Speaker 1: 1:00

Hello Keri, or I don't know if people can call you Keri, so hi Keri Lee, because you know that's me. Keri versus Keri Ann. Hi, keri.

Speaker 1: 1:09

Lee, thank you so much for your time today to help me celebrate 10 years of launching the podcast chat with you and, as I was saying, before we hit record, you know, I realized, like whoa, I felt like Carolee's been on the podcast multiple times, but it really was one time, because we talk so much offline and it just feels like you're such a huge member of the show or my community. So, before we get in to the questions, why don't you tell the audience a little bit about who you are and the work you do?

Speaker 2: 1:47

all right. So thanks for having me, kerry, and happy 10th anniversary. Big up yourself, big things, I mean. Don't take any milestone lightly because you're putting the work and, um, I know personally how challenging it can be and how sometimes you want to give up or you just want anything on the right path. So of course I have to celebrate you and celebrate your journey. So I am Kiri Lee Dixon and I also have the brand name Kiri Digital.

Speaker 2: 2:18

From a personal standpoint, I always describe myself as someone who's just very passionate and growth oriented and just love of life. So anything about life and growth and that kind of thing. You can associate me with that and I like just being a part of communities or being around people where I can be myself, authentic with myself and just thrive right, being open to just share my knowledge and stuff. So from a titles accolade standpoint, I'm a creative visual designer. I have pivoted so many times in my life and I think that's okay with that. I can describe myself as multifaceted, but I mean, outside of that, I am a Canva design community ambassador. I got that title accolade probably over the last two to three years and that's really because I use Canva a lot, I love it. I talk about it a lot. I'm pretty much like an evangelist and yeah, that's what I do and who I am, but at the core, I'm a creator, I'm a creative. I enjoy just working with entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs, and helping to build communities, like Carrie Ann Prince.

Speaker 1: 3:26

Wonderful. So as you were talking, it's like it popped into my head. Oh, I know what it is. We've been chatting via and this is probably the part you've missed out you are the founder of For Women to Women. Yes, and that is how we spent a lot of time chatting, because on the platform formerly known as Twitter, you had these vibrant Twitter chats and that is how I connected with you and a lot of people in Jamaica and even here in the diaspora. We had just really rich conversations. So you have to big up yourself on the For Women to Women, because it's been a springboard for a lot of community building and relationships and a lot of things right, it is where I first saw your creativity, your design ethics on display with the brand For Women to Women.

Speaker 2: 4:19

I cannot leave out that part of the journey. You're so right Like I built For Women to Women in my early 20s, just because I wanted a space I love for myself, and that is where I was able to identify a lot of my strengths that I have now the graphic designing, the social media, the digital marketing and just a love for community.

Speaker 1: 4:37

so of course, I have to acknowledge that yes, big up for women to women, so all right. So the one podcast episode you were on, you were on with another guest and we were talking about, again, building a community. How do we? You have people who are fortunate to be able to travel to the US and so they had workarounds to I think it still exists the payment acceptance limitations in the current year, right from doing business, and how, if you're fortunate to, you know, be able to travel back and forth, you're able to find workarounds versus those who cannot. And you know, boy, that was what 2018, so it's a long time, yeah, so so tell me a little bit about how you have evolved as a person since that last episode yeah, so much growth, right?

Speaker 2: 5:46

um, 2018, if I wanted to go back in a reflective state, where was I in 2018? In 2018 at that time, I think, specifically when I was doing that particular episode of the podcast, I was in a phase of being unemployed and also freelancing and entrepreneurship. And the reason why I said it? Because I got fired from a job and then I was also in that position of like, okay, I'm going to try this entrepreneurial thing, freelancing, and I wasn't quite hitting it as I wanted, but at the same time, that was when I was discovering a lot of my strengths and how to get clients and that kind of thing. So 2018, carrie, compared to now, is that that particular season really prepared me for now, where I'm now into full-time entrepreneurship, which is kind of weird, right, it's like that moment it wasn't working out, but now it's feeling I have more confidence that it will work out.

Speaker 2: 6:45

So in that point or at that stage um, so much has happened since, you know just really working more closely with entrepreneurs. You know, after that period in 2018 of figuring it out, I take it on and just decide. You know what this isn't working out. I'm going to go back, take a 95 and my. My one goal when I went back to my 95 was I'm going to learn while I earn and I'm going to do something that I absolutely love and get paid for it. And I went into this role, where I absolutely loved it and I was learning while I was earning. Literally it's the first time I was undertaking that role and I learned so much, and for that particular job it even prepared me for where I'm at now. So, yeah, there's just so much that's happened since.

