Kerry Manning is a fabulous woman! She is originally from South Africa and has been living in Ireland for a number of years. Kerry is full of energy, joy and positivity. She divides her time between art, personal branding coaching, marketing consulting, blogging and speaking. She always finds ways to help people and she is making the world a better place one day at a time. We caught up with Kerry for an amazing photo shoot and a chat.
Tell us a few words about yourself.
I am a 55 year old woman who is striving to be fabulous despite the curveballs life throws at us. Recent changes (including losing over 50 pounds) have meant that I have lost touch with how I look and how people see me.
Tell us your story.
My story is a long one. In the last 10 years, I have been through huge changes in my life, becoming single again after a marriage breakdown. I also have had some serious health issues as I was diagnosed with a number of long term and serious illnesses including arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes and pernicious anaemia. These things have forced me to completely change my life.
I started my blog in my fifties - www.fabuliciousfifty.com - to share my journey and to encourage people to be fabulous despite the curveballs that life throws at us. Fabulousness comes from all sorts of things like make-up, hair, and more importantly mind-set.
After spending a year in counselling, 2019 has been a year of health for me. I have lost over 50 pounds in an attempt to improve my health. The side effect of this is that I look different and feel different so right now am trying to find a new way of being - a new me.
I no longer work full-time because of my health, but I love helping people uncover their personal brand. Branding is such an integral part of marketing, especially in the digital age. I think I was really excited about getting new photos because your image online is basically your personal logo.
How did the photo shoot with Marta Faye make you feel?
It made me feel beautiful. I am still plus sized and I think that no matter how old you are, what you are struggling with and whatever your circumstances, everyone deserves to feel beautiful. In the world we live in our profile photo is our badge to the world - and we should look the best we can be.
What drew you to our project - 10 Women and their Inspirational Stories?
Because I want to share my story and inspire other midlife women who are struggling with health and weight issues to be as fabulous as they can be!
Find out more about Kerry on her blog, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook page
Makeup and hair by Grainne Coughlan