Caribbean American audience.

Carry On Friends is also known for its lifestyle merch that pay homage to the Caribbean American lifestyle, bringing together the vibrant energy & spirit of the Caribbean with a modern American style.

Carry On Friends exists to celebrate, preserve, and share the diverse voices, stories, and traditions of the Caribbean community, creating a lasting impact both within the Caribbean diaspora and beyond. Our mission is to produce captivating multimedia content, design and sell lifestyle apparel that authentically represents Caribbean culture, and nurtures an inclusive global community that appreciates and enjoys the richness of the Caribbean experience.

Why? Because Caribbean Americans and generally people of Caribbean Heritage around the globe eserve to see themselves reflected in media through stories created and told by people who look and sound like them. It’s important that content is produced that educates and entertains our audience while also making them feel joy, validation, connection, and belonging.

I am also the founder of Breadfruit Media, which I launched in 2018. Breadfruit Media develops and produces content on a variety of topics that reflect the interests, diversity and experiences of Caribbean Americans. Breadfruit Media produced shows include Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History & Culture, The Style & Vibes Podcast, Voice Note Stores and Reels & Riddims. I’ve also had the privilege to work on several other projects. When I am not producing or recording episodes, I’m managing the Caribbean Podcast Directory —a growing list of podcasts created by people of Caribbean heritage whether in the region or in the diaspora.

Overall: Carry On Friends/Breadfruit Media – Produces original, authentic podcast and video content that speaks directly to Caribbean Americans, reflecting their diversity, experiences, and interests.
Through Carry On Friends we design products that our audience love. We believe that by creating products that our audience can relate to and is excited about, we can build a strong community of brand supporters. This increases their affinity for and engagement with our brand.
And through Breadfruit Media we offer consulting and production services to select clients to help our clients build their brands and connect with their audiences, allowing them to grow their businesses and reach their full potential.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being creative is the act of creating. Yes, the finished product or output is nice but it’s in the process of creating, developing, and brainstorming where amazing/magical things happen. It doesn’t mean everything goes right and there are no frustrations but from those challenges I also learn to be creative to overcome them. It is where we develop more or stronger creative skills.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I really enjoyed Donald Miller’s Business Made Simple which I read much later in my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve read other books by Donald Miller and what I love about his writing style is that it’s clear, approachable, and, most importantly, engaging. However, the reason I loved it so much was because Donald Miller broke it down over 60 days and after you read the chapter for that day you don’t move ahead. You reflected, took action or whatever you needed to do. This approach makes Business Made Simple stand out from the cluttered landscape of business books, as it ensures that the acquired knowledge turns into actionable steps for any reader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carryonfriends.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carryonfriends
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carryonfriends
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/carryonfriends