Speaker 1: 7:33

Wonderful If we could think back to a standout moment from maybe that episode or overall, or interaction because that episode. What would you say is a standout moment? If it's not from that episode, it could be just generally from our interaction or your interaction with Carrie and friend. What has been a standout moment for you?

Speaker 2: 7:57

The standout moment for me is how supportive you have always been and not to be talking about from a podcast that one does. You, the person, carrie, like I feel like there are so many times when I was like I have this idea in my mind I'm not quite sure, because honestly, I'm more of a dreamer, visionary, that kind of thing and you're more like analytical and strategic, and I always felt like I could just send a WhatsApp message hey, kerry, I have this idea, what do you think? And you're like all right, kerry, sounds good. Maybe I should think about it this way versus this way, and I think that was just. That is something I really appreciate about you and I mean I see it a lot in just how you show up.

Speaker 2: 8:37

You're very strategic, you're very analytical. I know you do a lot of work behind the scenes, so much that people wouldn't see but the way how you have grown and evolved over the years, it is evident in your podcast and that's because you're really passionate about what you do. You may not be the loudest in the room, but you're like, really passionate and very supportive. Like I said, I think that is just one of the standout things and characters I really love about you. You know, if you're not available, like Carrie, you know I'm not available right now and I think I hardly ever get that, but because I know you and I will build that relationship, I know that. Hey, man, if scary is not available, it must be a reason.

Speaker 1: 9:15

So yeah, yeah, and I mean that's a real time play on to know I have this thing. Can you check on it? Absolutely, and it goes both ways, you know. It's more like hey, I have this idea, Tell me what you think about it. I think what I've learned over the years from just us doing, that you always need someone who you can honestly bounce ideas off and ask for a different perspective, Because without it, you know I don't want to say you feel lost. It's like that check where you want to make sure you're not in your own echo chamber and you're getting a different perspective and it's so important from a growth perspective.

Speaker 1: 9:59

It can be disappointing when you feel like, okay, I have to go back and edit, but going back to improve the way that we've talked about it saves so much time further down the road. We may not see up front because you're like, oh my God, I spent a whole week. I did this. I know Carrie told me say I need to fix this, but you know it saves so much time and that is what I enjoy about being in community with you, because we are able to tap into each other's strengths. Like there are very few people that I get creative synergies with and you're one of those people that I have creative synergies with.

Speaker 1: 10:42

So I'm, I'm, I'm, appreciative for you being in this community.

Speaker 2: 10:45

Of course, and I just want to add as well, you know, I mean I say a lot about, like you know, you being supportive and that kind of thing, and I mean when we're building communities, I think that's just one of the number one things, what we also want to be. Well, for me personally, I don't want to be just aligned with a community because of a name or the person that I need, but what does, what can I get from that community? But also I can also bring. And so for you, because of who you are, I think you're like very intentional about the community, how you show up and even just the people you allow in that space, or you know how you cultivate that space. That's a big thing. Everything comes back to you. Literally. You're like the course, everything just flows right back to you.

Speaker 1: 11:28

Yeah, Thank you.

Speaker 2: 11:30

All right.

Speaker 1: 11:30

So I'm celebrating 10 years of launching this podcast. I'm like 10 years, like it feels like 10 years. You're like, oh, 10 years is a long time, but for me it feels like, hmm, really 10 years. But you and I know that, like through the struggles, it's like there were moments where you feel like it was 20 years and not 10. Yes, it was not 10. And so, as you look at Carry On Friends over the last year 10, 9, 10 years you know, what do you think is the thing that you most feel like people remember, or what is the thing that you feel like was a standout moment or thing for the podcast?

Speaker 2: 12:21

I think two things come to mind when I think about carrying on frames, or what stands out is one I think you shine a lot of spotlight on people who the masses might not know about. Right, I mean, I root for the underdogs and, yeah, maybe lots of persons who come on your podcast might not be underdogs per se, but a lot of them have never heard of them before, and so having that platform, or having a platform where you welcome people to share their journey and their insights and then for me or other persons to get introduced to them, I think that is one of the things I love. I don't necessarily have to listen to a podcast because I know all these.

Speaker 2: 13:02

And another thing is the topics were just very interesting. Right, you talk about you're a Caribbean American, but they were also relatable in a lot of ways. And another thing, too you're just a great conversationalist. I feel like no matter who is on the podcast, you can rap with them really good, whether you're going to your part one or you're going to have your accent or switch between both. I think that that is what really makes Carry On Friends. Carry On Friends stand out the persons you highlight and bring on the platform who are not necessarily popular and as well as you just being a really good conversationalist and letting people just feel comfortable to share their insights and journey.

