Meet Michelle Manco | PR/Social Media Manager & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Manco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I didn’t truly start my career in fashion until my mid-twenties. I was living in Florida and had a quarter-life crisis because I wasn’t truly happy with my life and what I was doing. I was comfortable living in Florida, but I wanted a challenge and to push myself out of my comfort zone. I had always dreamed of moving to New York and working in fashion, so I worked hard, sacrificed a lot and applied to grad school in the city.

In 2016, I was accepted into Columbia University’s Strategic Communication master’s program. I was determined to work in fashion even though I had very little experience, and was able to land my first PR role working for a small agency on fashion, beauty and lifestyle clients. I eventually transitioned to working on the brand side with big global brands and held marketing and PR roles with The Outnet.com and MCM Worldwide. It was such a rewarding experience living and working in New York City on global marketing campaigns, brand initiatives and large-scale events that were seen by the world.

Now, I am working for Grendene Global Brands (GGB), a joint venture between Grendene S/A, one of Brazil’s largest shoe manufacturers and investment firm, 3G Radar. In my role, I am helping to build brand awareness for the Brazilian shoe brands, Melissa, Ipanema, Cartago and Rider in the US. With this opportunity, I work fully remote, which has allowed me the freedom to travel and experience other places.

Since I’m not tied down to New York anymore, I’ve been able to move to Atlanta and decide if I would like to settle down and plant my roots here. I am excited to see what this city has to offer!

It wasn’t easy getting to where I am professionally, especially since I got a late start with my career. I felt like I was behind everyone my age and was constantly comparing myself to others. The one thing that really did help me accelerate faster in my career was my master’s degree, however it was a very expensive decision that I will be paying off for the next 18 years. Grad school isn’t for everyone, and I don’t necessarily recommend it, unless you are looking for a complete career change. Work experience trumps education in my opinion, so I recommend working as much as you can before going back to school.

I also suggest keeping your options open when it comes to looking for jobs. Sometimes the most unexpected roles will surprise you. I never would have ended up in Atlanta if I wasn’t open to interviewing for my current role.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have only been in Atlanta for 2 months, so I will try to give this my best shot!

I would take my friends out for a day on the Beltline, going on a stroll to the different breweries and restaurants, and ending the afternoon in the park. I would also take them to a Braves game, take them indoor golfing at Puttshack and get some tacos at Velvet Taco after. I’d also take them to my favorite vintage and thrift stores around town to discover some unique pieces. For their last day, we would hang out at my rooftop pool, grill some burgers and enjoy the views of Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to fashion communications guru, Crosby Noricks. She founded an organization called PR Couture, which really helped guide and inspire me to break into the fashion industry with very little PR experience. Her knowledge and advice has helped me and so many others get our foot in the door in a cut-throat industry. She even recommended me for my very first PR role which was the stepping stone for the rest of my career in fashion. I’m so grateful for the help she has provided me in the early stages of my career and I don’t think I would be where I am today without her help and guidance!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.manco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecanete/