We recently connected with Kerry Damiano and have shared our conversation below.
Kerry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The road to Ms. World Traveler took 22 years (and really even longer if I’m being honest). I left a “regular” job in 2000 as a President/COO of 2 multi-million dollar companies in different states, where I commuted between them, to start my own business. My initial endeavor was as a professional entertainer, but soon added pageant coach, wardrobe consultant, Christian speaker, my own television show (2 years), and a women’s fashion line (3 years). Some of the ventures were more successful than others, but I was busy and loved what I was doing. However, I always knew something big was coming. As each new element was incorporated, I would wonder, “Is this it? Is this what I’ve been waiting for?” And until June of 2022, the answer was always No.
But one day, it was like God removed the scales from my eyes, and I could clearly see what the big thing was, what I had been searching and hoping for the last 20+ years. As I looked back over that time, each of the various ventures gave me the experience, skills, network contacts, the funds, the technology, and basically everything I needed to finally take on the challenge of Ms. World Traveler. All the waiting was so that I would be ready.
My first overseas trip was in 1984, and since then, I have been to over 130 countries and all 50 states, so calling myself Ms. World Traveler, the Queen of Travel and Shopping (TM), was a perfect fit. Ms. World Traveler is also a YouTube web series, where we explore great shopping destinations across the country and around the world to discover style, design, fashion, art and antiques, with the mission of inspiring women to travel and shop local. Each segment highlights women (and some men) designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and independent businesses by telling their stories, how they got started, and what inspires them.
Kerry, 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?
When the idea materialized about Ms. World Traveler, I spent a lot of time researching what other travel vloggers and bloggers were doing, and I found excellent tips and advice, recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, what to do, how to save money, and the like. So, I knew that I had to do something different. With my background of over 40 years in the pageant industry, a graduate degree in Fashion, 20+ years as a designer, entertainer, speaker, and wardrobe consultant, combining my professional expertise with my passion for travel seemed like a no-brainer.
Wearing my Ms. World Traveler sash, which is a nod to my love of and involvement in pageantry for over 4 decades, gives the brand an element of glamour and schtick, as people stop me on the street to take photos and ask questions. It has also been our single most effective marketing tool, in addition to setting us apart from everyone else.
And because I’ve had my own business for 24 years, it was important to me to bring in the element of other women small business owners, designers, artists, creatives, and innovators. Each segment, we feature the history and culture of the location, as well as highlighting the stories of independent shops, studios, and galleries. Watching something being made right in front of you, learning about the process, and hearing the story behind the inspiration fuels our curiosity and hopefully, motivates viewers to shop local.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When we started Ms. World Traveler less than 2 years ago, I had never been on social media, and, in fact, anytime I thought about getting on, I was overwhelmed by a sense of “yuck.” Obviously, it wasn’t the right time, but now, the whole business is based on it and utilizes a digital platform to share our content. I’m late to the party…..but it’s never too late to try something new.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My niece, Gianinna Damiano, is my partner in Ms. World Traveler, and actually moved to Phoenix from Chicago to take on the role of social media manager, videographer and editor. She had never done anything like this before. But with her enthusiasm for learning and her inquisitive mind, she set about to teach herself by reading books, watching YouTube tutorials, and asking questions from others in the industry. I’m so proud of what she has accomplished in such a short time!
After over 30 years of traveling solo, it’s been wonderful (and a serious adjustment!) to bring her along on my adventures.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MsWorldTraveler.com; www.KerryDamiano.com
- Instagram: @kerrymsworldtraveler
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrymsworldtraveler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ms.worldtraveler5897