Speaker 1: 13:44

Thank you, Keri. Thank you so much. My husband's friend in Jamaica. One day he texted me and he said, boy, it's like you try all your best to restrain from Brooklyn to another part because, like when a Jamaican comes on that I know really well, oh gosh, there's no switching before there's no switching between Everything gone, yeah, everything gone it's just straight, patua.

Speaker 1: 14:07

So I do enjoy, you know, those moments where I can. You know, I don't want to say it's a performance, but my use of language is something that brings me joy. So when I switch back and forth, it's just a superpower that I have and I can use when I feel like it. But, carrie, thank you so much. Any last words, as I'm trying to spend a whole year being intentional about celebrating the accomplishments, because you and I know very well that we set ourselves to achieve something. We achieve it. Yes, we achieved this, and then we've gone to the next thing.

Speaker 1: 14:48

So, any words of advice, encouragement or last words before we wrap up.

Speaker 2: 14:53

All right. So my words would be and it's the same thing I have been saying to myself is to sit in it, meaning just sit down and like listen. I've spent 10 years putting in the work, putting in the effort, figuring it out. You have learned a lot. Listen when actually, I'm sure when it started podcasting, you never know. Not going on a podcast, right, maybe it doesn't have the interest, and that kind of thing. So it's good to like, sit in it and be like listen. I've done all of this work but maybe in hindsight I'm not where I want to be, but I am. I've made great strides and I think that is something I would tend to overlook, that part, and I'm guilty of it. That's why I'm saying it. So it's like, as I say, it's like I'm me talking to you versa versa, but, yeah, just really sitting it and just be grateful for the journey. Um, all the skills you have acquired, all the knowledge you have acquired, the people you have inspired. You know sometimes you don't have, you know you won't always have people run, come to you like carrie by. You have inspired me, boy, how you hold it and you you have to just like, even if nobody don't come and tell you they were inspired or whatever. Just sit in it and know that you have really stuck it out right through, whether you get little bits of downloads or you saw like a dip and then the peaks stick it out. So that's one. Just sit in it and just be grateful for the journey. And then two is just like to keep going. Like you know, you can look back on the last 10 years, but then you want to also look at the next 10 years. What do you want the next 10 years to look like? Not only look like, but feel like and what do you want to do differently? And you know, just look at the people or communities that you'd like to align yourself with, who can support you to grow. Yeah, that's a big thing, I think. Yeah, just really sit in it and just slow down a little bit, especially for the holidays. And you know, just relax and just like listen, ma, I'm putting money for work. You know, and I know, keri, you are putting so much work and you know we're so guilty of jumping to the next thing.

Speaker 2: 17:03

Just before I came on the call, I saw a tweet. I went to literally read what it said, because I sent it to a friend. Just before I came on the call, I saw a tweet. I went to literally read what it said. I'm going to read what it said because I sent it to a friend and I posted it as well. And it said something like oh yeah, someone just said maybe you don't notice your progress because you're always raising your bar, and that right here is it has healed me a little bit, right. So, pretty much, because we're always moving the bar, I am guilty of that and I know you always.

Speaker 2: 17:31

You know you're highly ambitious. They always say the people who stress out the most are who, the people who are very ambitious. But yeah, so it's just like you know, you have to just take notice of your progress. That's my number one thing, yeah, and I know the next 10 years, or however long you decide to continue with Carry On Friends, you'll be amazing, because I know with Carry On Friends, you have launched Red Fruit Media. You have helped other persons to launch into podcasting. When I think about podcasts, I think about Carrie. I wanted to podcast and I know when I'm ready I'm coming to you. Oh, thank you, thank you. Yeah, I've said a lot there, but yeah, really just sitting it and reflect and be grateful for the journey thank you.

Speaker 1: 18:12

I appreciate that last one because it was really, it's really true. You're constantly moving the bar and the target, so you know, not spending enough time to appreciate, and I think you've said it. We pray to God, say, oh God, only if we can get to one year, I will get to five years. And they would say, oh, just five years. You know, it's just, you know, not really sitting and appreciating it. So I am being more intentional about that and thank you for coming on and sharing and I appreciate you being part of this celebration. So thank you for your friendship, your, your partnership and all the things that we partner with, and more to come. So until next time, walk good.